Know Before You Glow: Atlanta Beltline Lantern ParadeKnow Before You Glow: Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade

The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade returns to the Southwest Trail on Saturday, September 19th, and this year’s celebration is bigger and brighter than ever. With an expanded route, and family-friendly festivities, there’s plenty to look forward to. Here’s a few things you need to know before you go! 

Plan Your Parade Night 

For families with an early bedtime, stop by Pittsburgh Yards® for the Kids Lantern Parade, presented by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The festivities run from 4–7 p.m. where kids will enjoy music, face painting, balloon twisting, and special performances including DJ Willy Wow!. 

The main parade will kick off at 8:00 p.m., with line-up beginning at 7:15 p.m. near Beulah Colbert Park (formerly Adair Park II). If you’re planning on walking in the parade, be sure to get there when line-up begins to snag a spot behind your favorite band. 

From there, the parade will travel along neighborhood roads up to Allene Avenue SW before joining the Southwest Trail and continuing toward Lee + White. Once the parade arrives at Lee + White, the celebration will close out with a finale and all-puppet jam session  from 9–10 p.m. 

Last-Minute Lantern Making 

Remember, you don’t need a lantern to watch the parade, but you do need one to join in. No lantern yet? No worries! There are still plenty of opportunities to make one last-minute.  

From 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse (825 Warner St. SW), children and adults can make an acorn lantern to walk with Trees Atlanta and the Giant Oak King or create a lantern of their own design. The event is free and first come, first served, with limited supplies. There will also be lantern-making stations at the Kids Lantern Parade and at the main parade step-off. 

Getting to the Parade  

Planning how you’ll get to and from the parade is an important part of your Lantern Parade experience. Luckily, there are several ways to get there. 

ATL Spoke is an especially convenient option for parade-goers. The free autonomous shuttle will have extended service hours on Lantern Parade day, making it easier to connect between West End MARTA Station and Lee + White throughout the celebration. 

For cyclists, bike valet will be available on-site at Lee + White and Beulah Colbert Park.

If you choose to drive, parking will be available at several locations, including: 

• West End MARTA Station (620 Lee St SW)   

• MET Atlanta (680 Murphy Ave SW) 

• Herman J. Russell West End Academy (765 Peeples St SW)   

• 1200 White Street — a shuttle will transport passengers from this location to Lee + White.  

Parking is limited, so we encourage you to arrive early and consider MARTA, ATL Spoke, biking, or other transportation options if possible. 

Road Closures 

With thousands of people expected along the route, rolling streets and lane closures will occur along the parade route beginning around 4:00 p.m. on parade day. Be sure to follow posted signs and directions from traffic personnel and plan an alternate route if you need to travel through the affected neighborhoods. 

We hope this information helps you feel prepared to enjoy a great time with friends and family as we celebrate creativity and community. We can’t wait to see you light up the Southwest Trail! Click here for a full schedule of events, including other highlights like the Atlanta Beltline Indie Market Experience, the Pittsburgh Community Market, and a vendor market at Lee + White.