Spontaneous Celebrations

Jamaica Plain’s Community Arts Headquarters

Building Calendar

OUR 42ND ANNUAL

LANTERN PARADE

Saturday, October 17th

Rain Date October 18, 2026

Dusk at Jamaica Pond

Join us and make your own lantern at the Spontaneous Celebrations’ community center or buy one day-of!

The Lantern Parade is powered by our community—and we need volunteers to help bring this magical Jamaica Plain tradition to life.

Volunteer opportunities may include setting up the festival site, preparing materials and creating lanterns, helping with activities during the event, supporting the parade and cleaning up afterward. Whether you have a few hours to give or want to get involved throughout the celebration, we’d love your help.

Help Light Up the Lantern Parade!

Everyone is welcome. Come meet your neighbors, support community arts and help us fill Jamaica Pond with light!

Sign Up to Volunteer

Lantern Making Workshops

Friday, September 25th, 6-9 PM
Potluck, Lantern Making & Dance Party

Friday, October 2nd, 6-9 PM
Potluck & Lantern Making

Tuesday, October 6th, 6-8 PM
Lantern Making Workshop

Friday, October 9th, 6-9 PM
Potluck & Lantern Making

Tuesday, October 13th, 6-8 PM
Lantern Making Workshop

Wednesday, October 14th, 6-8 PM
Lantern Making Workshop

Thursday, October 15th, 6-8 PM
Lantern Making Workshop

Thanks to EVERYONE who was
part of our 48th annual
WAKE UP THE EARTH FEST!

History of the Fest

The first Wake Up the Earth Festival took place in 1979 on land that had been cleared for the Highway (I-95) during the late sixties but which fortunately was stopped by a strong grassroots movement embodied in the South-West Corridor Coalition. Close to Jackson Square along Lamartine Street, a community garden and greenhouse (The Farm) were built on the rubble left by the demolition that had already started and the Festival served as a celebration of the defeat of the highway. It was an attempt to bring together the different communities that lived on both sides of the (then) wall and railroad tracks, in celebration of spring and an appreciation of the piece of earth that was saved. The music, performances, banners, parades, and celebrations spring from the diversity of Roxbury and Jamaica Plain.

Today, approaching its 48th year, Wake Up the Earth Fest represents the beginning of Spring to the people of Jamaica Plain and brings out 7,500+ people every year to the South-West Corridor Park in celebration, together.