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

If you live in Atlanta or spend time on the east side of the metro area, the Decatur Farmers Market is one of the most convenient ways to buy fresh, local food directly from growers and makers. It’s close to city neighborhoods like Candler Park, Kirkwood, East Lake, and Inman Park, and it’s easy to reach by MARTA or car.

This guide walks you through what to expect, when to go, how to get there, and how to make the most of your visit as an Atlanta-area shopper.

What Is the Decatur Farmers Market?

The Decatur Farmers Market is a producer-focused market serving the City of Decatur and the greater Atlanta area. It typically hosts:

• Local farms selling seasonal fruits and vegetables
• Meat and egg producers from around Georgia
• Artisan food makers (breads, jams, sauces, baked goods)
• Prepared food vendors with ready-to-eat options
• Occasional craft and body care makers

Unlike a general grocery store, most of what you see is grown, raised, or made within driving distance of Atlanta, often by the people standing at the booth.

You’ll usually find two main markets associated with “Decatur Farmers Market”:

• A weekday market in downtown Decatur
• A weekend market (often called the Decatur Saturday or Decatur Sunday market, depending on the current setup)

Details like exact days and times can shift over time, so it’s always wise to double-check current schedules before you go.

Location, Access, and Getting There from Atlanta

The Decatur Farmers Market is designed to be easy to reach whether you’re coming from Intown Atlanta or nearby DeKalb neighborhoods.

Typical Market Location

Most seasons, the Decatur Farmers Market operates in or very near downtown Decatur, often in walkable areas close to:

• The Decatur MARTA Station (Blue Line)
• City of Decatur civic buildings and public spaces
• Restaurants and shops along Ponce de Leon Ave, Church St, and Trinity Pl

Because specific locations (parking lots, church grounds, plazas) can change, many Atlanta residents check the market’s current address through local listings or the City of Decatur event pages before heading over.

Getting There by MARTA

For Atlanta residents who prefer transit, the market is typically one of the most MARTA-friendly farmers markets in the region:

• Take the Blue Line to Decatur Station
• Most market setups are within a 5–10 minute walk of the station
• Sidewalks are generally wide, and the area is pedestrian-friendly

If you’re coming from Midtown, Downtown, or the Westside, this is often easier than driving to markets farther out in the suburbs.

Driving & Parking Tips

Driving from Atlanta is straightforward:

• From Midtown/Downtown Atlanta: Take Ponce de Leon Ave NE east toward Decatur
• From I-285: Use the Ponce de Leon or E. College Ave exits, depending on your route

Parking in Decatur can vary by market location and time of day, but common patterns include:

• City parking decks and lots around downtown Decatur
• Limited street parking with time limits
• Shared parking areas near churches, schools, or public buildings on market days

🅿️ Tip: If you’re coming on a busy Saturday, give yourself extra time to park and walk, especially during brunch and lunch hours when Decatur’s restaurants are crowded.

Typical Hours and Seasonal Patterns

Exact schedules can change, but Atlanta-area shoppers usually see:

• Weekday market – Often one afternoon/early evening during the week
• Weekend market – Often a morning-to-early-afternoon option

Many farmers markets near Atlanta:

• Run year-round or nearly year-round, but with
• Smaller vendor lists in winter and
• Peak variety in spring, summer, and fall

Because of weather and local harvest cycles, the busiest months for the Decatur Farmers Market often line up with:

• April–June: Strawberries, early peaches, greens, herbs
• July–September: Tomatoes, melons, peppers, corn, okra
• October–November: Apples, winter squash, sweet potatoes, greens

If you’re visiting in winter, expect fewer items but still a good mix of root vegetables, hardy greens, eggs, baked goods, and pantry items.

What You’ll Find at the Decatur Farmers Market

While vendors rotate, Atlanta-area shoppers can almost always count on a mix of these categories.

Fresh Produce

Local farms around Atlanta and North/Central Georgia bring what’s in season. Common finds:

• Spring: Lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, radishes, strawberries
• Summer: Tomatoes, peaches, blueberries, okra, peppers, squash, cucumbers, melons, herbs
• Fall: Apples, greens, winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, beets
• Winter: Collards, kale, carrots, radishes, storage onions, potatoes, microgreens

Most produce at the Decatur Farmers Market is seasonal rather than imported, so what you see directly reflects the Georgia growing calendar.

Meat, Eggs, and Dairy

Many Atlanta shoppers come specifically for:

• Pasture-raised eggs
• Local chicken, pork, beef, or lamb
• Occasionally goat cheese, cow’s milk cheese, or yogurt from regional creameries

Labels such as “grass-fed,” “pasture-raised,” or “no antibiotics added” may appear, but standards vary by farm. If those details matter to you, you can ask farmers directly about their practices.

Breads, Baked Goods, and Pantry Staples

Expect a rotating mix of prepared and pantry items, such as:

• Fresh bread and pastries
• Jams, jellies, pickles, and sauces
• Local honey from Georgia beekeepers
• Coffee beans roasted in the Atlanta area
• Spice blends, hot sauces, and marinades

These can be especially convenient if you’re building a weekend brunch or putting together a gift.

Prepared Foods and Snacks

Depending on the season, you may also see:

• Ready-to-eat breakfast or lunch items
• Beverages such as lemonade, kombucha, or coffee
• Occasional food trucks or pop-up-style booths

This makes the Decatur Farmers Market a realistic outing if you’re coming from Atlanta with kids, meeting friends, or combining it with errands and lunch in downtown Decatur.

