City of Sandy Springs Celebrates 10 Years of the Lantern Parade

The City of Sandy Springs invites residents and visitors to experience the magic of 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 lively 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 between May 2 and 3, at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (Studio Theatre Lobby), 1 Galambos Way.  

Led by renowned 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, with children required to be accompanied by an adult. Workshops are as follows:  

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

• Sunday, May 3: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

The City is also offering convenient DIY Lantern Kits for those who cannot attend the in-person workshops, giving residents the opportunity to create their own illuminated works of art from home ahead of the parade. Available for a limited time, each kit includes essential materials such as a paper lantern, battery-operated light, tissue paper, and step-by-step instructions, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for all ages.  Kits can be purchased in CityBar. & Cafe: Tuesday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m and at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market April 4, 11, 18, 25 & May 2. 

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