Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market: A Local Favorite for Atlanta Shoppers

The Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market is one of the most popular weekend markets on the north side of metro Atlanta. If you live in Atlanta, are staying in Midtown or Buckhead, or you’re visiting family in the northern suburbs, this market is an easy and rewarding day trip.

It combines a classic farmers market feel—local produce, baked goods, and specialty foods—with a maker fair and artisan market, where you’ll find handmade crafts, art, and gifts from small local businesses.

Where the Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market Is and How It Fits into Atlanta

The market is held in Downtown Alpharetta, roughly 25–35 minutes north of central Atlanta depending on traffic.

Typical location:

• Downtown Alpharetta
• Around the Alpharetta City Center / Town Green area
• Near the intersection of S Main Street (GA-9) and Milton Avenue

For Atlanta residents, it often pairs well with:

• A morning walk, coffee, and shopping at the market
• Lunch at nearby Alpharetta City Center restaurants
• An afternoon stop in Avalon or North Point for more shopping

Because Alpharetta is a major hub of North Fulton County, the market draws vendors and shoppers from across metro Atlanta—especially from Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Cumming, and Dunwoody.

If you’re staying in the city without a car, you can usually reach Alpharetta by:

• Driving or rideshare up GA-400 (the most common option)
• MARTA train to North Springs Station, then rideshare or local shuttle/taxi to Downtown Alpharetta

What to Expect: Farmers Market Meets Maker Fair

The Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market blends fresh food with handmade goods. It’s more than a grocery stop; it feels like a small community festival most weekends.

Typical Vendors You’ll See

While vendors can change from week to week, you’ll commonly find:

Fresh and specialty foods

• Local fruits and vegetables in season
• Pasture-raised meats, eggs, and sometimes poultry
• Baked goods: breads, pastries, cookies, pies
• Jams, jellies, sauces, and pickles
• Honey and bee products from regional beekeepers
• Coffee (beans and brewed), teas, and drink mixers
• Prepared or ready-to-heat foods (soups, tamales, salads, dips, etc.)

Artisan & maker goods

• Handmade jewelry, leather goods, and accessories
• Home décor, candles, and hand-poured soaps
• Original art, prints, and photography
• Woodworking and custom signs
• Handcrafted children’s items, pet accessories, and gifts

Many Atlanta-area makers treat this market as a regular stop in their circuit of festivals, so if you like discovering small-batch, local brands, this is a good place to shop.

When the Alpharetta Market Typically Happens

Exact dates and hours can shift year to year, but the Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market usually follows a seasonal Saturday schedule.

You’ll typically see patterns like:

Because schedules can change due to weather, holidays, or city events, many Atlantans:

• Check the City of Alpharetta event calendar
• Look at the market’s latest updates before heading out, especially for early spring or late fall weekends

Parking, Getting There, and Navigating from Atlanta

Driving from Atlanta

From central Atlanta, the most common route is:

• Take GA-400 North toward Alpharetta
• Exit near Downtown Alpharetta (often Exit 9 – Haynes Bridge Road or Exit 10 – Old Milton Parkway, depending on your GPS)
• Follow signs or directions into Downtown Alpharetta / City Center

Garage parking and surface lots in Downtown Alpharetta are common, and many are intended for City Center visitors, which includes market shoppers when open.

Parking Tips

• Arrive earlier in the morning for the easiest parking and a less crowded market.
• Street parking may be limited near the market footprint; garages often offer more availability.
• Some families drop off a passenger group near the market and park a block or two away to avoid traffic near vendor tents.

Why Atlantans Like This Market

If you live Intown (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park) or in Buckhead, you may already know local options like Freedom Farmers Market or Grant Park Farmers Market. The Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market is worth the drive because it offers:

• A suburban downtown feel: walkable, compact, and family-friendly
• A strong mix of food and crafts—more like a maker fair than a purely produce-driven market
• Easy pairing with an entire day in Alpharetta: coffee, brunch, shopping, and parks

For people staying in North Fulton or north metro hotels, it’s often the most accessible large market nearby.

Best Things to Buy at the Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market

What you choose depends on whether you’re an Atlanta local restocking your kitchen or a visitor looking for souvenirs.

