October in Atlanta: A Celebration of Creativity and Community
In Atlanta, October is a bustling month filled with vibrant energy and endless festivities. With its calendars crowded with events, the city boasts an eclectic mix of LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations and Halloween bashes, ranging from a Vampire Ball at Underground Atlanta to thrilling drag shows at City Winery. It’s a month that captures the spirit of fall with pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and countless other traditional autumn events.
Little Five Points: The Heart of Atlanta’s “Weird”
One neighborhood that truly embraces the quirky and creative vibes of October is Little Five Points. Known as the bohemian center of Atlanta, this neighborhood has a long-standing reputation as a haven for artists, musicians, and counterculture enthusiasts. Kelly Stocks, President of the Little Five Points Business Association, describes the area as a place where “it’s Halloween every day.”
Stocks, who has witnessed the evolution of Little Five Points since the 1980s, recalls a time when the neighborhood was a sanctuary for “misfits” and music culture. Bands like R.E.M. and Indigo Girls were frequent visitors, and the area was a hub for arts, theater, and music. Over the years, the community has undergone changes, with some longtime residents passing away and others being priced out. This has led to what Stocks calls an “identity crisis” for the neighborhood.
Yet, despite these changes, the creative spirit of Little Five Points remains vibrant, especially during their annual Halloween festival. Originally proposed by Stocks in the 1980s, the festival has grown from a small event into a weekend-long extravaganza. This year’s festival, taking place on October 19-20, will feature everything from a traditional parade to a marketplace selling unique items like vintage clothes, doll head jewelry, and local arts and crafts.
The Upside-Down Parade: A New Twist in Old Fourth Ward
This October, Atlanta’s offbeat identity is spreading beyond Little Five Points. On October 19, after Saturday’s festival, Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of Grateful Gluttons are hosting “Where the Weird Things Are: An Upside Down Parade” at Old Fourth Ward Park at 7 p.m. Over the past 14 years, Rytter and her krewe have been known for the annual Lantern Parade on the Beltline, where thousands gather to admire handmade lanterns and whimsical puppets.
This year, they are introducing a new parade concept, turning the traditional parade on its head. Instead of a moving procession, the crowd will walk around stationary puppets and “weird” creations. Live music, storytime from Rytter, and a conga line around the park’s pond will add to the hour-long event’s festivities.
“We aim to honor the mystical creatures that live in the wild places of our own imaginations on the Atlanta Beltline,” Rytter explained. The idea is to create a space where imagination can flourish, allowing participants to craft their own lore and legends.
Creating a Sense of Place Through Festivals and Parades
For Rytter, events like the upside-down parade and the Little Five Points Halloween festival are vital for cultivating a sense of place in Atlanta. “That is where you’re going to see who lives here, what they like, what they think is funny, what they do with their imaginative free time,” she said. These events offer a unique glimpse into the city’s soul, showcasing its playful and inventive side.
The October festivities in Atlanta are more than just fun events; they are a celebration of the community’s creativity and diversity. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there’s no better time to experience the city’s unique charm and artistic flair than during this month of spirited celebrations.
Event Highlights:
- Little Five Points Halloween Festival: October 19-20
- Where the Weird Things Are: An Upside Down Parade: October 19 at 7 p.m., Old Fourth Ward Park amphitheater
