Atlanta’s beloved BeltLine Lantern Parade is getting another chance to light up the city after severe weather forced the original event to be postponed.
The annual celebration has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 26, at 8 p.m., with the parade returning to Atlanta’s Southwest Trail. Atlanta BeltLine officially confirmed the new date and encouraged residents and visitors to grab their lanterns and join the festivities.
The parade will feature hundreds of glowing lanterns, illuminated art, music and giant puppets as participants make their way along the trail. The event has become a signature Atlanta tradition centered on creativity, public art and community participation.
For those planning to walk in the parade, lineup begins at 7:15 p.m., with the procession stepping off at 8 p.m. The updated route begins near the Atlanta BeltLine Marketplace at Allene Avenue and travels along the Southwest Trail toward Lee + White, where the evening will conclude with a finale and all-puppet jam session.
And the best part is that spectators don’t need a lantern to enjoy the show — but anyone who wants to walk in the parade must bring one. The BeltLine encourages participants to create their own lanterns, turning the event itself into a moving display of Atlanta’s creativity.
The Lantern Parade dates back to 2010, when it began as a public art project designed to encourage people to explore the developing BeltLine corridor. Over the years, it has grown into a major community celebration attracting thousands of participants and spectators.
The Southwest Trail provides a fitting backdrop for the event, connecting neighborhoods including Pittsburgh, Adair Park and West End. The trail is also home to several Atlanta BeltLine arts and cultural installations throughout the year.
With the weather-related postponement now behind them, Atlanta residents have another opportunity to gather, get creative and light up the trail together. Whether carrying an elaborate handmade creation or simply watching from the sidelines, the September 26 parade promises another colorful night of art, music and community.
