One of my favorite local traditions this time of the year is the Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade. It doesn’t take much to get me in the Halloween spirit, but there is something intoxicating about being surrounded by masses of other Halloween revelers. This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the quirky event, and thought I’d share some photos from the occasion of a few of my favorite parade characters. There’s never a bad time for some costume inspiration, am I right?
In typical Little Five fashion, a cast of characters converged upon the streets of the eclectic Atlanta neighborhood for the 17th Annual Festival. This neighborhood is known for its Anything Goes attitude and it did not disappoint… Some spectators had more outlandish costumes than the parade participants. I applaud the effort… I’m a sucker for costumes and creativity!
This parade has a very local feel. I certainly don’t say that in a bad way. Little Five is a little piece of Atlanta heaven marked by it’s artistic vibe and offbeat crowd. But you can’t attend this event thinking it’s going to be New Orleans. It’s not. What it lacks in extravagance, it makes up for in quirky charm.
To me, the beauty of this parade is its dedication to the spooky side of Halloween. I’m exhausted with Halloween festivities always being inundated with sexy nurse costumes, and sexy cops, and sexy maids… holy crap ladies- do any of you have a creative bone in your body?!?! It’s Halloween. I want the Skeletons and Ghosts and Vampires! This parade certainly had a few typical super heroes, and pirates, and dance troops, but for the most part it held onto to all that is frightful and twisted about Halloween.
I know, parades are typically for kids, but I’d say this one catered to a more mature crowd. Not that it’s inappropriate for kids. You know you’re own kids… If they scare easy, you don’t bring them. My little 2 year old lives in a house decked out with skulls and macabre findings 365 days a year, so not much scares her…. She would’ve loved this parade. I left her with a babysitter though, because this festival and parade take place on small neighborhood streets. The crowds can be impossible to navigate a stroller thru! I made that mistake 2 years ago, and won’t do it again. The kids who did turn out for the event got some early trick or treating, as parade participants handed out candy as they passed by. A tip for next year if you’re bringing kids…. get there early enough to get a spot along the street so the kiddos can go home with a bag of candy.
While the parade is certainly at the heart of the festivities, the crowds also enjoyed food, shopping, and entertainment. Artist Market and Food Vendors were set up from noon til 11pm, and bands played throughout the day at 2 stages. One of the talented local artists, Amy from Murder Charms (pictured above), was on site with a tent full of goodies…. I of course had to buy myself a little something something from her! Because I need more rings apparently! Besides the artist market… it’s hard to pass up all of the shopping in L5P! I found a few treasures at Psycho Sisters and Junkman’s Daughter before heading home…. just a few of the many funky shops in the area.
If you are in the Atlanta area and have yet to procure the perfect Halloween costume… you’ll find one in Little Five Points. The shops are full of unusual finds, vintage pieces, wigs, ridiculous costumes, and even authentic period garb. I promise – you’ll find something.
The Halloween Festival and Parade typically takes place a week or two before Halloween every year, and runs along Euclid and Moreland Avenues…. So plan ahead for next year and mark your calendars…. Everyone deserves to park their brains for a day and enjoy some weird fun… especially this time of the year!
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