The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade is a beloved part of the ‘Art on the BeltLine’ program, which is the largest temporary public art exhibition in the history of Atlanta. It showcases the work of hundreds of visual artists, performers, and musicians along the Atlanta BeltLine through various events and exhibitions.
Every Atlantan is invited to make a lantern and participate in this year’s 15th annual Lantern Parade! So get ready to light up the night sky with tons of beautiful lanterns, Atlanta!
A little Lantern Parade history
Lantern Parade Westside Trail Photo by Erin Sintos
In 2010, the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons answered a call for proposals of a lantern parade, and their wish came true.
The first lantern parade happened that year, and drew a spirited 400 participants with zero spectators. But by 2023, the parade attracted an estimated 15,000 participants and spectators.
The 2o25 Lantern Parade
This year, the parade is set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025! The general public is invited to come and march the one-mile parade along with several marching bands and the Krewe!
These marching bands include:
- Atlanta Drum Academy
- Atlanta Freedom Band
- Black Sheep Ensemble
- Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective
- Seed & Feed Marching Abominables
- Grammy-Award winning artist Kebbi Williams and the Wolfpack.
The line-up starts at 7:35pm in Adair Park. The parade step-off is at 8:35pm sharp, and will end at 1070 White Street SW.
During the parade, there will also be a vendor market to peruse! The BeltLine Indie Market will open from 5pm – 9pm at the intersection of Adair Park and Murphy Crossing on 1089 Allene Avenue SW! You can expect tons of amazing artisan goods and handmade crafts!
Where: Atlanta Beltline’s Southwest Trail
- Parade Start: Adair Park I – 742 Catherine St SW
- Parade End: Lee + White – 1070 White St SW
When: Saturday, May 3:
- 7:35 p.m.: Line-up begins for the parade in Adair Park I
- 8:35 p.m.: Parade steps off and onto the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail
- 9:15 –10 p.m.: All-band giant puppet jam and parade finale
And stick around after the parade for a massive all-band giant puppet jam and official after-party in the Lee + White Food Hall parking lot! You can even interact with the giant puppets!
Don’t miss out on this iconic Atlanta tradition!