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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.

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.

Lantern Parade Schedule
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.

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

Join the Parade

Check out the map below for more details on the parade route, viewing areas, and more.

A map shows that the Lantern Parade will begin at Adair Park II, join the Southwest Trail, and then go up just past Lee+White. It will then go up and finish in the Lee+White parking lot.

Kids Parade & Lantern-Making Workshop

Check back soon for more details on our family-friendly afternoon of lantern making presented in partnership with The Happy Black Parent.

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 1200 White Street

  • At Herman J. Russell West End Academy

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!

A group of people stand alongside a trail and watch as people parade with larger-than-life illuminated puppets.

Sponsors

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Government Sponsors

Want to Become a Sponsor?

Learn more about how your sponsorship can help bring this event to life.