Saturday, September 19
Lantern Parade
Enjoy a magical evening celebrating creativity and the spirit of community as hundreds of lanterns light up the Southwest Trail.
Light Up The Night
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 special festivities, including:
A parade along the Southwest Trail
Lantern-making stations
Food and market vendors
Live performances
Special daytime kids activities
So much more!
Craft Your Lantern
Want some help making something special for this year's event? Parade creator Chantelle Rytter will host a series of free and paid workshops leading up to the festivities. Our partners at Trees Atlanta are also hosting a "procrastination station" where you can make lanterns the day of the parade. Learn more about both opportunities and secure your spot below.
If you'd rather wait until parade line-up to make something special, we'll also have a free lantern making station onsite at Beulah Colbert Park (formerly Adair Park II).
2026 Parade Details
Parade Route & Details
Get ready to celebrate: this year's parade features an extended route that takes us through the streets before joining the Southwest Trail. It also features four beloved local bands, including:
Mausiki Scales & Common Ground Collective
ATL Freedom Band
Seed & Feed Marching Abominables
Black Sheep Ensemble
Schedule of Events
7:15 p.m.: Parade line-up begins at Beulah Colbert Park (formerly Adair Park II)
8:00 p.m.: Parade step-off
9:00ish p.m.: Final jam session at Lee+White
10:00 p.m.: Jam session ends
The full parade route can be found below.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Lantern Parade
Parking near the parade route is limited and is expected to fill quickly. We encourage guests to use the Beltline, MARTA, or rideshare to get to the festivities.
If you're planning to bike to the parade, we ask that you walk your bike in the parade. If you don't want to walk it, complimentary bike valet will also be available at Lee+White.
Free Shuttle Services:
ATL Spoke will run from the West End MARTA station to Lee+White, with extended service from noon until 11:00 p.m.
There will also be a shuttle running from 1200 White Street to Lee+White from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Limited additional parking can be found:
1200 White Street
Herman J. Russell West End Academy
In the adjacent neighborhoods
Get a dedicated parade space
Participate With Your Group
Interested in walking with your company, organization, association, or group in this year's parade? For a nominal fee, you can secure a prime spot for your group toward the front of the processional!
The link to sign up your group is coming soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, reach out to art@atlbeltline.org with any questions.
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.
2026 Cultural Partners
We're grateful to have a host of cultural partners participating in this year's parade. Those organizations include:
Atlanta Fire Foundation
Atlanta Freedom Bands
Black Sheep Ensemble
Latino Community Fund
Mausiki Scales & Common Ground Collective
Seed & Feed Marching Abominables
Wrens Nest
The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade debuted in 2010 with a few hundred people and continues to grow to include tens of thousands of lantern enthusiasts. (Photo Credit: The Sintoses)
Other Parade Activities
For the Little Ones
Kids Lantern Parade
Have little ones who want to celebrate but can't make the late-night bedtime? Join us at Pittsburgh Yards® for our Kids Lantern Parade!
This year's parade will feature Dj Willy WOW!, face painting and balloon twisting from Color Me Happy Academy, performances from Atlanta Drum Academy, and a lantern-making station with Happy Black Parent.
Schedule of Events
12:00 p.m.: Kids Parade lantern-making station begins as part of the Pittsburgh Community Market with Happy Black Parent
4:00 p.m.: Festivities begin
4:15 p.m. Kids Parade line-up
4:30 p.m.: Kids Parade step-off
5:00-7:00 p.m.: Kids DJ performance, hula hoop contests, and more.
Shop Local
Atlanta Beltline Indie Market Experience
We've partnered with Atlanta Indie Market to host a special edition of the Atlanta Beltline Indie Market Experience!
Join us at the Atlanta Beltline Marketplace at Pittsburgh Yards® from 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. to shop from countless local entrepreneurs, including independent makers, food and beverage vendors, lifestyle and wellness brands, thrift sellers, and more.
