The beloved Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade, which regularly draws thousands of participants and spectators, will return to the Westside Trail on Saturday, May 11.
The annual event is part of Art on the Atlanta BeltLine and his led by creator, curator and orchestrator Chantelle Rytter and her Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons. Last year’s parade drew an estimated 15,000 participants and spectators.
This year’s presenting sponsors are Lee + White, Ackerman & Co. and MDH Partners
Along with glowing lanterns and giant puppets along the one-mile route, five marching bands will accompany the parade: Atlanta Drum Academy, Black Sheep Ensemble, Seed & Feed Marching Abominables, Atlanta Freedom Band, Wasted Potential Brass Band and Grammy-Award winning artist Kebbi Williams and the Wolfpack.
The parade will begin at Adair Park I, 742 Catherine St. SW and end at Lee + White, 1070 White St. Lineup will begin at 7:45 p.m. and will step-ff at 8:45 p.m.
Limited parking will be available in the adjacent neighborhoods and 1200 White St. Event sponsor Ackerman & Co. will also provide complimentary shuttle service to and from Lee + White and the 1200 White St. parking lot. Spectators and participants are encouraged to take MARTA to West End Station, use ride-share or bike to the event.
Immediately following the parade, all are welcome to join the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, the bands, and parade-goers at the official after-party in the Lee + White Food Hall parking lot. The “All-Band-Puppet-Jam” will be an opportunity to interact with the Krewe’s giant puppets and all of the participating bands.
Chantelle Rytter will host a series of lantern-making workshops April 19 – May 8 at their Lantern Parade Studio at Lee + White. Their collection of giant lantern puppets will also be on display. Those interested may register at www.weirdgonepro.com/atlanta-beltline-lantern-parade. Fees vary by workshop.