Chantelle Rytter leads the return of the BeltLine Lantern Parade spring festivals

Rytter. “Collective joy, we need it.”

Since its inaugural run in 2010, the BeltLine Lantern Parade has grown in strides. From an initial crowd of 400 to nearly 70,000 in 2019, it’s clear that the infusion of parade culture into this city has met a need. And it’s safe to say, the city has returned the love.

After getting married and moving to Atlanta in the late 1990s, she quickly found a sense of community in the city and developed some incredible friendships. In a nod to Mardi Gras and New Orleans, she founded the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons in 1999. The group began parading in the Little Five Points Halloween Parade and organized a gnome march in 2018 in an effort to break the Guinness Book of World Record largest gathering of people dressed as garden gnomes. The Krewe is also a regular participant in the Inman Park Festival Parade.

The success of the BeltLine Lantern Parade put Rytter in demand to create similar events in other areas, including the Take It to The River Lantern Parade in Sandy Springs, Parliament of Owls Lantern Parade in Midtown, and the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade, among others.

By Isadora Pennington

After a long pandemic hiatus, the beloved Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade returns earlier than usual and on a new route. This year’s parade steps off May 21 on the Westside Trail, but you can expect the same music, laughter, cheering, and a sea of fantastical glowing creatures and puppets.

The 12th annual Lantern Parade will, as usual, be led by its creator and parade expert, Chantelle Rytter. With a deep love for the art form that ties back to her affection for New Orleans, she has made it her mission to bring the joy of parading to Atlanta.

In college, Rytter was devoted to the theater. She directed, she wrote, and she acted. After graduation, she found herself at a bit of a loss, unsure of what her next steps would be. On a whim, she moved to New Orleans and quickly fell in love with the culture and traditions there.

“My first Mardi Gras there just spun my head around,” said Rytter. “It engages the whole town and shifts the vibe. It changes social boundaries.”

One of the magical elements of parade culture is the way it enables connection between strangers. “We have a common calling to delight one another,” she said.

The interactions between performers and bystanders might be short, but they are powerful. Just a moment of recognition, an exchange of beads, or a smile passed from one to another, can be enough to make an indelible impression on a person. Anyone can join the processional which makes these parades a unique outlet for community engagement.

“It’s soul fun; the kind of fun that touches your soul,” said

Sitting in her Adair Park home that she shares with husband Steve Eberhardt (the photographer responsible for many of the most iconic shots of the parades), Rytter has handcrafted hippos, skeletons, owls, as well as a giant replica of her beloved late cat. She finds fulfillment in the hands-on nature of her craft. New challenges like how to make lanterns float on water, how to make them articulate, and how to make these creations wearable and mobile are all significant challenges that she faces with curiosity, playfulness, determination, and talent.

“Seeing the people you share a city with as playful volumes of light does the body good,” Rytter said. “The idea that you personally can contribute to the culture of your city. I love that.”

By Kathy Dean

With pandemic restrictions loosening, many of Atlanta’s favorite events are slated to return this year. We’ve rounded up a variety of the festivals happening this month and in early June that you can add to your calendar.

Furry Weekend Atlanta

Costumes are optional at the annual furry convention, May 5-8 at Atlanta Marriott Marquis. furryweekend.com.

Decatur Arts Festival

An Art Walk and Artists Market, as well as music, food, and special performances, are planned for Downtown Decatur on May 6-8. decaturartsfestival. com.

Atlanta Derby Festival

Derby-themed fun with music, bourbon cocktails, wine, and beer is set for May 7, 1-8 p.m. at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. atlantaderbyfestival.com.

Celébréz en Rosé

Pink or white attire is required for this themed wine and music festival at Historic Fourth Ward Park on May 7. celebrezenrose. com.

Sweet Auburn Springfest

Two days of music, food, comedy and more, May 7-8, will celebrate the history, heritage, and achievements of Atlanta’s African Americans. sweetauburn.com.

Peach Party Atlanta

A series of LGBTQ+ music events will be held May 12-15 at various Atlanta locations. peachpartyatlanta.com.

Virginia-Highland Porchfest

Music will be performed on porches throughout VaHi on May 14. There’ll even be a rock and roll themed 5K run. virginiahighlanddistrict.com.

Kirkwood Spring Fling

There’s something for everyone—5K race, kids’ area, food, artist market, Tour of Homes and Wing Fling—at the Spring Fling on May 14, 12-8 p.m. at Bessie Branham Park. historickirkwood.org.

Chastain Park Spring Arts and Craft Festival

Fine works from 175 artists and artisans are featured, as well as food and music, on May 14-15 along Park Drive. chastainparkartsfestival.com.

Atlanta Cycling Festival

Eight days of cycling fun, May 15-22, include bike rides, parties and special events throughout the city. atlantacyclingfestival. com.

Atlanta Fringe Festival

Audiences are invited to connect with adventurous artists May 16-22 at locations in Little Five Points and Candler Park. atlantafringe.org.

Atlanta BeltLine

Lantern Parade

Admission is free for this magical nighttime parade on May 21 along the BeltLine. art. beltline.org.

Atlanta Field Day Register by May 15 to take part in the annual adults’ field sport event—with obstacle courses, tug-of-war and relay races—at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on May 21. atlfieldday.com.

MomoCon

The all-ages anime, gaming, cosplay event is at the Georgia World Congress Center May 2629. momocon.com.

Atlanta DocuFest and ShortsFest

Several filmmaking festivals are scheduled at RoleCall Theatre at Ponce City Market. International documentaries are featured May 27-29; docufest. com. ShortsFest, June 25-26, showcases independent short films; atlantashortsfest.com.

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Caribbean culture is featured with music and a parade at Atlanta’s Central Park on May 28. atlantacarnival.org.

Atlanta R&B Wine, Food & Music Festival

On May 28, 3-8 p.m., live bands will play R&B/Neo Soul while participants, ages 21+ only, enjoy fine wine, food and fresh air at

The Center in Decatur. Search at eventbrite.com.

Atlanta Jazz Festival

Piedmont Park will ring out with music during this celebration of jazz on May 2830. The artist line-up includes Herbie Hancock, Masego, The Baylor Project, Julie Dexter, and George Benson. atljazzfest.com.

Candler Park Music Festival

Grace Potter, CBDB, the Disco Biscuits, Cha Wa and other musicians will take the stage June 3-4. Food trucks, artists and local vendors also will be on hand. candlerparkmusicfestival. com.

Virginia-Highland Summerfest

On June 11, Va-Hi celebrates their historic neighborhood with music, art, 5K run and at John Howell Park. vahisummerfest.org.

Atlanta Summer Beer Festival

Historic Fourth Ward Parks hosts a festival on June 12, 4-8 p.m., for ages 21 and over to experience local and national beers while listening to live music. atlantasummerbeerfestival.com.

Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival

On June 17-19, the celebration of African American Emancipation at Atlanta’s Centennial Park will include a parade, performances, arts, and music. juneteenthatl. com.