Exploring the Decatur Farmers Markets: Fresh, Local, and Very Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want a local, neighborhood experience just east of the city, the Decatur farmers markets are some of the easiest places to plug into Atlanta’s fresh food scene. Centered in and around Downtown Decatur, they’re small enough to feel friendly, but big enough to offer serious variety—produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and handmade items from metro Atlanta growers and makers.

Below is a practical guide to what to expect, where they are, how to get there, and tips for making the most of a visit.

What Is the Decatur Farmers Market?

When people in Atlanta say “Decatur Farmers Market,” they’re usually talking about the neighborhood markets held in the City of Decatur, a walkable intown community just east of Atlanta off Ponce de Leon Avenue and College Avenue.

There are typically two main weekly markets during much of the year, often grouped together under the same general umbrella:

• A midweek market (often in or near downtown Decatur)
• A weekend market (often at or near a school or church campus in Decatur)

These markets focus on:

• Local and regional produce (fruits, vegetables, herbs)
• Grass-fed or pasture-raised meats and eggs
• Baked goods (breads, pastries, cookies)
• Prepared foods (sauces, pickles, jams, salsas)
• Artisan items (soap, candles, small crafts, depending on the season)

They draw vendors from around metro Atlanta and North Georgia, so you’ll see farms from places like Lithonia, Fairburn, Monroe, and further north, all selling in one convenient neighborhood hub.

Where the Markets Are and How to Get There

Because market locations and schedules can shift slightly over time, it’s always smart to double-check details before you go. However, here’s how Decatur’s markets typically work from an Atlanta-local’s point of view.

Typical Market Locations in Decatur

You’ll usually find Decatur’s farmers markets in central, walkable spots near transit and neighborhoods:

• Downtown Decatur area
  Near the Decatur Square, close to East Court Square and Ponce de Leon Avenue.
  This is generally the most transit-friendly option for Atlantans, especially those coming from Midtown, Downtown, or the Westside.

• School or church campuses in Decatur
  For example, markets are sometimes held in parking lots or greenspaces at:

  • Decatur High School area (310 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030)
  • Local churches or community centers on or near Commerce Drive, Clairemont Avenue, or DeKalb Avenue

These locations are chosen because they’re easy to reach on foot or by bike from surrounding Decatur neighborhoods like Oakhurst, Winnona Park, and Adair Park, and still pretty convenient if you’re driving in from Atlanta.

Getting to Decatur Farmers Markets from Atlanta

By MARTA:

The Decatur MARTA Station (111 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030) on the Blue Line is the key transit hub. From many market locations in downtown Decatur, you’re usually a 5–10 minute walk from the station.

• From Five Points: Take the Blue Line eastbound toward Indian Creek and exit at Decatur.
• From Midtown or Arts Center: Take a southbound Red/Gold train to Five Points, transfer to Blue Line eastbound, then exit at Decatur.

By car:

• From Downtown or Midtown Atlanta:
  Take Ponce de Leon Avenue NE east straight into Decatur. The downtown area sits roughly where Ponce becomes W Ponce de Leon Avenue and meets Commerce Drive and Clairemont Avenue.
• From I-20:
  Use Candler Road or Moreland Avenue exits, then head north and follow signs toward Decatur.
• Parking: Downtown Decatur has a mix of paid decks, metered street parking, and sometimes surface lots near market sites. For school or church locations, there’s often free or low-cost parking on-site or adjacent streets.

By bike or on foot:

Decatur is known for being more walkable and bike-friendly than many parts of metro Atlanta. There are bike lanes along parts of Commerce Drive, Church Street, and McDonough Street, plus relatively calm neighborhood streets feeding into downtown.

What You’ll Find at the Decatur Farmers Markets

Every market day is a little different because vendors rotate, produce is seasonal, and some small businesses attend only certain weeks. Still, most Atlantans can expect a mix of the following:

Fresh Produce

You’ll commonly see:

• Leafy greens (collards, kale, lettuce, chard)
• Seasonal fruits (Georgia peaches in summer, apples in fall, strawberries in spring)
• Tomatoes, peppers, okra, squash, cucumbers
• Root vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes, sweet potatoes)
• Herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, mint)

Many vendors focus on organic practices or low-spray growing, even if they’re not formally certified.

Meat, Eggs, and Dairy

Depending on the week, you may find:

• Pasture-raised chicken, pork, and beef
• Local eggs
• Goat cheese or cow’s milk cheeses
• Occasionally yogurts or cultured dairy products

If you’re particular about how animals are raised, vendors are usually open to questions about feed, pasture access, and processing.

Baked Goods and Prepared Foods

Expect a very Atlanta-style mix of traditional Southern items and global flavors, such as:

• Fresh-baked sourdough loaves
• Sweet breads, cookies, and brownies
• Hand pies, empanadas, savory pastries
• Pickles, hot sauces, salsas, kimchi
• Jams and jellies made from regional fruit

Prepared foods are popular with both Decatur locals and office workers looking for an easy dinner or snacks after work.

