Light Up the Night
Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade
Created and presented by Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade brings together thousands of people and hundreds of lanterns for a festive evening of creativity, community, and magic.
The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade brings together thousands of people, hundreds of lanterns, and some really big lantern puppets for magical night. (Photo Credit: The Sintoses)
2025 Parade Details
Start dreaming up your lanterns, Atlanta! The most magical night of the year returns to the Southwest Trail on Saturday, May 3.
Lantern Parade Schedule
4:00 p.m.: Vendor market and food trucks open at 1200 White Street.
5:00-7:00 p.m.: Lantern-making stations and vendor market are open at the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace @ Allene.
7:35 p.m.: Line-up begins for the parade in Adair Park I.
8:35 p.m.: The parade begins and steps off onto the Southwest Trail.
9:15 p.m.-10:00 p.m.: All of the bands and the puppets join for a jam session and parade finale in the Lee + White Food Hall parking lot.
11:00 p.m.: 1200 White Street activations close for the night.
Participating Bands
Atlanta Drum Academy
Atlanta Freedom Band
Black Sheep Ensemble
Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective
Seed & Feed Marching Abominables
Kebbi Williams and the Wolfpack'
Want to make a lantern for this year's parade but not sure where to begin? Parade creator Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons are hosting a series of free and paid workshops at their studio! For more information, click here. If you can't make a workshop but are still looking for inspiration, click here.
Join the Parade
Check out the map below for more details on the parade route, viewing areas, and more.
Kids Parade & Lantern-Making Workshop
Want a bit of Lantern Parade magic without the late-night bedtime? Join us at the Pittsburgh Community Market alongside Atlanta Indie Market and The Happy Black Parent from 12:00-7:00 p.m. to craft your own lantern at our free family lantern-making station.
Then, stick around for a Kids Lantern Parade at 6:00 p.m. (with line-up at 5:45 p.m.), led by Atlanta Ol Skool Drummers. The parade will go around Pittsburgh Yards® and on a portion of the trail.
While the event is free, we do ask that you RSVP ahead of time if possible so we know how many supplies to get.
If you're a vendor interested in participating in the market, please click here.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Lantern Parade
Planning on joining us for the parade? Due to limited parking, we recommend utilizing alternative modes of transportation, including riding MARTA to the West End station, taking a ride-share service, or biking. Train and bus schedule information can be found on itsmarta.com.
Limited additional parking can be found:
In the adjacent neighborhoods
At MET Atlanta (680 Murphy Ave SW)
At Herman J. Russell West End Academy
At 1200 White Street
Ackerman & Co. will provide a complimentary shuttle between 1200 White Street and Lee+White from 4-11 p.m.
In the gravel lot at our 356 University site (adjacent to Pittsburgh Yards®)
Lantern Parade Etiquette
Attendee Best Practices
You need a lantern to walk in the parade.
Walk/dance slowly, no passing.
If you need to stop, please step off to the side.
Yield generous space for bands and large lanterns.
Leave your pets at home.
Walk your bike.
No flying lanterns.
Take your trash with you.
Smile & wave! You’re in a zillion photos.
Go to the end for the giant puppet & jam band!
About Lantern Parade
The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade debuted on the Atlanta art scene in 2010 with a few hundred people and continues to grow to include tens of thousands of lantern enthusiasts.
Anyone with a lantern is invited to come out and light up the Atlanta Beltline corridor by walking in the parade! Others are invited to watch the fun as a spectator.
The parade is led by Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons and a host of live bands.
Experience the Magic of the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade!
