Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade Returns With a Bigger Route

Atlanta is getting ready to light up the night.

One of the city’s most visually spectacular community traditions, the 16th annual Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade, returns Saturday, September 19, bringing thousands of glowing, handmade lanterns, larger-than-life puppets and live marching bands to the Southwest Trail.

What began as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into one of Atlanta’s most anticipated annual events, perfectly capturing the BeltLine’s intersection of art, culture and community. Paradegoers can expect a lively celebration featuring lantern-making stations, food and market vendors, live performances and plenty of creative displays.

And the best part? You don’t have to simply watch the magic unfold—you can help create it.

Created by artist Chantelle Rytter, the parade encourages Atlantans to get hands-on through a series of lantern-making workshops leading up to the big night. Whether you’re looking for a creative afternoon with the family or a crafty date-night activity, there’s a workshop for nearly every kind of lantern lover.

Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade

How to Get Lantern Parade Ready

Flying Saucer Lantern Workshop
Tuesday, September 8 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Krewe’s Lantern Parade Studio at Lee + White
$20 REGISTER HERE

Create your own flying saucer lantern and march with the Common Sky Collective behind Mausiki Scales & the Common Ground Collective.

Trees Atlanta Acorn Lantern Puppet Workshop
Thursday, September 10 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Trees Atlanta
$20

Craft an acorn lantern and join the Acorns and Oak King as they march behind the Atlanta Freedom Band.

Adults-Only Paper Lantern Puppet Workshop
Friday, September 11 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Krewe’s Lantern Parade Studio at Lee + White
$20 REGISTER HERE

Turn crafting into a fun night out with this adults-only workshop designed for a playful, creative date night.

Paper Jack-o-Lantern Puppet Workshop
Saturday, September 12 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Krewe’s Lantern Parade Studio at Lee + White
$20 REGISTER HERE

Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade

Get into the early Halloween spirit by creating a paper jack-o-lantern puppet before marching with the Jack-o-Lantern Jam behind the Seed & Feed Marching Abominables.

Owl Lantern Workshop
Saturday, September 12 | 3–5 p.m.
Krewe’s Lantern Parade Studio at Lee + White
$20 REGISTER HERE

Make an owl lantern and take flight with the Parliament of Owls marching behind the Black Sheep Ensemble.

Free Drop-In Lantern Workshop
Sunday, September 13 | 1–5 p.m., or while supplies last
Lee + White Food Hall

For those looking for a simpler option, the free drop-in workshop offers an easy way to make a lantern to carry during the parade.

A Bigger Parade for 2026

This year’s celebration is getting even bigger, with an extended route that will travel through Atlanta’s streets before joining the Southwest Trail.

Adding to the spectacle will be four beloved local marching bands and musical groups:

Mausiki Scales & Common Ground Collective
Atlanta Freedom Band
Seed & Feed Marching Abominables
Black Sheep Ensemble

Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade

With glowing lanterns filling the streets, giant puppets dancing through the crowd, and live music setting the pace, the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade promises to be one of those fall events that feels quintessentially Atlanta.

Whether you make your own lantern ahead of time or simply come out to experience the spectacle, September 19 is a night to save on your calendar.