Exploring the Atlantic Station Makers Market in Atlanta

The Atlantic Station Makers Market is one of Midtown Atlanta’s most popular spots to shop local, discover handmade goods, and enjoy a lively, walkable outdoor atmosphere. If you live in Atlanta, are staying nearby, or are planning a shopping day in the city, this market is a convenient way to experience Atlanta’s maker and artisan community all in one place.

What Is the Atlantic Station Makers Market?

The Atlantic Station Makers Market is a recurring outdoor artisan and makers market set in the heart of the Atlantic Station development in Midtown. It typically features:

  • Local and regional makers selling handmade and small-batch goods
  • Rotating vendors, so you can see something new on each visit
  • A casual, family-friendly environment that fits easily into a day of shopping or dining at Atlantic Station

The market is designed to feel like a neighborhood pop-up: you can stroll between tents and booths, chat directly with the makers, and then grab a meal or see a movie without ever moving your car.

Where the Makers Market Is and How to Get There

Location:
Atlantic Station
1380 Atlantic Dr NW
Atlanta, GA 30363

The Makers Market usually sets up in the outdoor streets and plazas of Atlantic Station—often around Atlantic Green and the central shopping areas. Exact placement can shift, so once you arrive, look for tents and vendor booths or check the on-site directory and event boards.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

You have several options depending on where you’re coming from:

  • By car:

    • Atlantic Station is just off I-75/85 in Midtown.
    • Use the main entrance along 17th Street NW.
    • Paid parking is available in the large underground parking deck with multiple entrances. Elevators and escalators bring you directly up to the retail and restaurant level.
  • By public transit (MARTA):

    • Take the Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station.
    • Use the free Atlantic Station shuttle (often called the Atlantic Station Courtesy Shuttle), which runs between Arts Center Station and Atlantic Station.
    • The shuttle drops you near the retail core, a short walk to the Makers Market.
  • On foot or bike:

    • From nearby Midtown neighborhoods, you can walk or bike via 17th Street sidewalks and marked bike lanes.
    • Bike racks are typically available around the property.

Typical Days, Hours, and Seasonality

Schedules can shift, but many Atlanta residents and visitors find that the Atlantic Station Makers Market tends to run:

  • On weekends, often Saturdays and/or Sundays
  • Daytime to early evening hours

Because event timing can change with the season, weather, and special programming, it’s smart to:

  • Check the Atlantic Station event calendar before you go
  • Look for signage on-site if you’re already at Atlantic Station
  • Ask the Atlantic Station Concierge or guest services desk for the latest schedule

What You’ll Find at the Atlantic Station Makers Market

The Makers Market brings together a mix of handmade, small-batch, and locally inspired goods. The exact lineup changes, but common categories include:

Handmade Goods and Artisan Products

You’ll often see:

  • Jewelry and accessories – earrings, necklaces, bracelets, hair accessories, and more
  • Home décor – candles, wall art, planters, textiles, and decorative objects
  • Bath and body products – soaps, lotions, scrubs, bath bombs, beard care items
  • Art and prints – photography, paintings, digital art, and Atlanta-themed illustrations
  • Wearables – T-shirts, hats, tote bags, scarves, and handmade clothing pieces

Most items are not mass-produced; they’re made in small quantities, often by the person behind the table.

Atlanta-Inspired and Southern-Themed Finds

Because the market is in the heart of Atlanta, you’ll frequently find:

  • Atlanta skyline prints and maps
  • Georgia and Southern sayings on shirts, mugs, and signs
  • Local neighborhood references (Midtown, Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, etc.)

These make the Makers Market a good stop if you want a locally flavored gift or souvenir that’s different from typical tourist items.

Food, Treats, and Specialty Goods

Depending on the day, vendors may offer:

  • Small-batch snacks like nuts, popcorn, or baked goods
  • Jams, sauces, and spice blends
  • Occasionally coffee, tea, or beverage-related items

Atlantic Station also has a wide range of restaurants and cafés, so you can pair your market visit with a brunch, lunch, or dinner without needing to move your car.

