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.
This year, you can experience the magic at Spades Park on August 28 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Spades Park, located at 1800 Nowland Ave. Nowland will be closed at Commerce Ave. and Tecumseh.
The Indiana Dept. of Health will host a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic, offering the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, please come out and get your FREE vaccine at the Feast of Lanterns.
Over 35 artists and vendors will be on hand, plus popular food trucks, a beer garden, and kid’s zone area. There will be lots of live entertainment, including the Charlie Ballantine Trio, Lost in the Dark, Sarah Grain & The Billions of Stars, and many more. Free parking is available in the CCIC parking lot on Brookside and at the Boner Center on E. 10th St.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, guests are asked to maintain social distancing and wear face masks at all times when on the grounds except when eating or drinking.
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.
Admission to the Feast of Lanterns is free. The John Boner Neighborhood Centers presents the Feast, with the assistance of many volunteers and community organizers, and businesses.
