Exploring the Artists Market at Piedmont Park in Atlanta

The Artists Market at Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s most beloved outdoor art experiences, blending local creativity with the city’s favorite intown green space. Whether you’re a longtime Atlantan, a new transplant, or visiting for the weekend, the Artists Market offers an easy way to discover art, enjoy the park, and soak in a very “Atlanta” kind of day.

What Is the Artists Market at Piedmont Park?

The Artists Market is a curated outdoor art market that typically appears during major events in Piedmont Park, most notably during large art festivals. It brings together regional and national artists who display and sell their work in open-air booths set up along the park’s paths and lawns.

You’ll usually find:

  • Original paintings and prints
  • Photography
  • Sculpture and mixed media
  • Jewelry and accessories
  • Ceramics and glass
  • Handmade home décor and crafts

Unlike a typical craft fair, the Artists Market is generally juried, meaning artists are selected through an application process. This helps keep the quality high and the mix of styles diverse.

Where in Atlanta Is the Artists Market?

The Artists Market is held inside Piedmont Park, one of Atlanta’s largest and most central parks.

Piedmont Park main access points commonly used for events:

  • 10th Street & Charles Allen Drive NE – A main pedestrian entrance near Midtown
  • 12th Street & Piedmont Avenue NE – Another popular entrance close to Midtown bars and restaurants
  • Monroe Drive NE entrances – Often used for event access and parking approaches

Piedmont Park’s official address often used for navigation:
Piedmont Park
400 Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Event setups vary, but Artists Market booths are usually clustered along the central meadow, near the Active Oval, or along primary walking paths within the park. Event signage and staff typically guide you once you’re inside.

When Does the Artists Market Take Place?

The Artists Market is not a daily or weekly market. It is typically tied to major art festivals or special events in Piedmont Park.

Common patterns include:

  • Seasonal art festivals (for example, events often held in spring and/or fall)
  • Weekend-only markets – usually Saturday and Sunday, sometimes with a Friday preview
  • Daytime hours – typically late morning through late afternoon or early evening

Because dates change from year to year, the most reliable way to know current schedules is to:

  • Check Piedmont Park Conservancy event listings
  • Look up major Piedmont Park art festivals for the current year
  • Follow event organizers’ social media or official pages

Piedmont Park Conservancy administrative office:
Piedmont Park Conservancy
1071 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone (main office, subject to change): (404) 875-7275

You can call or check their public information channels for the latest on upcoming markets and festivals.

What You’ll Experience at the Artists Market

Art Styles and Mediums

Expect a wide range of styles, from traditional Southern landscapes to urban-inspired mixed media that reflect Atlanta’s skyline, music scene, and neighborhoods.

Common themes include:

  • Atlanta landmarks – paintings and photographs of places like the Midtown skyline, Ponce City Market, and the BeltLine
  • Nature and botanicals – art inspired by Piedmont Park itself, plus Georgia forests and flowers
  • Abstract and contemporary work – bold colors, modern shapes, and statement pieces
  • Functional art – pottery, glassware, textiles, and jewelry that can be used or worn

Artists often staff their own booths, so you can talk directly with them about:

  • Their process and materials
  • Custom commissions or larger pieces
  • How to care for original art

Atmosphere and Crowd

The Artists Market has a relaxed, festival-like feel. You might hear live music from a nearby stage, smell food from vendors, and hear a blend of locals, tourists, and even a few languages from visitors around the world.

You can expect:

  • Families with strollers
  • Dog walkers (leashed dogs are commonly allowed in the park; always check current park rules)
  • Couples and small friend groups
  • A mix of serious collectors and casual browsers

On pleasant-weather weekends, it can get busy, especially midday. Early in the day is usually more relaxed and easier for focused browsing.

Who Is the Artists Market Best For?

The Artists Market at Piedmont Park is a good fit if you:

  • Enjoy browsing local and regional art in a laid-back, outdoor environment
  • Want to bring home a piece of Atlanta-inspired artwork
  • Are looking for one-of-a-kind gifts (especially before holidays or special occasions)
  • Love combining park time with city culture – walking, picnicking, then shopping for art

It works well for:

  • Residents looking to support artists and decorate their homes or offices
  • Visitors wanting a memorable souvenir that isn’t mass-produced
  • Families introducing kids to art in a casual, kid-friendly setting

Practical Tips for Visiting the Artists Market at Piedmont Park

Getting There and Parking

Piedmont Park sits right next to Midtown, so you have several transportation options:

By MARTA:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to Midtown Station or Arts Center Station
  • Walk, scooter, or rideshare from the station to one of the park entrances (usually 10–20 minutes on foot depending on your route and pace)

By car:

Parking near Piedmont Park can be challenging during large events. Common approaches include:

  • Using paid parking decks in Midtown (for example, garages along 10th Street, 14th Street, or Peachtree Street)
  • Allowing extra time to walk from a deck or side street
  • Checking event-specific parking information if the market is part of a larger festival

Rideshare and taxis:

  • Often the simplest option on busy weekends
  • Set pickup/drop-off near major intersections like 10th & Piedmont or 10th & Monroe, adjusting based on event road closures

What to Bring

A little preparation makes the visit easier, especially in Atlanta’s variable weather.

