Join us for an evening of spooky vibes and magical lights as we parade, sing, shout, dance, and create together for the first ever Old Southwest Halloween Lantern Parade

What Is A Lantern Parade?

This is a pedestrian-only parade that anyone can participate in— all you need is a “lantern” of some kind.

This could be part of a costume that lights up, a lantern creation that you carry (often on a pole), or more of a traditional lantern. It could be part of a larger group theme, or your own individual idea… it’s a chance to let your fun and creativity shine!

(*pun intended*)

2025 Halloween Lantern Festival Schedule

Location: The Historic Gish House Lawn, 641 Walnut St SW

Date: October 25, 2025 5pm-9pm

5:00 PM – Festival Opens

  • Spooky DJ set throughout the night

  • Art and small biz market:

    • War on Books

    • Grisly Mom

    • Sweet Rain Healing & Wildwood Massage

    • LJ Studios

    • Tandem Arts Collective

    • La Lunatiques

    • Sales from the Crypt

  • Firecraft food truck

  • Evie’s Cake

  • Art workshops (open until 7:00 PM):

    • Lantern-Making Workshop – Create your own lantern with artist Jane Gabrielle

    • Sugar Skull Workshop – Design your own sugar skull to take home or contribute to the community altar with artist Karina Martinez Cruz

  • Learn about Day of the Dead traditions through an Altar de Muertos, led by Latinas Network

    • Add your own offering or tribute

  • Halloween costume contest!

7:30 PM – Lantern Parade Begins

The parade winds through Highland Park and concludes at the Gish House Lawn

After the Parade – Shadow Puppet Theater Improv

  • Artists Brian Counihan and Mike Moran, along with improv musicians, will lead participants through a creative and collaborative performance to end the evening

Pre-Parade & Festival Workshops:

  • October 4

    Join us at PorchFest!

    3:30-5:30pm

    Day Ave Pocket Park 653 Day Ave SW

    Artist Brian Counihan is hosting a workshop to guide you through making your very own lantern for the parade.

  • October 14

    6pm-8pm

    Evie’s Bistro & Bakery 4th St SW Roanoke

    Latinas Network will teach us how to make sugar skulls and talk about the traditions of Dia de los Muertos. The skulls will then be decorated on the day of the lantern festival.

  • October 25

    Lantern Festival

    5pm-7pm

    The Gish House 641 Walnut Ave SW

    Directly before the parade, at the start of the festival, artist Jane Gabrielle will lead a workshop to create a lantern to carry in the parade.

We also need music and noise!

Do you play an instrument that you can walk with? Do you sing? Chant? Clap? Stomp? Kazoo?

We welcome noise of all kinds

If you are interested in walking in the parade:

  • All minors under 16 years-old participating in the parade MUST be accompanied by an adult. 

  • Dogs are not permitted to walk in the parade. 

  • No need to register, anyone with a lantern/lights can join the day of!

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