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
Live music
Artisan and local vendors
Food trucks
Art workshops (open until 7:00 PM):
Lantern-Making Workshop – Create your own lantern with guidance from local artists
Sugar Skull Workshop – Design your own sugar skull to take home or contribute to the community ofrenda
Learn about Day of the Dead traditions
Add your own offering or tribute
7:00 PM – Lantern Parade Lineup
Parade participants gather at the start area in Highland Park
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
A creative, family-friendly performance to end the evening
We will host 3 different lantern-making workshops:
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September
Date TBD - Details Coming Soon!
The Gish House 641 Walnut Ave SW
Artists will be available to help you conceptualize and implement your lantern creations.
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Oct 4 PorchFest
2pm-5pm
Day Ave Pocket Park 653 Day Ave SW
Artists will be available to guide you through making your very own lantern for the parade.
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Oct 25 Lantern Festival
5pm-6:30pm
The Gish House 641 Walnut Ave SW
Directly before the parade, at the start of the festival, artists will be available to help you create individual lanterns 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
