Community Farmers Markets invites you to Red Clay Soirée, a mission-driven evening uniting the people and purpose behind Atlanta's local food movement.
What started as a grassroots movement has grown into an engine of economic growth and local resilience, rooted in connection, fair food, and a deep love for the land. Like the red clay that sustains us all, Red Clay Soirée provides critical support to CFM’s work, so our farmers can keep growing and our community thriving.
Participating Chefs and Bartenders
From the first bite to the final course of a seated farm-to-table dinner, the menu showcases the best of Georgia's red clay. Every dish is a collaboration between Atlanta's top chefs and the farmers you know from our markets. Live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind items and experiences round out a fun-filled evening.
Location
This year, we gather at WestHouse, a brand-new venue next door to the Upper West Market. Open seven days a week, the Upper West Market ushers in a new era of access to locally produced food. Many of the farmers and food producers you know from CFM's markets have already made it their permanent home. We are thrilled to partner with many of them for a celebratory evening!
Bedrock Award
Antigua, Guatemala. January 2026. Café Campesino delegation for “A Fork in the Road” episode on coffee farmi.
Community Farmers Markets is honored to present the first-ever Bedrock Award to Atiba Mbiwan, Executive Director of The Zeist Foundation.
Every movement needs a steady foundation, and for Atlanta, that has been Atiba. From helping establish one of Atlanta's largest farmers' markets to championing place-based philanthropy and urban farming across the city, he has spent decades building the ground our local food movement grows from.
Meet the Hosts
This year's Host Co-Chairs, Robby Astove and Jess Peffer, embody the grassroots heart of Red Clay Soirée. For years, they have been planting seeds, trees, and community connections across Atlanta.
Robby Astrove is an environmental educator and ecologist serving as the Preserve Manager for the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. For nearly 20 years, Robby has acted as an educator, land steward, and community organizer on behalf of Atlanta's biodiversity, native/edible plants, and people who seek connection to nature and the local food system.
Jess Pfeffer is the Founder and Chief Connection Officer of Jess Pfeffer + Creator of SETTLE and Conscious Babes Who Brunch, a consulting and event planning business that specializes in creating wellness-focused and meaningful experiences for individuals and organizations. With over 20 years of experience in the event planning industry, Jess combines her skills in social media marketing, public relations, and hospitality to design and execute memorable and impactful events.
Sustaining a Movement
The Red Clay Soirée is a chance to invest in the work that keeps fresh, local food within reach for all Atlantans. Your support helps Community Farmers Markets:
Distribute free produce in Title 1 schools
Support small-scale farmers and food producers
Match SNAP/EBT dollars so food-insecure families can stretch their budgets
Serve more than 200,000 people a year through our weekly markets
Build programs that educate, empower, and connect
Thank you to our Sponsors
