Need to make a lantern? See the free and cheap workshops listed below.
Hey, Atlanta! Can you believe it’s been 14 years since the very first lantern parade, the one that started them all? Well, it’s time to light up the night again.
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, you can grab your lantern and head to the BeltLine’s Westside Trail to revive the tradition.
The idea is to create a two-mile river of light that can probably be seen from outer space! While the first lantern parade drew about 400 participants, this year is estimated to bring out many thousands of participants and spectators.
Everyone is invited to walk in the Lantern Parade — but the rule is that you need a lantern to do so. You can buy a lantern-making kit at party stores, come up with your own design, or participate in one of the lantern-making workshops listed below. No candles please — you’ll need battery-0perated LED lights, for safety.
Don’t want to march in the parade?
Then you’re invited to watch from the sidelines.
Google map of the parade route and surrounding area
For kids: lantern making and an early parade
There’s a huge “pre-game” event at Pittsburgh Yards from noon to 7 p.m. on parade day.
This includes lantern making workshop and a mini lantern parade for kids.
Please use the link to RSVP, so the organizers have enough supplies on hand.
The kids parade steps off at 6 p.m.
The event will also feature the Pittsburgh Community Market with local businesses, food vendors, and more. The day will culminate with a kids’ parade around Pittsburgh Yards and a portion of the Atlanta BeltLine, so kids can showcase their creations.
Pittsburgh Yards is located at:
352 University Ave. SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
BeltLine Lantern Parade details
To walk in the parade, you must have a lantern — and please see the rules for participating, below.
Anyone can be a spectator!
The parade line-up begins at 8 p.m. in Adair Park, at Catherine Street.
The parade will step off at 8:45 p.m. sharp, heading from Adair Park to the Westside Trail, and then on to Lee + White!
Schedule of events
Noon to 7 p.m.
FREE family lantern making at Pittsburgh Community Market, with kids early parade at 6pm.
(details in the section above)
5 to 7:30 p.m.
Pre-parade fun and FREE lantern-making station at Westside Beltline MarketPlace — located at 1089 Allene Ave SW.
(MarketPlace vendors and DJ on site till 9 p.m.)
7:45 p.m.
Parade line up begins at Adair Park.
8:45 p.m.
Parade steps off onto Westside Trail
9: to 10 p.m.
After Party at Lee + White
Lantern Parade rules for participants
Know before you go!
- You need a lantern to walk in the parade
- Walk slowly. No passing allowed
- If you need to stop, you must step off to the side
- Do not walk against the flow of the parade
- Yield generous space to bands and large lanterns
- Leave your pets at home
- Walk your bike or scooter
- No flying lanterns allowed
- Take your trash with you
- Have a blast!
For more information:
View the parade route
Go to the Lantern Parade web page
Make a lantern at one of the workshops, or at home
All through May, there are lantern-making workshops for kids and adults, and you can register for one through Eventbrite.
They are affordable at just $12 (puppet lantern) or $25 (parasol lantern) and take place at the Lee + White complex.
Space is limited, so register now!
About these workshops:
Best for 7+ years with an adult.
This project is best for ages capable of using scissors and respecting hot glue. Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Tickets are per lantern. Two people are welcome to work on one lantern AND can share operating it in the parade but please no more than two. The workshop will take every bit of 2.5 hours. Please do your best to be on time to get all the instructions.
Register for a lantern-making workshop:
- Thursday, May 2nd at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 4th at 11 a.m.
- Saturday, May 4th at 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 p.m.
Want to make a lantern at home?
There are lots of ideas and patterns available on the web. Plan to use battery-powered LED lights that don’t get hot. Candles are taboo.
In a pinch, you can buy a battery operated globe lantern on Amazon (affiliate link).
Amazon also offers a string-art, star-shaped lantern kit complete with lights that suitable for kids to make.
Getting there
Clearly, there is limited parking in the area. If you can, please plan to walk, bike, scoot, or rideshare to the parade.
If you drive, you can very likely find parking at Pittsburgh Yards.
If you’d like to take MARTA, the closest station is West End Station.