Crafts and Non-Food Items

Some weeks include:

• Handmade soaps and body care items
• Candles and household goods
• Crafts or small gifts

Selection can shift week to week, so if you’re looking for something specific (like a particular soap vendor), it helps to check local listings or social pages ahead of time.

How the Decatur Farmers Market Fits into Atlanta’s Food Scene

For Atlanta residents, the Decatur Farmers Market offers a distinct alternative to supermarkets and big-box stores.

Compared with Atlanta Grocery Stores

Many consumers use the market to:

• Supplement a regular grocery run with fresher produce
• Support local farms instead of relying solely on large distributors
• Find specialty items (like specific varieties of tomatoes or heirloom vegetables)

Prices can be higher than some grocery sale items but often reflect:

• Small farm costs
• Seasonal quality
• Shorter supply chains

Shoppers often balance this by buying key items at the market (produce, eggs, specialty goods) and staples at regular grocery stores.

Compared with Other Atlanta-Area Farmers Markets

If you already know markets like Freedom Farmers Market, Peachtree Road Farmers Market, East Atlanta Village Farmers Market, or Grant Park Farmers Market, Decatur’s market offers:

• A walkable, small-city feel in downtown Decatur
• Strong access from eastern and southeastern Atlanta neighborhoods
• Less pressure to make a full day of it—easy to combine with errands nearby

Many Atlanta-area residents rotate between several markets depending on:

• Where they live or work
• Which day of the week works best
• Which vendors or farms they prefer

Paying for Purchases: Cash, Cards, and EBT

Payment options at the Decatur Farmers Market are typically designed to be flexible for Atlanta-area shoppers.

Common Payment Methods

Most vendors accept:

• Cash
• Debit and credit cards (often via mobile card readers)
• Sometimes contactless payments (phone or watch)

Because payment systems depend on mobile signals and devices, it can be useful to:

• Bring a backup form of payment
• Have some small bills for small purchases or tipping musicians, if present

Using EBT/SNAP at the Market

Many Atlanta-area farmers markets, including markets in and around Decatur, work with programs that:

• Allow EBT/SNAP users to buy qualifying foods
• Sometimes offer “double up” or matching dollars for fruits and vegetables, up to a set amount

While specific programs and rules can change, shoppers using EBT/SNAP typically:

1. Visit a central info booth or market tent
2. Swipe their EBT card for a chosen amount
3. Receive tokens or paper vouchers to spend with approved vendors

If you use EBT/SNAP, you can confirm the current program details by checking:

• Market information at the site
• City of Decatur community resources
• Local food access programs that partner with Atlanta-area markets

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

A little planning goes a long way, especially if you’re coming from elsewhere in Atlanta.

What to Bring

• Reusable bags or a small cart
• A cooler bag with ice packs if you plan to buy meat, eggs, or dairy
• Cash and a card for flexibility
• A simple shopping list (e.g., “salad greens, tomatoes, eggs, bread”)

If you’re walking from MARTA or biking, pack light and think about what you can realistically carry home.

Best Times to Go

Patterns vary, but many Atlanta-area shoppers find that:

• Early in the market: Best selection, especially for popular items
• Mid-market: Less rushed, still good variety
• Near closing: Some vendors may begin to sell out

If you have your heart set on strawberries, specific breads, or limited items, arrive closer to opening.

Talking With Farmers and Vendors

One of the main advantages over a grocery store is direct access to the people who grow or make your food. You can ask:

• “How do you recommend cooking this?”
• “Is this variety milder or spicier?”
• “What’s coming into season next week?”
• “Do you use any specific growing practices?”

Most vendors are used to these questions and often enjoy sharing practical cooking and storage tips tailored to what’s currently in season around Atlanta.

Sample Seasonal Shopping Planner

Use this simple seasonal guide if you’re planning visits from Atlanta throughout the year.

Keep in mind: specific timing depends on weather and farm conditions each year.

Nearby Amenities and Combining Your Trip

Because the Decatur Farmers Market is generally in or near downtown Decatur, it’s easy to turn your visit into a half-day outing from Atlanta.

Within walking distance, you can often find:

• Coffee shops and bakeries for before or after your shop
• Restaurants ranging from casual to sit-down dining
• Public spaces like the Decatur Square where kids can move around
• Local retail shops and services

If you’re coming from neighborhoods such as Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, or Edgewood, you can treat the market as:

• A grocery errand plus
• A chance to walk around a different part of town without a long drive

Helpful Local Contacts and Information Sources

For orientation and official city-level information that can support your visit:

• City of Decatur City Hall
  509 N. McDonough St.
  Decatur, GA 30030
  Main phone: 404-370-4100

They can direct you to:

• Community events calendars
• Downtown parking and transportation information
• General public-space usage and local regulations that may affect market layout

For public transit, you can use:

• MARTA Customer Service
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Main phone: 404-848-5000

They can provide route and schedule details to the Decatur Station from other parts of Atlanta.

Visiting the Decatur Farmers Market is one of the simplest ways for Atlanta residents and visitors to experience local Georgia food up close. With easy MARTA access, walkable surroundings, and a strong mix of fresh produce and artisan goods, it fits naturally into everyday life for people living in and around Atlanta.