City of Sandy Springs Celebrates 10 Years of the Lantern Parade

The City of Sandy Springs invites residents and visitors to experience the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade on Saturday, May 9, 2026, along Morgan Falls Road. This beloved community tradition brings together families, artists, and neighbors for an evening of glowing lanterns, whimsical puppets, music, and celebration along the Chattahoochee River.

Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with a Pre-Parade Party at a new location — the Sandy Springs Police Headquarters and Municipal Court Complex parking lot — featuring music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities before the parade steps off at 8:30 p.m. Participants carrying handmade lanterns will march approximately one mile along Morgan Falls Road, ending at Morgan Falls Overlook Park where hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the night. A shuttle service will be provided for the return trip to the parking lot.

Unlike traditional parades, the Sandy Springs Lantern Parade invites attendees to be part of the spectacle by creating and carrying their own lantern creations.

To help community members prepare for the parade, the City will host three Lantern Parade Workshops on May 2–3 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Studio Theatre Lobby, 1 Galambos Way.

Led by lantern parade artist Chantelle Rytter, the hands-on workshops teach participants how to build their own illuminated creations, such as an "Everybody Lantern Puppet" or an Illuminated Parasol, to carry in the parade.

Tickets are $25 per lantern project, and all materials are provided. The workshops are designed for adults and older children who are comfortable using hot glue; children must be accompanied by an adult. Workshops are as follows:

• Saturday, May 2: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and 3–6 p.m.
• Sunday, May 3: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

The City is also offering DIY Lantern Kits for those who cannot attend the in-person workshops. Each kit includes a paper lantern, battery-operated light, tissue paper, and step-by-step instructions. Kits can be purchased at CityBar & Café, Tuesday–Friday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., and at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market on April 4, 11, 18, and 25 and May 2.

The Lantern Parade is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to make their lanterns in advance; no lanterns will be sold the day of the event. Only LED battery-powered lights are permitted. Event parking is at 7840 Roswell Road.