For Local Groceries

You’ll often find:

• Seasonal produce (Georgia-grown when in season)
• Fresh bread and pastries for the week
• Eggs, meats, and cheeses from regional producers
• Kitchen staples like spice blends, sauces, and salsas

Many Atlanta home cooks use this market to stock up on ingredients for the week and then finish the rest of their list at a standard grocery store in Alpharetta or back in the city.

For Gifts and Souvenirs

For gifts that feel “Atlanta area” without resorting to airport shops, look for:

• Locally roasted coffee or tea blends
• Small-batch candles with Georgia or Atlanta-inspired scents
• Artwork and prints featuring local landmarks, Southern themes, or nature
• Handmade jewelry or leather goods from metro Atlanta artisans
• Pet treats and accessories from local makers

These work well if you’re visiting family in Atlanta and want to bring something unique, or if you’re a local looking for birthday or holiday gifts.

Tips for First-Time Visitors from Atlanta

A little planning makes the visit smoother and more enjoyable.

What to Bring

• Reusable tote bags or a market basket: Much easier to manage multiple vendors’ items.
• Small bills and cards: Many vendors accept cards, but smaller purchases are often faster with cash.
• Cooler bag/ice pack if you’re driving from Atlanta and plan to spend the day in Alpharetta or make multiple stops after the market.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely walk the market and nearby Downtown Alpharetta.

When to Arrive

• Early (near opening): Best for produce selection and lighter crowds.
• Later morning: More of a social atmosphere; sometimes more lively but also more crowded and possibly warmer in summer.

Family-Friendly and Pet Notes

The Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market is generally considered family-friendly, and you’ll see:

• Families with strollers
• Children snacking on market treats
• Groups using the market as a starting point before going to nearby parks or playgrounds

Regarding pets, it depends on:

• Market rules in a given year
• City policies for pets in specific downtown areas

If you’re bringing a dog from Atlanta:

• Check current City of Alpharetta guidance about pets at events
• Bring water, waste bags, and a short leash
• Be mindful of crowded aisles, especially on busy Saturdays

How the Market Compares to Other Atlanta-Area Markets

If you’re deciding whether it’s worth leaving the city, it helps to understand how it differs from a few familiar Atlanta options:

• Compared with Freedom Farmers Market (Carter Center) or Grant Park Farmers Market, Alpharetta usually has:
  • A somewhat more suburban, small-town downtown feel
  • A strong emphasis on artisan goods in addition to food
• Compared with one-time festival-style maker fairs around Atlanta:
  • The Alpharetta market runs regularly during its season, not just as a single annual event
  • You can get to know repeat vendors if you visit often

For North Atlanta residents (Roswell, Johns Creek, Milton), it often becomes the go-to weekend market, similar to how BeltLine-area residents treat their nearest Intown markets.

Practical Info and Who to Contact

For the most current details—such as:

• Exact season dates
• Weekly hours
• Vendor applications
• Special event days or cancellations due to weather

You can typically find information through:

• The City of Alpharetta main offices and event listings
• Alpharetta’s downtown or tourism/visitor centers

City of Alpharetta (General):
2 Park Plaza
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Main phone for city information: (678) 297-6000

If you’re an Atlanta-area maker, farmer, or artisan interested in selling at the market, look for vendor guidelines and applications through Alpharetta’s official channels or event management contacts associated with the market.

Making the Most of Your Visit from Atlanta

If you’re coming from elsewhere in metro Atlanta, many people plan the day like this:

• 🥐 Start: Coffee and breakfast from a market vendor or nearby café
• 🛒 Shop: Produce, baked goods, and artisan gifts at the market
• 🚶‍♀️ Stroll: Explore Downtown Alpharetta’s shops and side streets
• 🍽️ Lunch/Brunch: At one of the many nearby restaurants
• 🚗 Optional: Continue the day at Avalon, North Point, or nearby parks

The Alpharetta Farmers & Artisans Market is a good fit if you’re in or near Atlanta and want a market that blends local food with a maker fair atmosphere, all in a walkable, well-developed downtown setting on the north side of the metro area.