Dunwoody Farmers Market: Your Guide to Fresh, Local Food Near Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or the north metro suburbs and want easy access to fresh, local produce without driving far out into the country, the Dunwoody Farmers Market is one of the most convenient options. It’s a neighborhood-style market that lets you shop directly from local growers and food makers while enjoying a relaxed, community feel.

Below is a practical guide to how the Dunwoody Farmers Market works, what you’ll find there, and how to fit it into your weekly routine if you live, work, or are staying in the Atlanta area.

Where the Dunwoody Farmers Market Is and How It Fits Into Metro Atlanta

The Dunwoody Farmers Market is typically held in the Dunwoody Village area of north metro Atlanta, just outside the I‑285 perimeter. It serves residents from:

• Dunwoody
• Sandy Springs
• Brookhaven
• North Buckhead
• Parts of Doraville and Chamblee

Because it’s so close to major corridors like GA‑400 and I‑285, it’s an easy stop if you:

• Commute along GA‑400 from Alpharetta/Roswell into Atlanta
• Live inside the Perimeter but want a smaller, less crowded market than some in-town options
• Are staying in a nearby hotel around Perimeter Center, the Dunwoody MARTA Station, or the Perimeter Mall area

Market seasons, hours, and exact locations can shift over time, so it’s wise to confirm current dates and times before you go, especially around holidays or in winter.

What You’ll Find at the Dunwoody Farmers Market

While vendors can change by season, you can usually expect a mix of:

Fresh Produce and Farm Goods

Many shoppers visit the Dunwoody Farmers Market specifically for:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, greens, squash, berries, peaches, apples, etc.)
• Local eggs from small farms
• Pasture-raised meats such as chicken, beef, or pork
• Herbs and salad mix ideal for quick weeknight meals
• Occasionally mushrooms, microgreens, and specialty items

Because Georgia’s growing season is long, you’ll see a rotation of produce from early spring through late fall, with different favorites each month.

Artisanal and Prepared Foods

Common types of prepared and specialty products include:

• Fresh-baked bread and pastries
• Locally roasted coffee
• Jams, jellies, and honey
• Pickles and fermented vegetables
• Sauces, salsas, rubs, and marinades
• Nut butters, granola, and snacks

These are useful if you want to support local businesses but don’t have time to cook everything from scratch.

Ready-to-Eat Food and Drinks

Many Atlanta-area farmers markets, including Dunwoody’s, often feature:

• Coffee and tea stands
• Breakfast items (like pastries or breakfast sandwiches)
• Food trucks or hot food tents on some market days

This makes the market a relaxing Saturday or weekend morning outing: grab coffee, stroll the booths, and then pick up groceries for the week.

Plants and Flowers

Seasonally, you may find:

• Herb and vegetable starter plants
• Flower bouquets
• Potted plants and succulents

These can be a convenient option if you’re trying to start a small patio garden in an Atlanta apartment or townhome.

Typical Days, Seasons, and Parking

Market details change occasionally, but here’s what’s typical for a suburban Atlanta farmers market like Dunwoody’s:

Days and Hours

• Most often held on Saturday mornings
• Common hours fall between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. or similar
• Peak season usually runs spring through late fall
• Some years may include a lighter winter schedule with fewer vendors

Because Atlanta weather can vary, markets may adjust for storms, cold snaps, or heat advisories. Checking for updates before heading out is helpful, especially if you’re driving from another part of the city.

Parking and Access

Dunwoody’s market is in a suburban retail/village setting, so:

• Parking is typically free and in surface lots
• It’s more car-friendly than some in-town Atlanta markets
• Sidewalks and crosswalks make it walkable if you live nearby

If you’re coming from in-town neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Midtown, or Grant Park, plan extra time for I‑285 or GA‑400 traffic, especially if there are weekend events or roadwork.

How the Dunwoody Farmers Market Compares to Other Atlanta Markets

Many Atlanta residents like to combine different markets depending on their schedule and location.

Here is a simple comparison for context:

If you live in or near Dunwoody or work around the Perimeter Center business district, the Dunwoody market can be your primary weekly stop without driving into the city.

Paying at the Market: Cash, Cards, and Benefits

Farmers markets in the Atlanta area, including Dunwoody, generally accept a mix of payment types, although it can vary by vendor.

