Celebrate the Halloween season in one of Atlanta's most eclectic and unearthly events — the 18th Annual Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade.
More than 4,000 people plan to attend this year's parade, according to Facebook, and more than 16,000 are interested in seeing the uncanny mix of Halloween sights and frights that will take over the Little Five Points area. All the festivities begin at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 at Star Community Bar, 437 Moreland Ave. NE.
"The Halloween festival and parade began decades ago with just a few drunk people putting on costumes and marching up the street. It has grown and grown and grown," Kahle Davis, Star Bar owner and President of the Little Five Points Business Association, said.
Here are the five things you should know about this year's Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade:
The parade is the main event.
Grab your spot to watch the parade early, because this is a highly anticipated spectacle that will be fun for the whole family to see. The parade runs from the corner of Washita Avenue and Eucild Avenue to Mansfield Avenue and Moreland Avenue 4 to 6 p.m. For more information about the parade route, visit the festival's website.
"I don't think there's a bad seat in the house, but folks are coming in at noon and staking their territory," Davis said. "I would say one excellent place to watch the parade is on the corner of Euclid and Memorial."
Floats will be judged based on their presentation, workmanship, originality and Little Five Points spirit for a chance to win The Witch's Cup. Davis said to watch out for Java Lords' entry this year, because, during a previous parade, their entry took home the award.
Come prepared to eat.
In the Findley Plaza area, food vendors will be lined up and ready to serve their unique eats from noon to 11 p.m. Enjoy some Big Kevin's BBQ and a frozen treat from King of Pops while you watch the parade. Or munch on a quesadilla from the Tex's Tacos food truck.
Ken Chase Catering, Island Noodles, Pallookaville, Delicious Finger Foods and Lillians BBQ and Catering will also serving up goods all day.
Credit: Hyosub Shin
Credit: Hyosub Shin
Browse the locally made treasures in the artist's market.
Unique trinkets and crafts will be on display in the artist's market off of Colouitt Avenue and Euclid Avenue. Vendors will sell goods perfect for Halloween, such as Murder Charms that delivers spooky jewelry and HATCORE that offers cosplay wear.
Artists will be open for business noon to 10 p.m., and other vendors on festival day will include Buckhead Thread Co., Red Rocket Farm and DirtyThreadsATL. Find out who else will be there by visiting the festival's website.
Parking might be a challenge.
Davis recommends attendees take MARTA or bike ride to the event to avoid having the potentially treacherous parking situation. The parade route will block some of the parking lots. Ridesharing apps, like Uber and Lyft, are also good alternatives to driving to the festival.
Live music will be playing all day long.
Plan to hear musicians at the Star Bar Stage, Wrecking Bar/Findley Plaza Stage and Star Bar Venue Stage. Some of the bands performing are The Dirty Doors: A Tribute, The Delusionaires and Night Terrors. Find the full schedule on the festival's website.
"I'm sure all the bands will be playing an eclectic mix of their own tunes and Halloween-themed stuff," Davis said.
Once it gets dark, Davis said the kiddies might want to head home, because "all bets are off" when it comes to the Halloween mischief that will take place.
"It is a let your freak flag fly zone where people can explore their Halloween fantasies," Davis said. "People should expect complete insanity."
To volunteer, email L5PHParade@gmail.com.
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