Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center: A Local’s Guide to Atlanta’s Beloved Saturday Market

The Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center is one of Atlanta’s most popular farmers markets, known for its focus on local farms, seasonal produce, and small-batch food makers. It’s a favorite Saturday morning stop for people who live in nearby neighborhoods like Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Candler Park, and Old Fourth Ward, as well as visitors staying around Midtown or along the BeltLine.

If you’re looking for fresh food, local flavor, and an easy way to support Georgia farmers, this market is a standout option.

Where It Is and How to Get There

Location:
Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

The market is typically set up in the parking area of The Carter Center, near the intersection of Freedom Parkway and Moreland Avenue. Signage on Saturday mornings usually makes it easy to spot once you turn into The Carter Center grounds.

Because schedules can change due to weather, holidays, or special events at The Carter Center, it’s a good idea to verify current hours and dates before you go.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

By car:

• From Midtown or Downtown: Take Freedom Parkway east; The Carter Center will be on your right.
• From I-20: Use Moreland Avenue (US-23) north, then turn left onto Freedom Parkway.
• From Virginia-Highland / Poncey-Highland: Head toward Freedom Parkway; the entrance is just east of Moreland.

Parking is usually free in the Carter Center lots during market hours, though spaces can fill up quickly on nice-weather Saturdays. Arriving earlier in the morning often makes parking easier.

By MARTA:

• The closest heavy-rail stops are typically Inman Park/Reynoldstown or Midtown stations.
• From there, many people use a rideshare, bike, or scooter to cover the remaining distance.
• Several MARTA bus routes serve the general Freedom Parkway / Moreland Ave area; routing changes over time, so check current bus information if you plan to use transit.

By bike / on foot:

The market is reasonably close to the Eastside BeltLine Trail. Many Atlantans bike or walk from Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and nearby neighborhoods. Bike racks are often available near The Carter Center, and you’ll usually see a cluster of bikes on market days.

Typical Hours and Seasonal Schedule

Freedom Farmers Market generally operates on Saturday mornings, with a year-round core season and occasional adjustments for holidays or extreme weather.

While specific hours may shift slightly over time, shoppers commonly plan for:

• Day: Saturday
• Time window: Roughly morning to early afternoon
• Season: Often year-round, with peak variety in spring, summer, and early fall

Because Atlanta weather can be unpredictable and special events at The Carter Center sometimes affect the schedule, locals often:

• Check the market’s latest updates before heading out
• Expect lighter vendor turnout in mid-winter, with more prepared foods and storage crops
• Look for extended or themed markets around certain holidays or harvest seasons

What You’ll Find at Freedom Farmers Market

Freedom Farmers Market is known for high-quality, locally grown and produced foods. Many vendors come from small and mid-sized farms around metro Atlanta and greater Georgia.

You can usually expect:

Fresh Produce

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables: greens, tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra, berries, melons, apples, and more, depending on the time of year
• Heirloom varieties that you may not see in big-box grocery stores
• Organic or sustainably grown options, clearly labeled by many growers

Shoppers in Atlanta especially appreciate that these items are typically harvested just before market day, which can mean better flavor and longer fridge life.

Meat, Eggs, and Dairy

Many vendors specialize in pasture-raised or locally raised products such as:

• Beef, pork, lamb, and poultry
• Fresh eggs
• Cheeses, yogurts, and sometimes farmstead or artisanal dairy products

Selection varies by week and season. Regulars often pre-order with their favorite farms for specific cuts, then pick up on Saturday.

Baked Goods and Prepared Foods

You’ll usually find:

• Artisan breads and pastries
• Local coffee roasters serving brewed coffee and beans to take home
• Jams, pickles, hot sauces, and condiments
• Ready-to-eat items like breakfast sandwiches, empanadas, or baked treats

Many Atlantans treat Freedom Farmers Market as their weekend breakfast or brunch stop, grabbing something to eat while they shop.

Specialty and Pantry Items

Common finds include:

• Local honey and hive products
• Spices, herb blends, and teas
• Nut butters and granola
• Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut

Some weekends feature more craft or body-care vendors (soap, candles, skincare), but the market is primarily food-focused.

Why Atlantans Like This Market

Freedom Farmers Market stands out from many other Atlanta farmers markets because of its location, atmosphere, and vendor mix.