Artisans and Non-Food Vendors

Many seasons include:

• Handmade soaps and body products
• Candles and home goods
• Jewelry or small craft items

These are helpful if you’re looking for locally made gifts and want something with a distinctly Atlanta/Decatur feel.

Typical Schedule and Seasonality

Exact days and times can change by year, but the pattern is fairly consistent:

• In-season markets:
  Run most of the year, with peak activity from spring through fall.
• Winter or off-season:
  Some markets continue on a reduced schedule with fewer vendors and limited produce, while others pause temporarily or shift indoors or under cover.

Many Decatur residents treat these markets as weekly events, planning meals, social meetups, and errands around them.

📝 Tip: Before you leave the house, it’s smart to:

• Check the most current market day and time information.
• Look for any weather-related updates (heavy rain or severe weather can affect smaller outdoor markets more quickly than large indoor venues).

Paying at the Decatur Farmers Markets

Different vendors accept different payment methods, but most regular Atlanta shoppers find it straightforward once they know the basics.

Common Payment Options

• Cash – Always widely accepted and the most reliable.
• Credit/debit cards – Many vendors use mobile payment readers.
• Mobile pay apps – Some accept phone-based payment, but not all.

SNAP/EBT and Nutrition Assistance

Many community-focused farmers markets around Atlanta—including those in Decatur—work to increase access to fresh food:

• Markets may accept EBT and offer a way to swipe your EBT card at a central booth, then receive tokens or market dollars to spend with participating vendors.
• Some Atlanta-area markets also participate in matching programs that increase the value of SNAP dollars when used to buy fruits and vegetables.

For current information on SNAP/EBT acceptance and any matching programs, you can:

• Check with market staff or the info booth when you arrive.
• Contact City of Decatur or local nonprofit partners that often help administer these programs.

Why Atlantans Like the Decatur Farmers Markets

Decatur’s markets stand out from many larger regional markets because they feel hyperlocal and community-oriented, while still being easy for people from other parts of Atlanta to access.

Here’s how they compare in practice:

If you live in the city or close-in neighborhoods like Inman Park, Kirkwood, East Lake, or Edgewood, Decatur’s markets can easily become part of your normal routine.

How to Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re coming from another part of Atlanta or staying in Decatur, a bit of planning goes a long way.

What to Bring

• Reusable bags or a small rolling cart – Many people buy more than they expect.
• Small bills – Helpful for vendors who don’t have change for large notes.
• A small cooler or insulated bag – Useful in Atlanta’s long hot season, especially for meat, eggs, or dairy.
• A loose meal plan – Think about what you might cook this week so you don’t end up with random produce you won’t use.

When to Go

• Right at opening
  • Best selection of produce.
  • Less crowded, easier parking.
• Later in the market window
  • More relaxed browsing.
  • Occasional informal discounts on items that vendors prefer not to haul home (this varies and isn’t guaranteed).

On hot summer days in Atlanta, going earlier in the morning or closer to sunset for afternoon markets makes a big difference in comfort.

Making the Most of the Market as an Atlanta Local or Visitor

For Atlanta Residents

• Use the market to replace part of your weekly grocery trip, especially for:
  • Produce
  • Eggs
  • Bread
• Get to know specific farmers and vendors so you can:
  • Ask about their growing practices
  • Pre-order items if they offer that option
  • Learn what will be in season in coming weeks

Many Decatur residents enjoy pairing a market visit with:

• A stop at Decatur Square for coffee or dessert
• A walk through nearby neighborhoods like Oakhurst or Glennwood Estates
• A quick visit to nearby shops along Ponce de Leon Ave or Clairemont Ave

For Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or near Ponce City Market, Decatur is relatively close:

• Hop on MARTA and ride to the Decatur Station.
• Walk to the market and grab:
  • Ready-to-eat snacks
  • A light lunch from a prepared-food vendor
  • Small gifts like local honey, jam, or soap to take home

You also get a different perspective on the city: instead of tourist-centered sites only, you’ll see how people in Atlanta-area neighborhoods actually shop and spend their weekends.

Helpful Local Contacts and Resources

If you want the most current information about the Decatur farmers markets—including exact locations, times, and special events—these local entities are good starting points:

• City of Decatur
  509 N McDonough St
  Decatur, GA 30030
  Main line: 404-370-4100
  Staff can usually direct you to current community market information or local partnerships.

• DeKalb County Extension (UGA Extension – DeKalb County)
  4380 Memorial Dr, Suite 200
  Decatur, GA 30032
  Phone: 404-298-4080
  This office often shares information on local agriculture, community gardens, and farmers markets throughout DeKalb County, which includes Decatur.

When planning a special trip from another part of Atlanta, it’s worth checking market details the same week you plan to go, especially in winter or around holidays.

The Decatur farmers markets give Atlantans a convenient way to buy fresh, local food in a walkable, MARTA-accessible neighborhood just east of the city. Whether you’re stocking your fridge for the week or looking for a low-key outing that feels genuinely local, they’re one of the most approachable market options in the Atlanta area.