The Feast of Lanterns is a historic festival based on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Come for live music, more than 35 artisans and vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden.
Its earliest incarnations in the late 1800s were of small gatherings and decorated front porches in nearby neighborhoods like Woodruff Place. By 1909 these neighborhood events had morphed in to a single, larger festival that took place in Spades Park. Neighbors came out to hang paper lanterns—lit first by candles and later by electric lights. The park, historic bandstand, and numerous bridges were illuminated by the colorful lantern lights. Nearby homes would participate by decorating their porches.
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.
Volunteers Needed The 2021 Feast of Lanterns takes place this year on Saturday August, 28 from 4-11pm, however the magic doesn’t happen without dedicated volunteers! This year volunteers are needed Friday, Saturday and Sunday to help set up, manage and tear down the event. Neighbors are encouraged to sign up for 1-3 hours of volunteer shifts at https://signup.com/go/VCLDqfv .
Volunteers who can commit one hour will have our gratitude, but if volunteers complete two hours they will get a free super soft Feast of Lanterns tee shirt. Volunteers who complete 3 hours on Friday or Saturday will receive $15 worth of vouchers to spend with our food vendors during the event. Additionally, those who sign up for a one hour shift emptying trash during the event will receive $15 vouchers for food purchases. Please reach out to Martha Latta on Google Groups with any questions about volunteering.
Event Organizer Event Venue 