Make Your Lantern and Join us at the 2026 Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade Make Your Lantern and Join us at the 2026 Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade

The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade is bringing its signature glow back to the Southwest Trail on September 19! Come out and enjoy a magical evening with a new, expanded route that invites even more of the community to experience the celebration. 

In partnership with Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, the Atlanta Beltline invites you to an evening of creativity and community. Whether you’re a longtime participant or experiencing the magic for the first time, we can’t wait to see you and your glowing creations. 

Make Your Own Lantern 

The best part of the Lantern Parade is enjoying the creative expression of your neighbors and showing off your own. From simple paper lanterns to elaborate, glowing works of art, there’s no wrong way to light up the night. 

If you’re not sure where to start, Chantelle Rytter, creator of the Lantern Parade, will be hosting a variety of lantern-making workshops leading up to the event, including both free and paid opportunities. Rytter also has a number of patterns you can make at home. 

A Bigger Route, More Ways to Experience the Parade 

This year’s parade features an expanded route, starting at Gillette Avenue near Beulah Colbert Park (formerly Adair Park II), traveling along Allene Avenue SW before joining the Southwest Trail. From there, the processional will continue down the Beltline before ending in the parking lot at Lee + White for a big finale and jam session. Line-up for the parade begins at 7:15 p.m. and step-off is at 8:00 p.m. The finale will run from 9:00(ish) to 10:00 p.m. 

A Lantern Parade for the Little Ones 

Do you have a little one that wants to celebrate but can’t do the late-night start time? You’re in luck! Our family-family friendly Kids Parade presented by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is returning to Pittsburgh Yards®. The celebration goes from 4:00 –7:00 p.m. featuring 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. The kids parade itself begins at 4:30 p.m. Bring the whole family, let the kids show off their lanterns and enjoy an afternoon of creativity before the main event gets underway.

Save the Date 

With an expanded route and opportunities for participants of all ages, there’s even more reason to grab your lantern and join the fun. Mark your calendar for September 19, 2026, and get ready to light up the Southwest Trail. 

This program is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly and funding from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts. Atlanta Beltline Art also receives direct support through an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. 

Click here for more about the creative celebration!