Central, Scenic Setting

Being on the grounds of The Carter Center gives the market:

• A green, park-like backdrop, with trees and walking paths nearby
• Easy access for people who live in Intown Atlanta
• Proximity to other attractions, like the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, making it easy to turn your market visit into a fuller day out

Strong Focus on Local Farms

Shoppers often notice that:

• Vendors tend to be farmers and producers themselves, not just resellers
• Many products are grown or made within a few hours of Atlanta
• Seasonal eating is front and center—what’s available shifts as Georgia’s growing season changes

For Atlantans who want to support local agriculture and get to know who’s growing their food, this market is a natural fit.

Community Feel

Many people come to Freedom Farmers Market not just to shop, but to:

• Run into neighbors and friends
• Bring kids or dogs (check current rules on pets, which can change)
• Listen to local musicians who sometimes perform on-site
• Enjoy a relaxed Saturday morning scene that still feels distinctly “Atlanta”

The crowd tends to be a mix of families, young professionals, long-time neighborhood residents, and visitors staying nearby.

What to Know Before You Go

Payment Options

Most vendors at Freedom Farmers Market accept a mix of:

• Cash
• Debit/credit cards (often via mobile readers)
• Sometimes mobile payment apps like certain smartphone-based services

Many Atlanta farmers markets, including this one, work to be accessible to a wide range of shoppers. Programs that support SNAP/EBT or similar benefits may be available at a central information booth or through specific vendors. If this is important to you, it’s worth confirming current options before visiting.

Tip:
💡 Bring some cash as a backup, especially if you’re visiting early (before card systems are set up) or on a very busy day.

Crowds and Best Time to Visit

• Earlier in the morning often means:
  • Better parking
  • The widest selection, especially for eggs, bread, and popular produce
• Late morning is livelier but can be more crowded, with some items sold out

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want the full experience without feeling rushed, plan to stay at least an hour to walk the market, grab a bite, and explore the Carter Center grounds.

Weather and Seasonal Changes

The market runs rain or shine most weeks, but:

• Extremely bad weather can reduce vendor turnout or cause schedule changes
• Summer heat in Atlanta can be intense by late morning—many shoppers bring water, hats, and sunscreen
• In cooler months, you’ll still find produce, but more emphasis on:
  • Root vegetables
  • Greens
  • Storage crops
  • Prepared foods and pantry items

Sample Market Day at Freedom Farmers Market

Here’s a simple overview of what a typical Saturday might look like for a shopper:

This is just a rough outline—frequent shoppers often have a preferred route through their favorite farm stands.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

1. Bring Reusable Bags and a Cooler
Many Atlantans bring tote bags, produce bags, or small coolers (especially in summer) to keep items fresh while they run other Saturday errands.

2. Plan Your Weekly Meals Around What’s in Season
Because offerings change with the Georgia growing calendar, many people:

• Walk the full market once before buying
• Decide on meals after seeing what looks best that week
• Ask farmers for ideas on how to cook specific vegetables or cuts of meat

3. Talk to the Vendors
Producers are usually happy to answer:

• Where and how their food is grown or raised
• The best way to store and cook their products
• When certain seasonal items (like tomatoes, peaches, or strawberries) will peak

This can be especially helpful if you’re new to Atlanta and still learning Georgia’s seasonal rhythms.

4. Combine the Market with Other Atlanta Activities

After the market, you might:

• Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
• Drive or bike over to Ponce City Market or the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Explore nearby neighborhoods like Inman Park, Cabbagetown, or Old Fourth Ward for additional dining and shopping

This makes Freedom Farmers Market a convenient anchor for a full Atlanta Saturday.

How Freedom Farmers Market Fits into Atlanta’s Market Scene

Atlanta has several well-known farmers markets, each with its own personality and neighborhood feel. Freedom Farmers Market is particularly attractive if you:

• Want a centrally located, Intown option
• Prefer a market with a heavy emphasis on local farms and producers
• Enjoy pairing your market visit with green space and cultural attractions

Residents often include it in a rotation with other markets around DeKalb, Fulton, and nearby counties, depending on where they live and what they’re looking for each week.

Is Freedom Farmers Market Right for You?

Consider Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center if you:

• Live or are staying near Intown Atlanta and want a Saturday activity
• Prefer to support local Georgia farmers and makers
• Enjoy shopping outdoors in a community-oriented environment
• Appreciate pairing food shopping with coffee, live music, and green space

Whether you’re an Atlanta local planning your weekly grocery run or a visitor looking for an authentic snapshot of the city’s food culture, the Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center offers a relaxed, distinctly Atlanta way to spend a Saturday morning.