INDIANAPOLIS — Now, perhaps more than ever, our neighbors and communities need to come together in peaceful unity. The Feast of Lanterns is a historic festival based on the near eastside of Indianapolis that brings together people from all walks of life to enjoy good music, food, and conversation. The annual Feast of Lanterns this year will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23 from 4-11 p.m. at Spades Park, 1800 Nowland Ave. Admission is free and this is a family-friendly event. Sunset on the day will be at 8:29 p.m.
The Feast will feature over 60 local vendors, plus live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There will be booths with community organizations, and a kids zone with games and fun. But the best part comes at dusk, when the lanterns are lit, and the park is transformed into a magical celebration of all the things that make the east side a great place.
The history of the Feast dates back to the late 1800s, when there are reports of small gatherings and decorated front porches in nearby neighborhoods like Woodruff Place in summer. By 1909, the neighborhood events had merged into a single, larger festival that took place in Spades Park. Neighbors came out to hang paper lanterns that were lit (first by candles and later by electric lights) at dusk. The park, historic bandstand, and numerous bridges were illuminated by the colorful lantern lights. Nearby homes would participate by decorating their porches.
The tradition persisted through World War I, the Roaring 20s, and Prohibition. However, the event was eclipsed by World War II and changes in the neighborhood. The Feast of Lanterns was all but forgotten by the community.
However, in the early 2000s neighbors from Windsor Park and Springdale wanted to start an outdoor music festival and community gathering event and re-discovered the historic Feast of Lanterns festival. The theme of colorful lanterns lit throughout the park was incorporated with local music, craft vendors, and neighborhood booths. Last year’s Feast drew thousands to the park, and this year promises to be just as great.
This year’s Feast of Lanterns, hosted by Lanterns Foundation, brings a refocus on the origins of the event, local neighbors and neighborhoods working together to not only put on a festival but also to build community. The John Boner Neighborhood Center is also a sponsor of the Feast.
Visitors can park in designated areas, but should avoid taking up street parking for residents in Windsor Park or Springdale. The Spades Park library will be closed on Saturday.
