Marietta Square Artisan Market: A Local Guide for Atlanta Shoppers and Makers

If you love handmade goods, local art, and small-batch food and you’re in the Atlanta area, the Marietta Square Artisan Market is one of the most accessible, family-friendly ways to experience the region’s maker scene. Located just off the historic Marietta Square, it’s an easy weekend outing from most parts of metro Atlanta and a favorite destination for both locals and visitors.

What Is the Marietta Square Artisan Market?

The Marietta Square Artisan Market is an open-air market that showcases local and regional makers, typically featuring:

• Handmade jewelry and accessories
• Original artwork and prints
• Woodworking and metalwork
• Candles, soaps, and bath products
• Textiles, ceramics, and home décor
• Small-batch foods like jams, baked goods, seasonings, and snacks

Unlike a standard farmers market focused mostly on produce and groceries, this market is geared toward artisans and craftspeople. Many vendors are independent Atlanta- and Georgia-based makers who design, create, and sell their work themselves.

For anyone in Atlanta interested in shopping local, supporting small businesses, or finding unique gifts, this market offers a curated, walkable experience in a historic setting.

Where It Is and How to Get There from Atlanta

Location (general area):
The market is set around Marietta Square in downtown Marietta, in Cobb County, roughly 15–25 miles northwest of central Atlanta depending on where you start. Stalls are typically arranged along the streets and sidewalks bordering the square and nearby side streets.

Because schedules and exact layouts can change, it’s smart to check current dates, times, and maps through official Marietta or Cobb County event listings or the market’s own channels before you go.

Getting There by Car

From most intown Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside):

• Take I-75 North toward Marietta
• Use one of the exits serving downtown Marietta (commonly around Exit 263–265 depending on your route apps)
• Follow signs or navigation directions toward Marietta Square

Parking options around the Square typically include:

• City of Marietta parking decks (paid, but often inexpensive on weekends)
• Street parking around the Square and nearby blocks (time limits may apply)

📝 Tip: On busy Saturdays, especially when there are multiple events (like concerts, festivals, or the farmers market happening at the same time), arrive earlier in the morning for easier parking and lighter crowds.

Getting There by Transit

There is no direct MARTA rail to Marietta, but you can combine MARTA and CobbLinc:

1. Take MARTA rail to a northern station (such as Arts Center or Midtown, depending on the current bus connections).
2. Transfer to a CobbLinc bus heading toward downtown Marietta and Marietta Transfer Center.
3. Walk from the transfer center to Marietta Square (generally a short walk).

Transit schedules can shift, so confirm route numbers, days of operation, and timing on MARTA and CobbLinc’s official channels before planning a car-free trip.

When the Market Typically Happens

The Marietta Square Artisan Market is usually a seasonal, recurring weekend event, often running during the warmer months and some shoulder seasons. Common patterns include:

• Day of week: Frequently Saturdays, often overlapping or coordinating with the nearby Marietta Square Farmers Market.
• Time of day: Commonly in the morning through early afternoon, which helps avoid the hottest part of Atlanta’s summer days.

Because specific dates and times can change year to year, it’s important to:

• Check the current season’s schedule before you go
• Confirm if it’s running during holiday weekends, rainy days, or special events
• Look for updated info from Marietta city event calendars or the market’s own announcements

What You’ll Find: Types of Vendors and Goods

The exact mix of vendors changes from one weekend to another, but if you’re coming from Atlanta you can expect a rotating selection of Georgia-based makers. Common categories include:

Handmade Art & Design

• Original paintings and illustrations
• Photography prints featuring Atlanta, North Georgia, or Southern themes
• Graphic art and posters with local references and neighborhoods
• Hand-lettered signs and calligraphy pieces

This is a good place to find Atlanta- or Georgia-themed art to hang at home or give as gifts—often more unique than what you’ll see in big-box stores.

Jewelry, Accessories, and Wearables

• Handcrafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings
• Accessories like scarves, hats, bags, and wallets
• Some vendors may incorporate Georgia stones, reclaimed materials, or regional motifs

If you’re used to shopping in Atlanta boutiques in places like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Westside Provisions, or Poncey-Highland, you’ll see a similar level of creativity here—often straight from the maker at a lower price point.

Home, Bath, and Lifestyle Goods

• Soy candles and wax melts with Southern-inspired scents
• Artisan soaps, body butters, balms, and skincare
• Handmade furniture, cutting boards, and wood decor
• Ceramic mugs, bowls, and planters

These are popular gift items, especially around Mother’s Day, graduations, and the winter holiday season.

Small-Batch and Specialty Foods

While the farmers market focuses more on produce and groceries, the Artisan Market often includes:

• Jams, jellies, honey, and syrups
• Spice blends, rubs, and sauces
• Baked goods, candies, and snacks

If you’re staying in an Atlanta hotel or with local friends, these make easy take-home souvenirs that travel well.

