News Summary
The 26th Annual Great Lantern Parade and Día de los Muertos Festival is set for October 25, 2025, at Patterson Park, attracting over 12,000 attendees. Organized by Creative Alliance, the event kicks off at 4 p.m. with a kids’ costume contest and includes lantern-making, performances, and cultural celebrations to honor deceased loved ones. The parade begins at 7 p.m., featuring illuminated floats and performers throughout the night.
Baltimore, MD – The 26th Annual Great Lantern Parade and Día de los Muertos Festival will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Patterson Park. Organized by Creative Alliance and The Friends of Patterson Park, the event is set to attract more than 12,000 attendees, solidifying its status as a hallmark of Baltimore’s fall season.
The festivities will start at 4 p.m. near the Pulaski Monument, featuring a variety of activities designed to celebrate art, light, and community spirit. A kids’ costume contest will kick off the event with registration starting at 3:30 p.m. and judging occurring at 4 p.m. Attendees can partake in lantern-making activities, enjoy pop-up performances, visit an arts and crafts market, and sample food from local vendors and food trucks.
The highly anticipated parade is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Participants will line up at 6:30 p.m. to march with illuminated floats, handmade lanterns, musicians, stilt walkers, dancers, and other performers. Spectators will have the option to either line the parade route or join in by carrying their own lanterns, immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.
This year’s event will focus on celebrating Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed away. The festival will feature themed art and performances that reflect the rich cultural heritage associated with Día de los Muertos. Organizers have indicated that “once the sun sets, the magic begins,” highlighting the enchanting transition from day to night during the festivities.
The event is free and open to the public, with a rain date set for Sunday, October 26, 2025. Donations to support the event can be made through Venmo, allowing community members to contribute to the festival’s ongoing success.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
- Location: Patterson Park, Baltimore, MD
- Start Time: 4 p.m. (festival); 7 p.m. (parade)
- Kids’ Costume Contest: Registration starts at 3:30 p.m.; judging at 4 p.m.
- Lantern Parade Line-up: 6:30 p.m.
- Parade Features: Illuminated floats, handmade lanterns, performances
- Día de los Muertos Key Focus: Honoring deceased loved ones
- Free Admission: Open to the public
- Rain Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Cultural Significance
The Great Lantern Parade and Día de los Muertos Festival not only serves as a joyous celebration but also as an opportunity for community reflection and remembrance. The event brings together individuals and families in a vibrant display of creativity and cultural heritage. Attendees are encouraged to participate actively in the festivities, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
As Baltimore prepares for this annual celebration, excitement builds for an evening filled with artistic expression, delightful culinary options, and the captivating beauty of light as night falls over Patterson Park.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Baltimore Celebrates Pumpkin Picking and Halloween Festivities
Additional Resources
- WBAL: Lantern Parade Returns
- Johns Hopkins Newsletter: Weekend Events
- Baltimore Magazine: Best Things to Do
- South Baltimore: Weekend Events
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Fall Celebrations
- Wikipedia: Día de los Muertos
- Google Search: Lantern Parade Baltimore
- Google Scholar: Lantern Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Day of the Dead
- Google News: Lantern Parade Baltimore
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
