Where the Weird Things Are Upside Down Parade!

Upside Down Parade!

October 24, 2026, 7:30pm-9:00pm O4W Park Amphitheater around the pond!

Where the Weird Things Are is a magical night dedicated to conjuring the mystical creatures who live in the wild places of our imaginations and along the Atlanta Beltline to caper and dance and speak their tales!

VISIT THE WEIRD THINGS UPSIDE DOWN PARADE:

Stroll around the Historic 4th Ward Park pond and visit with the Weird Things to the music of Black Sheep Ensemble. Pack a picnic and have a seat at the amphitheater. Costumes appreciated! ADA accessible from the Daniel St. ramp. See Map. There is no vending. Please leave no trace.

BE A WEIRD THING in the UPSIDE DOWN PARADE!

Wait, what is a weird thing?

A creature born from your imagination conjured as a handmade costume or puppet for the purpose of delighting friends and strangers. Finger puppets to giant puppets, paper plate masks to fancypants costumes, all are welcome!

A list of ideas, inspiration, photos of past parades, and cardboard mask workshop registration are below!

And what do weird things do on parade day?

Find a nice spot in the grassy ares by the pond near the Historic 4th Ward Park amphitheater, pack a beverage and a snack, goof-off and amuse the visiting humans! Tiny gifting is encouraged. Candy is a fine tiny gift, but also think up stuff you can’t get at the store: An acorn with a monster face on it drawn by you, a snippet of your critter’s story, your monster's calling card, a joke, a secret handshake. For example, Kudzulu gave away seeds. Here are some favorite tiny gifts:

“We long for local lore, tales of mystical creatures from here. Georgia leans its back against Appalachia and soaks its feet in the coastal south. This is where the weird things are. Turning the Weird Things’ parade upside down is a way to slow down and spend a bit more time delighting one another. The creatures are stationary and the visitors strolling.” -C.Rytter Recordings of past Weird Things Stories are here!

CARDBOARD MASK WORKSHOPS!

Adults-Only Workshops

Friday, October 9, 6:30pm-9:30pm Register here.

Tuesday, October 20, 6:30pm-9:30pm Register here.

Family Workshops

Saturday, October 10, 11:00am-1:00pm Register here.

Sunday, October 11, 11:00am-1:00pm Register here.

These workshops are taught by Chantelle Rytter and are pay-what-you-can $5-$25 with your PROMISE to be in the Upside Down Parade and give it your best! No one turned away: if $5 is too much, email chantellerytter@gmail.com. If you'd like to donate more, you can at the workshop.

We can't wait for you to meet the cardboard revolution. You are not going to believe how easy it is to sculpt the weird thing creature of your dreams in cardboard to wear on your head. Go big or go small with this super fun New Orleans parade arts construction method. 1-3 light-up eyeballs included. This workshop is best for folks old enough to manage scissors. Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All workshops are at the Lantern Parade Studio at Lee + White.

Weird Things Photos by Steve Eberhardt and video by Jennifer Long