Consider bringing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes – you’ll likely walk across grass, gravel, and paved paths
  • Reusable tote bag – helpful for carrying prints, ceramics, or smaller pieces
  • Water bottle – Atlanta can be hot and humid much of the year
  • Hat, sunscreen, or light layers depending on season
  • A small umbrella or rain jacket if there’s a chance of showers

Some booths accept cards and mobile payments, but it’s often helpful to:

  • Bring a mix of card and some cash, especially for smaller purchases or when connectivity is spotty

Budgeting and Pricing

Prices vary based on the artist, medium, and size of the work.

You may find:

  • Smaller prints and cards at lower price points – great for gifts or souvenirs
  • Mid-range pieces like framed prints, smaller original paintings, or jewelry
  • Higher-end original works and large-format pieces suitable for serious collectors

It can help to:

  • Decide your overall budget before you arrive
  • Walk the entire market once, then return to favorites before deciding
  • Ask artists about payment options, layaway, or local delivery for larger pieces when offered

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Combine the Artists Market with Other Piedmont Park Activities

One of the best parts of the Artists Market is that it sits inside one of Atlanta’s most versatile green spaces. You can easily turn it into a full day.

Popular pairings:

  • Morning walk or run around the Active Oval or along the lake, then art browsing
  • Picnic on the lawn – bring food or purchase from nearby Midtown spots or on-site food vendors when available
  • Dog park visit – if you’re a local with a dog, you can coordinate your park time with a quick pass through the market
  • Atlanta BeltLine trek – many visitors walk or bike on the Eastside Trail and then cut into Piedmont Park for the market

Family-Friendly Ideas 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

If you’re bringing kids:

  • Let them pick a small print or postcard as a souvenir
  • Use the booths as a chance to talk about different art styles and materials
  • Plan breaks at the playgrounds or open fields so they can run around between browsing

Strollers are commonly seen, but be prepared for crowded, sometimes narrow paths in peak times.

Accessibility and Comfort Considerations

Piedmont Park includes paved paths and generally gentle terrain, but crowds and temporary event setups can add challenges.

Things to know:

  • Many main routes to the Artists Market are paved and relatively flat, though you may encounter slight inclines
  • Booths are typically set up on grass or compacted dirt, which may be uneven
  • Portable restrooms or park restrooms are usually available; check event maps or signage

If you or someone in your group has mobility concerns:

  • Consider arriving earlier in the day before crowds peak
  • Use entrances that connect to widest, most direct paths (for example, near 12th & Piedmont or 10th & Charles Allen)
  • Look for marked ADA-compliant routes on event maps if provided

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Amenities

Food options during the Artists Market may include:

  • On-site food vendors or trucks during larger festivals
  • Nearby Midtown restaurants and cafés along Piedmont Avenue, 10th Street, and Monroe Drive
  • Grocery and quick-stop options within a short drive or rideshare ride

Tips:

  • Eat before arriving if you plan to spend several hours browsing, especially with kids
  • Use picnic areas and open lawns for breaks between shopping
  • Always check event-specific rules about outside food and drink, though basic snacks and water are commonly allowed for casual park use

Buying, Transporting, and Caring for Art

Once you find a piece you love, think through how you’ll get it home and display it.

Transporting your purchase:

  • Smaller works – Most artists provide bags or protective sleeves; a sturdy tote helps
  • Framed or larger pieces – Handle by the frame, not the wire; ask for padding or corner protectors if available
  • Very large works – Some artists offer local delivery or pickup arrangements

Caring for your art (general considerations):

  • Keep pieces out of direct sunlight to reduce fading
  • For framed art, consider UV-protective glass or acrylic when you get it framed
  • Store any care instructions the artist provides

In Atlanta’s humid climate, it can also help to:

  • Avoid storing art in damp basements or unconditioned attics
  • Use dehumidification where necessary for sensitive works

How to Find Current Artists Market Dates in Atlanta

Because schedules can change and new events are sometimes added, it’s a good idea to double-check the latest details before you go.

Practical steps:

  1. Look up current-year art festivals at Piedmont Park and check whether they include an Artists Market.
  2. Visit or contact the Piedmont Park Conservancy for park-wide event calendars:
    • Piedmont Park Conservancy
      1071 Piedmont Ave NE
      Atlanta, GA 30309
      Phone: (404) 875-7275 (verify current phone before calling)
  3. Check major Atlanta events calendars and filter for “Piedmont Park” and “art.”

Planning ahead helps you:

  • Pick the best day and time (for example, early Saturday to beat crowds)
  • Coordinate parking or MARTA plans
  • Build your visit into a larger Midtown Atlanta day with food, culture, and park time

Visiting the Artists Market at Piedmont Park lets you experience Atlanta’s creative side right in the middle of its most iconic urban park. With a little planning around timing, transit, and budget, it can be one of the most rewarding “things to do” in Atlanta for art lovers, casual browsers, and curious visitors alike.