One of Atlanta's most inspiring traditions, The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade celebrates the annual Art on the BeltLine art show, which is the biggest temporary exhibition of the South. The BeltLine is a former railway circling Atlanta that now serves as a multi-use trail for hiking, biking, and other activities. The Parade takes place on the Westside Trail.
The Lantern Parade lines up at 7:45 pm, and starts marching at 8:45 pm sharp in Adair Park and finishes at Lee + White. Anyone can participate in the parade for free if he or she brings a lantern or any glowing object. Participants let their creativity loose, bringing glowing hats, animals, popular culture characters, and all kinds of custom designs. The procession also includes five marching bands: Atlanta Drum Academy, Black Sheep Ensemble, Seed & Feed Marching Abominables, Atlanta Freedom Band, and Kebbi Williams & the Wolf Pack.
Parade Rules
All parade participants must follow certain rules to ensure safety and a good time. To begin with, you need to have a lantern (but no flying lanterns) to walk in the parade and walk/dance slowly without passing. If you want to stop to rest, you need to move to the side. Pets are not allowed to participate in the parade. And, of course, take the trash with you.
Additional Festival Activities
Visitors can also join Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons for a special series of lantern-making workshops at Lantern Parade Studio at Lee + White (1070 White Street) for beginners and professionals.
The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade History
It was created in 2010 by Chantelle Rytter, an artist and leader of the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons. Over the years, it has grown from 1,000 to over 70,000 participants. The Lantern Parade is the only such event in Atlanta, celebrating art, light, color, and music. This event is an opportunity to showcase your homemade lantern and express your creativity. Whether you prefer to observe from the sidelines or join the floating lights parade and dance to the music, the choice is yours.
