Old Southwest likes to make stuff, and we’re all about making it together. This is our second year of the Halloween Lantern Parade, now with Daisy Art Parade organizers, Art Project Roanoke, Scrap Collective, and Arts Connect Neighbors as collaborators, and an open invite to the whole city: artists, businesses, other neighborhood groups, whoever wants in.

Like last year, the event will first convene at the Alexander-Gish House lawn at 5p with local vendors, food trucks, music, costume contest, and other activities

BUT THAT IS JUST THE GRAND FINALE - The magic starts in the making …. 

Leading up to the parade, we'll be coordinating neighborhood workshops so communities can build the lanterns, puppets, and props that fill the park that night.

More details coming soon, but check out our workshop dates below!

The parade will start at dark (around 7:30pm), along Joel Richert Way through Highland Park and will end at the stage by the dog park with a whole other Giant Shadow Puppet Improv Show, more music, and dancing.

Pre-Festival Community Workshops:

  • Giant Lantern Creations

    ‍Art Project Roanoke

    501 Marshall Ave SW, Rke, VA 24016

    Every Monday 5:30-7pm __________________

    Giant Lantern Creations

    Have an idea but need some guidance? Join us every Monday when artists will be present to guide you. Bring your own materials, we'll provide the space. FREE and open to everyone. —————————————

    Visit artprojectroanoke.org or click the link below

  • Sugar Skull Molding Workshop

    Art Project Roanoke

    101 Campbell Ave SW Rke, VA 24011

    Tuesday, October 13 5:00-8:00pm ——————————————

    Sugar Skull Molding Workshop with Karina Martinez

    Please join us for a FREE workshop led by local artist Karina Martinez to learn how to mold traditional sugar skulls out of actual sugar. FREE and open to everyone.

    ——————————————

    Visit artprojectroanoke.org‍ and Register Below

  • Giant Shadown Puppets Workshop

    Art Project Roanoke

    101 Campbell Ave SW Rke 24011

    Monday, October 12 5:30pm ——————————————-

    Shadow Puppet Making Party with Mike Moran and Neighbors in South Roanoke - FREE and open to everyone. ——————————————

    Visit artprojectroanoke.org or click the link below

  • Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop

    Golden Cactus Brewing

    214 5th St SW Roanoke, VA 24016

    Tuesday, October 20 6:00-8:00pm ___________________

    Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop with Karina Martinez

    Please join us for a FREE workshop led by local artist Karina Martinez to learn how to decorate traditional sugar skulls.

    ———————————-

    Visit goldencactusbrewing.com and Register Below

Community Workshop Registration Links

Giant Lantern Creations at Art Project Roanoke every Monday - Get More Info Here
Oct 12 Shadow Puppet Making Party at Art Project Roanoke - Get More Info Here
Oct 13 Sugar Skull Molding Workshop with Karina at Art Project Roanoke: REGISTER HERE
Oct 20 Sugar Skull Decorating Workshop with Karina at Golden Cactus: REGISTER HERE

We’re looking for musical marchers & local vendors. Interested?

Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch. 

Shops/Artists/Nonprofits:

Scrap Collective

Highland Candle Co

The Appalachian Hippie

Nightfall Handmade

Scrap Craft

Food Vendors:

Love + Umami

Taqueria La G

The Latinas Network with be creating an Altar de Muertos at the festival. This is a special space to honor and remember the souls of our loved ones who have passed away, including our beloved pets.

Everyone is invited to bring a photo of loved ones (human and nonhuman) to place on the altar and honor their memory.

The sugar skulls made during the earlier workshops will become part of the ofrenda (altar) as well, and at the end of the event, participants can take their sugar skull as a keepsake and their respective photo home. 

Looking for more lantern ideas and inspiration?

Chantelle Rytter parade artists

Baltimore’s Great Halloween Lantern Parade

OSW Inc is collaborating with the following to organize this event:

  • Arts Connect Neighbors

    Arts Connect Neighbors is an initiative of the Roanoke Arts Commission, the Roanoke Cultural Endowment, and Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates that connects artists with neighborhoods across Roanoke.

    Learn more at www.roanokearts.org/neighbors

  • Scrap Collective

    Scrap Collective is a local nonprofit creative reuse center, reducing waste and offering equitable access to resources.

    Learn how you can contribute at www.scrapcollective.org

  • Art Project Roanoke

    Art Project Roanoke (APR) is a 501(c)(3) community arts organization based at 101 Campbell Ave SW in Roanoke, Virginia.

    Learn more at www.artprojectroanoke.org

  • Daisy Art Parade

    Daisy Art Parade is an annual Roanoke community parade built around krewes, giant puppets, and neighbors making art together.

    Learn more at www.daisyartparade.com

  • Latinas Network

    Latinas Network is a Roanoke nonprofit that connects and uplifts the Latina community through mentorship, advocacy, and economic empowerment.

    Learn more at www.latinasnetwork.org