How the Artisan Market Compares to Other Atlanta-Area Markets

Metro Atlanta has a rich market culture, and if you already frequent places like:

• Krog Street Market (indoor food and retail)
• Ponce City Market (mixed-use with shops and food hall)
• East Atlanta Village, Grant Park, or Peachtree Road farmers markets

You’ll notice some key differences at Marietta Square Artisan Market:

For an Atlanta resident, the artisan market in Marietta is often viewed as a destination outing—worth the drive, especially if you also plan lunch, coffee, or a walk around the square.

Planning Your Visit from Atlanta

What to Bring

• Payment options:
  • Many vendors accept credit/debit cards and mobile pay
  • Some are still cash-preferred, so small bills are helpful
• Reusable tote or backpack: Handy for multiple purchases
• Water and sun protection: Atlanta-area weekends can be hot and sunny, especially late spring through early fall
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be on sidewalks, brick, and pavement around the square

Family-Friendliness

Marietta Square is known for being family-friendly:

• The central park area often has open grass and seating
• There may be street performers, live music, or festivals on certain days
• Strollers are common; just be mindful of crowded walkways near vendor booths

If you’re visiting Atlanta with kids or hosting out-of-town relatives, the Artisan Market can be a relaxed way to spend a Saturday morning before heading back intown.

Pets

In many Atlanta-area outdoor markets and squares, leashed dogs are commonly seen. Policies can vary and may be adjusted during large events or crowded days. If you bring a dog:

• Keep them well-controlled and leashed
• Be mindful of crowded aisles and small children
• Bring water and waste bags

Check current pet guidelines from Marietta or market organizers if you’re unsure.

Tips for Shopping the Market Like a Local

If you’re coming up from Atlanta and want to make the most of your visit:

1. Arrive earlier in the day

   • Cooler temperatures
   • Easier parking
   • Best selection before popular items sell out

2. Do an initial lap before buying

   • Walk the main route around the market
   • Note booths you want to revisit
   • Compare styles and prices from different makers

3. Chat with the makers

   • Many vendors are Atlanta- or Georgia-based artists
   • Ask about care instructions, customization, or custom orders
   • This is often how locals find artists they later follow at other metro events

4. Think ahead for gifts

   • Keep upcoming birthdays, holidays, or housewarmings in mind
   • Many items are easy-to-store gifts (candles, art prints, accessories)

5. Pair it with a meal or coffee on the Square

   • Marietta Square has a growing range of restaurants, dessert spots, and cafés
   • Locals often grab breakfast, walk the markets, then stay for lunch or coffee

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

Walking and Mobility

• The vendor areas are typically on public streets and sidewalks near the Square.
• Surfaces may include brick, pavement, and curbs, which can be uneven in some spots.
• If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, planning a route with fewer curbs and checking ahead for any road closures can help.

Weather

As with most outdoor events in the Atlanta area:

• Summer months can be hot and humid, and midafternoon can be intense.
• Light rain may not always cancel the market, but severe weather sometimes does.
• Always check same-day updates if the forecast looks questionable.

Bringing a light jacket in the cooler months or umbrella during storm-prone seasons is common for locals.

How the Market Fits into Atlanta’s Maker and Artisan Scene

If you live in Atlanta and you’re trying to understand where Marietta Square Artisan Market fits among other local maker events, think of it as:

• A suburban complement to more urban markets and festivals inside the Perimeter
• A way to discover Cobb County and North Atlanta makers, along with some who also show in intown pop-ups and festivals
• A lower-key alternative to very large festivals that take over entire neighborhoods

Many Atlanta-area artisans rotate among:

• Neighborhood festivals (Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Candler Park, Grant Park)
• Seasonal holiday markets at local churches, schools, and arts centers
• Maker fairs and artisan markets in Decatur, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Marietta

If you enjoy the Marietta Square Artisan Market, you can watch for the same makers at:

• Holiday markets around metro Atlanta
• Art shows in neighborhoods like Decatur or Old Fourth Ward
• Occasional pop-ups in Atlanta coffee shops or retail spaces

Helpful Next Steps for Atlanta Visitors and Residents

If you’re ready to check out the Marietta Square Artisan Market from Atlanta, here’s a simple approach:

1. Pick a weekend you’re free in the morning.
2. Check current market dates and hours using Marietta city or Cobb County event resources or the market’s own listings.
3. Plan your drive or transit route from your Atlanta neighborhood and identify a parking deck or bus route.
4. Bring a small tote, water, and flexible payment options (card + some cash).
5. Combine the trip with breakfast, lunch, or coffee on Marietta Square to make it a full outing.

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta who loves supporting local makers, discovering unique, handmade goods, and exploring neighborhoods beyond the city center, the Marietta Square Artisan Market is a practical, enjoyable, and very Atlanta-area way to spend part of your weekend.