Little Five Points Halloween Parade & Festival: Atlanta’s Spookiest Street Party Guide

The Little Five Points Halloween Parade and Festival is one of Atlanta’s biggest and quirkiest fall events. If you love costumes, street festivals, and neighborhood character, this is the Halloween weekend that locals circle on the calendar every year.

This guide walks you through what to expect, when to go, where it happens, how to get there, and how to make the most of it—all with an Atlanta-focused lens.

What Is the Little Five Points Halloween Parade & Festival?

The Little Five Points (L5P) Halloween Parade & Festival is an annual fall celebration held in the Little Five Points neighborhood of Atlanta. It typically includes:

• A large costume parade with floats, marching groups, and performers
• A street festival with vendors, food, music, and neighborhood businesses
• Thousands of locals and visitors dressed up and lining the streets

It’s known for being:

• Weird and creative – think DIY costumes, local artists, and offbeat themes
• Very local – centered around the independent shops, bars, and venues in L5P
• Family-friendly during the day, with a more adult vibe into the evening

If you’re looking for a buttoned‑up, polished fall fair, this isn’t it. If you want a classic Atlanta neighborhood Halloween experience, this is where you go.

When Does the Parade & Festival Happen?

Exact dates and times change year to year, but some patterns are consistent:

• Usually held in October, often on a Saturday, sometimes paired with festival activities over the weekend
• The street festival often runs from late morning or midday into the evening
• The Halloween parade typically happens mid- to late afternoon, so it’s still light out when it starts

Because specifics can shift, it’s smart to:

• Check the year’s parade start time before you go
• Plan to arrive at least 1–2 hours early if you want a good viewing spot

Where Is It? Key Atlanta Locations

The event is centered in the Little Five Points commercial district in east Atlanta:

• Core intersection: Moreland Ave NE & Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Nearby reference points for orientation:

• Inman Park to the west
• Candler Park to the east
• Virginia-Highland to the north

Many streets in and around that intersection are closed or restricted during the festival and parade, so expect detours and limited vehicle access.

Quick Overview: What to Expect

The Parade: How It Works and Where to Watch

What the Parade Is Like

The Little Five Points Halloween Parade is the main attraction. You’ll typically see:

• Floats from local businesses, arts groups, and community organizations
• Marching groups in themed costumes
• Music and performers, often with drums, brass, or amplified sound
• Plenty of Halloween characters, from classic monsters to political satire

The style leans more toward creative and offbeat than corporate or polished.

Parade Route & Viewing Spots

The exact route can vary, but it usually loops around the heart of Little Five Points, often along:

• Moreland Ave NE
• Euclid Ave NE
• Surrounding side streets

Popular general viewing areas include:

• Near the intersection of Moreland Ave NE & Euclid Ave NE
• Along Euclid, where many people line the sidewalks
• Around the small commercial plazas and storefronts that form the core of L5P

If you want curb space, plan to:

• Arrive at least an hour or more before parade time
• Bring folding chairs or a blanket if you’re with kids or older adults

The Festival: Beyond the Parade

Even without the parade, the festival makes Little Five Points feel like an open-air Halloween block party.

You can usually expect:

• Street vendors selling art, crafts, handmade goods, and Halloween items
• Food options from neighborhood restaurants plus pop-up stands and food trucks
• Live or recorded music, sometimes from small stages or outdoor speakers
• Shops and bars running their own events, specials, or costume contests

The festival often starts before the parade and continues afterward, so you can:

• Explore the vendors and shops earlier in the day
• Watch the parade in the afternoon
• Stick around for evening bar and restaurant crowds if you want a nightlife feel

Getting to Little Five Points: Atlanta Transportation Tips

Because parking is extremely tight during the event, how you get there matters.

By MARTA

Using MARTA is usually the least stressful option:

• Nearby rail stations:
  • Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station (E3) on the Blue/Green Line
  • Candler Park/Edgewood Station (E4) on the Blue/Green Line

From either station, Little Five Points is roughly:

• About a 15–20 minute walk (depending on your pace)
• Or a short rideshare away

Plan your rail trip using the station names above and confirm weekend schedules.

For MARTA customer information, you can generally reach:

• MARTA Customer Service: 404-848-5000

By Car

If you choose to drive:

• Expect road closures near Moreland Ave & Euclid Ave
• Street parking will be very limited and competitive
• Many nearby residential streets have permit restrictions or tight, tow-prone spots

Better options:

• Park farther out in a legal spot and walk or rideshare into L5P
• Use paid lots or decks in neighboring areas (like Inman Park or Edgewood Retail District) and walk in, if feasible

📌 Tip: Don’t block driveways or park too close to corners in nearby neighborhoods—Atlanta towing and ticketing can be strict around big events.

