The Feast of Lanterns is a free family-friendly festival takeing place on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis every August. The main attraction of the festival are hundreds of glowing paper lanterns creating a unique atmosphere throughout the park. The colorful lantern lighting is turned on at dusk. In addition, the historic one-day event features over 80 makers and various food vendors.
Festival Highlights
The Feast of Lanterns festival is utterly a feast of life. The administration, along with numerous sponsors, has done its best to make this event one to remember. You'll be able to stroll through a beer garden, enjoy food truck delicacies, listen to melodic live music, as well as relish the works of artists and craftsmen.
The organizers will also set up some community booths for you to engage with the locals and meet new friends. The event is usually held in Spades Park, and there is free parking available—check the official website for details.
Feast of Lantern History
The Feast of Lanterns dates back to the late 1800s. At that time, communities like Woodruff Place got together in small gatherings and decorated front porches. In 1909, these small events merged into an organized festival in Spades Park. Paper lanterns over the bandstand and bridges in the park were first lit by candles, but later, electric lights replaced them. The community festival survived the World War I and Prohibition. It was then revived in the early 2000s by Windsor Park and Springdale neighborhood associations. The colorful lantern theme was brought back. The modern Feast of Lanterns is organized by the Lanterns Foundation, uniting several neighborhoods in the area.