Common Payment Options

You’ll often find:

• Cash – still widely used and sometimes preferred by small vendors
• Debit and credit cards – many vendors use mobile card readers
• Mobile payments – such as tap-to-pay options, depending on the stand

Bringing some cash plus a card is usually the safest bet so you’re not limited.

Using SNAP/EBT and Matching Programs

Many Atlanta-area markets participate in nutrition assistance and matching incentive programs that can stretch a food budget:

• Some markets accept SNAP/EBT and will swipe your card at a central information tent in exchange for tokens or market-specific currency.
• Certain programs in Georgia may match SNAP purchases for fruits and vegetables up to a set amount, effectively doubling spending power on eligible foods.

Program availability can change, so if you are planning to use SNAP/EBT, you may want to:

• Call or email the market organizers in advance, or
• Check with local public agencies like the Georgia Department of Human Services or food access organizations based in Atlanta to confirm which markets currently participate.

Health, Wellness, and CSA Connections

The Dunwoody Farmers Market ties directly into health and wellness for Atlanta residents through:

Fresh, Seasonal Eating

Shopping the market encourages:

• More fruits and vegetables in weekly meals
• Seasonal variety, which can keep cooking interesting
• Learning which foods come into season when in Georgia’s climate

For many Atlantans, this makes it easier to build healthier plates without feeling like a chore.

Meeting Local Farmers

Buying directly from farmers and producers allows you to:

• Ask how foods are grown or raised
• Learn how to store and cook unfamiliar ingredients
• Understand local options such as pasture-based or reduced-chemical farming practices

This can help you make more informed choices based on your own priorities and needs.

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Links

Some growers who sell at suburban markets like Dunwoody’s also offer CSA shares or produce subscriptions. These can be:

• Weekly or biweekly boxes of seasonal produce
• Pickups at the market or at set locations around Atlanta

If you’re interested in a CSA connected to the farmers you already buy from:

1. Visit the market regularly and talk to produce vendors.
2. Ask if they offer CSA shares or pre-order produce boxes for pickup.
3. Compare pickup locations and schedules with your commute or neighborhood.

Many Atlanta residents choose a CSA plus occasional farmers market trips to fill any gaps.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

A little planning can make the Dunwoody Farmers Market a smooth part of your Atlanta weekly routine:

Before You Go

• ✅ Check current hours and location – especially during winter or holidays.
• ✅ Bring a reusable bag or small cart – parking is close, but it’s easier to carry produce this way.
• ✅ Plan a flexible list – base meals around what’s in season rather than expecting specific items every week.

At the Market

• 🥬 Walk the whole market once before buying – compare prices, quality, and options.
• 🥚 Ask questions – vendors can tell you which items are at peak flavor and how long they’ll keep.
• 🌽 Buy heavier items last – like melons or multiple jars, so you’re not carrying them the entire time.

After You Get Home

• Store delicate items like leafy greens and berries promptly in the fridge.
• Prep produce (washing, chopping, or portioning) soon after getting home to make weeknight cooking easier.
• Consider a simple Sunday routine: market in the morning, light meal prep in the afternoon.

Helpful Local Points of Contact

If you want to deepen your connection to local food beyond the Dunwoody Farmers Market, these Atlanta-area resources can be helpful starting points:

• City of Dunwoody – For general community event information and local ordinances that may relate to markets or public spaces.

  • Main city office area: around 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338
  • Main phone (City Hall switchboard): typically accessible through public listings.

• DeKalb County Extension Office (UGA Extension – DeKalb County) – Offers gardening, nutrition, and food safety education, often relevant if you’re inspired by the market to start growing or cooking more at home.

  • Office location: in Decatur, serving DeKalb County residents (including much of Dunwoody).

• Georgia Department of Agriculture (Atlanta area offices) – Oversees many aspects of agriculture and food safety in the state and can be a source of information on certified markets and farm programs.

When you contact any of these, you can ask specifically for current details on farmers markets, local food programs, or CSA connections in the Atlanta and Dunwoody area.

The Dunwoody Farmers Market offers Atlanta-area residents a practical way to buy fresh, local food, support nearby farms and food makers, and build healthier habits without leaving the city. If you live or spend time around the Perimeter Center or north metro corridor, it can easily become a regular—and enjoyable—part of your weekly routine.