By Bike or Scooter

If you’re nearby:

• Biking or using a shared scooter can be a quick way in and out
• Bring a lock; secure your bike away from the densest foot traffic
• Watch for crowds and road closures that may change normal traffic patterns

Is It Family-Friendly?

For Atlanta families, the Little Five Points Halloween Parade can be a fun daytime outing, with some caveats.

Good for Kids Because:

• The parade is visually exciting without being a formal, sit-still event
• Many people are in fun, not-scary costumes, especially earlier in the day
• You can grab lunch or snacks from nearby restaurants and vendors

Things to Consider:

• Crowds: It can be shoulder-to-shoulder along popular stretches, which may be hard with strollers or very young kids.
• Costumes: Some costumes and themes skew edgy, gory, or adult‑oriented, especially later in the day.
• Noise: Floats, drums, and amplified music can be loud up close.

If you’re bringing kids:

• Aim for earlier arrival and earlier departure
• Pick a spot away from bar-heavy corners if you want a calmer environment
• Establish a meeting point in case someone gets separated

What to Wear and Bring

Costumes

You don’t have to wear a costume, but many Atlantans do, and it adds to the fun.

• Choose something comfortable for walking and standing
• Plan for October weather: it might be warm in the sun and cool after dark
• Avoid props that are sharp, heavy, or difficult to carry in crowds

Essentials to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water (especially if it’s a warm day)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses for daytime
• A small bag or crossbody (large backpacks can be awkward in crowds)
• Cash and card for vendors and food
• Portable phone charger, since you may be out for several hours

If rain is in the forecast, a poncho works better than an umbrella in dense crowds.

Food, Drinks, and Restrooms

Food & Drinks

Little Five Points has a dense cluster of restaurants, bars, and snack spots, many of which stay busy on parade day. You’ll usually find:

• Sit-down restaurants (expect waits during peak hours)
• Bars and pubs with Halloween crowds and themed drinks
• Quick-service options and sometimes food trucks or temporary vendors

Lines can be long before and after the parade, so:

• Consider eating a bit earlier than usual
• Pack a small snack, especially if you’re with kids

Restrooms

Restroom options are limited and can be a challenge:

• Some businesses offer restrooms to paying customers
• There are often portable restrooms brought in for the event

Plan ahead:

• Use the restroom before arriving
• Expect to wait in line at peak times

Accessibility Considerations

The festival takes place on city streets and sidewalks, which can be uneven and crowded. Conditions vary by block.

Things to keep in mind:

• Curb cuts and ramps are present at most corners but may be partially blocked by crowds.
• Sidewalk congestion can make wheelchair or stroller navigation slower.
• Standing for long stretches is common, so bring a small folding chair if you need to sit.

If you’re concerned about mobility or accessibility:

• Arrive early, before sidewalks are fully packed
• Choose a location at the edge of the densest crowd, with a clearer path behind you
• Look for less central side streets where the parade still passes but foot traffic is lighter

Safety & Local Etiquette

Crowded Atlanta events come with some basic considerations:

• Stay aware of your belongings – use bags that zip and keep valuables close.
• Follow police and event staff instructions, especially around road closures and barricades.
• Respect residents and businesses – many people live and work right off the parade route.
• If you’re drinking, use MARTA or rideshare rather than driving.

For emergencies:

• Dial 911 for immediate assistance
• For non-emergency public safety issues in Atlanta, many people use 311 (Atlanta’s non-emergency city services line, where available)

How the L5P Halloween Event Compares to Other Atlanta Fall Festivals

If you’re planning your entire Atlanta fall festival and Halloween calendar, Little Five Points is one of several options, but it has a very specific flavor:

• Most unique vibe: Very local, artistic, and alternative compared to more polished fall fairs
• Heavier on costumes and nightlife: Strong appeal to adults and young adults, though kids do attend during the day
• Less about rides and games: Unlike some county fairs or pumpkin patches around metro Atlanta, this is more of a street culture and arts event

If you want:

• A classic pumpkin patch – you’ll likely head to farms outside the city
• A big, quirky Halloween street scene inside Atlanta – Little Five Points is one of the top choices

Practical Planning Checklist for Atlantans

Use this quick list to get ready for the Little Five Points Halloween Parade & Festival:

• [ ] Confirm this year’s date and parade start time
• [ ] Decide how you’ll get there (MARTA, rideshare, or parking farther out and walking)
• [ ] Choose a meeting spot in case your group gets split up
• [ ] Plan a loose schedule: arrive, walk the festival, catch the parade, decide if you’ll stay into the evening
• [ ] Pack water, comfortable shoes, and a small bag
• [ ] Pick a costume that works in crowds and variable weather
• [ ] If bringing kids, aim for earlier hours and a quieter viewing spot

With some planning, the Little Five Points Halloween Parade and Festival can be one of the most memorable parts of fall in Atlanta—whether you’re a long-time local, a new resident, or visiting the city in October.