Atlantic Station Makers Market at a Glance

FeatureWhat to Know
LocationOutdoor plazas at Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA
CategoryMaker fairs and artisan markets within a larger shopping district
Typical ScheduleOften weekends, daytime to early evening (check current calendar)
VibeCasual, walkable, family-friendly, pet-friendly in many outdoor areas
VendorsRotating mix of local makers, artists, and small-batch producers
ParkingLarge underground paid parking deck with direct access to shops
Transit AccessMARTA to Arts Center + free Atlantic Station shuttle
Best ForUnique gifts, Atlanta-made finds, relaxed weekend browsing

Why Atlantans Like the Makers Market

For people who live in or around Atlanta, the Atlantic Station Makers Market fits naturally into city life:

  • Easy to pair with other activities – You can shop the market, then grab a meal, catch a movie, or do traditional retail shopping in the same area.
  • Support for local makers – Many Atlantans appreciate being able to support small businesses directly.
  • Low-pressure environment – You can browse casually without needing to commit to a full festival day or ticketed event.
  • Indoor backups – If the weather shifts, you still have all of Atlantic Station’s indoor shops and restaurants as a fallback.

Visitors staying in Midtown or nearby neighborhoods often like that they can experience a local market without needing to travel far outside the core of the city.

Tips for Visiting the Atlantic Station Makers Market

A little planning can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

What to Bring

  • Payment options: Many vendors accept cards and mobile payments, but having some cash can be helpful, especially for small purchases.
  • Reusable bag or tote: Handy for carrying multiple finds, especially artwork or fragile items.
  • Weather-ready clothing:
    • In summer, bring water, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
    • In cooler months, dress in layers, as the open streets can feel breezy.

When to Go

  • Earlier in the day is often less crowded and can give you first pick of popular items.
  • Later in the afternoon can have a busier vibe, especially when combined with dining and nightlife around Atlantic Station.

If you’re sensitive to crowds, try to arrive on the earlier side of the posted hours.

Parking and Navigation Tips

  • Make a note of your parking level and section in the underground deck—it’s large and can be confusing after a long visit.
  • Look for elevator banks that list nearby shops and landmarks so you can emerge closer to the main market area.
  • Pay attention to parking validation options at some shops or restaurants; policies can change, but it’s worth asking if you’re dining or shopping extensively.

Family- and Pet-Friendliness

Atlantic Station as a whole is designed to be family-friendly, and that extends to the Makers Market.

Bringing Kids

  • The open-air layout makes it easy to navigate strollers.
  • Kids often enjoy browsing colorful art, toys, and craft items.
  • Atlantic Station’s central green spaces and fountains offer places to take a break.

Consider:

  • Bringing snacks and water for younger children.
  • Setting a simple plan for staying together, especially on busier days.

Bringing Pets

Many outdoor areas at Atlantic Station are pet-friendly, and you’ll often see dogs walking with their owners through the market. Still, it’s important to:

  • Keep pets leashed and under control
  • Be mindful of crowded walkways and hot pavement in summer
  • Respect any posted pet restrictions around specific shops or patios

How the Makers Market Compares to Other Atlanta Markets

Atlanta has several popular markets, and each has its own character. The Atlantic Station Makers Market stands out because:

  • It’s embedded in a major shopping district, so you get a mix of local and national retail.
  • It’s in Midtown, making it convenient if you’re already staying or spending time in that part of the city.
  • The layout is compact, so you can shop the entire market without committing your entire day.

If you enjoy Atlanta’s farmers markets, art festivals, or neighborhood pop-up markets, the Atlantic Station Makers Market can be a more urban, centrally located complement to those experiences.

Practical Next Steps If You Want to Go

To plan your visit:

  1. Confirm the schedule

    • Check the latest Atlantic Station events calendar or call their main information line to verify market days and hours.
  2. Choose your travel method

    • Decide whether you’ll drive and park in the deck or take MARTA + shuttle.
  3. Plan your add-ons

    • Think about whether you want to eat, see a movie, or shop at nearby stores so you can choose the best time of day to go.
  4. Bring a small tote and flexible budget

    • It’s easy to discover unexpected items from Atlanta makers—having a bit of flexibility lets you support the artisans whose work you enjoy most.

For anyone living in Atlanta or visiting the city, the Atlantic Station Makers Market offers an accessible way to explore local creativity while enjoying one of Midtown’s most walkable shopping and dining destinations.