The short version: Saturday, October 24, thousands of glowing lanterns march through Patterson Park after dark in the Great Baltimore Lantern Parade — the grand finale of a free afternoon Dia de los Muertos festival (4 p.m.), presented by the Creative Alliance and Friends of Patterson Park. Parade lineup is 6:30 p.m., step-off at 7 p.m., and it’s completely free. Full schedule at the Creative Alliance.
Why this one matters
This isn’t a neighborhood parade — it’s been running for more than 20 years (the 27th annual, by the Canton count), and it’s one of the great communal Baltimore spectacles: thousands of neighbors, artists, musicians, and performers marching together with handmade glowing lanterns while the park fills with music. It’s the rare event that’s simultaneously a kids’ afternoon, an art happening, and a genuinely magical night walk. Rain date is Sunday, October 25.
The day’s schedule
- 3:30 p.m. — Kids & family costume contest registration opens
- 4:00 p.m. — Festival begins: lantern-making, pop-up performances, arts & crafts market, food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket.
- 4:00 p.m. — Kids costume contest begins
- 6:30 p.m. — Parade lineup at the Pulaski Monument
- 7:00 p.m. — The parade steps off and winds through Patterson Park after dark
Everything is free. The parade survives on donations — there’s a Venmo link on the Creative Alliance page if the night moves you.
March with a lantern (or watch like a king)
You can do this two ways:
March: Make a lantern at the festival (lantern-making stations are part of the afternoon), or build your own at home. All month, the Walters Art Museum has been running lantern-making workshops for parade walkers — you can walk behind the Walters banner if you join one. Walters details here (registration required for their group).
Watch: Line the parade route. Thousands do, and the glowing procession coming through the dark park is the payoff — bring the camera, this is a photo-gallery night.
Practical notes
- Where: Patterson Park, 2601 E. Baltimore St. (parade assembles at the Pulaski Monument)
- When: Saturday, October 24 — festival 4 p.m., parade 7 p.m.; rain date Sunday, October 25
- Cost: Free
- Getting there: Parking around Patterson Park fills fast on parade night — transit, bike, or rideshare beat circling for a spot
- With kids: The 4–6:30 window is the family sweet spot — costume contest, art market, lantern-making — before the parade itself
Two Patterson Park spectacles, one Saturday: BARCStoberfest in the morning, the lantern parade after dark. Plan accordingly, Captain’s orders.