INDIANAPOLIS — The Feast of Lanterns is unique to the east side, and has a rich history. Beginning around 1908, the Feast of Lanterns showcased the growing eastside neighborhoods. Featuring thousands of candle and electric lit lanterns, the event attracted up to 15,000 visitors. Made up of professionals and civic leaders, the Brookside Civic League organized and ran the event. The Feast was held annually until World War II, and was discontinued. In 2003, a group of near-eastside neighbors joined together to revive the annual tradition in Spades Park.
This year, you can experience the magic at Spades Park on August 27 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Spades Park, located at 1800 Nowland Ave.
The annual Feast of Lanterns brings businesses, nonprofits, and residents together for a day of fun — but at night, the event really shines. Hundreds of lanterns are lit, illuminating Spades Park and creating a magical atmosphere in the midst of the city. At dusk, the Lantern Lighting Ceremony and parade takes place. The park will come alive with candlelit chandeliers, and the old oaks will twinkle with hundreds of paper lanterns.
The area around Spades Park is undergoing a revitalization, with many new families moving in, and new businesses established, including the Kan-Kan Cinema and Brasserie, Amelias, Stomping Grounds, and much more. Just around the corner, the Circle City Industrial Complex has added businesses such as the Fowling Warehouse, as well as art studios and space for creatives such as rehearsal space for Dance Kaleidoscope.
This year, the festival will feature live music, over 40 artisans and vendors selling their work, sponsor and community booths, favorite food trucks and the beer garden. The Beer Garden will offer favorite adult beverages from several local breweries, distilleries, and cideries, including Ash & Elm Cider, Centerpoint Brewing, Kismetic Brew Company, Sun King, and 8th Day Distillery.
The live music begins at 4 p.m. and lots of great acts will be on hand, including Mr. Kinetic at 4 p.m., Bashiri Asad at 6:20, and SM Wolf to close out the evening at 10:20.
Food and desert trucks and vendors will be on site, as well as a number of local organizations.
