Monsters, myths and magic take over Atlanta’s Beltline for ‘Where the Weird Things Are’

Monsters lurked around every corner of Historic Fourth Ward Park on Saturday night, but instead of running away, Atlantans were invited to come closer.

The Atlanta Beltline transformed the park into a world of mythical creatures Oct. 24 for “Where the Weird Things Are,” a Halloween-themed experience created by artist Chantelle Rytter and her Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons. Presented by Atlanta Beltline Art, the event invited visitors to explore larger-than-life puppets, encounter creatures inspired by local folklore and participate in an unconventional parade.

Unlike a traditional parade, where spectators stand still as performers march past, “Where the Weird Things Are” reverses the experience. Puppets remain stationary around the park’s pond while visitors wander among them, interact with their creators and become part of the spectacle.

Rytter, who created the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade more than 16 years ago, introduced “Where the Weird Things Are” in 2023 after finding inspiration in New Orleans’ Monster Parade.

“We sort of wanted the idea to fill that up with weird things like monsters and cryptids that come from local lore and legend,” Rytter said in an interview with SaportaReport. “We thought Atlanta needed more of those, and they are from here because they’re born out of your imagination, and you live here.”

The event has evolved into a celebration of Atlanta’s imagination, with creatures inspired by the city’s neighborhoods, landmarks and local legends.

Among the returning characters were Krog, the ogre of the Krog Street Tunnel, and Kazulu, Lord of the Vines, a monster inspired by kudzu. Visitors also encountered Alice, a giant alligator puppet, and the AT aliens.

New this year were the Heebie-Jeebies, blue monsters that feed on bad ideas. Visitors were encouraged to whisper their bad ideas into a collector before feeding them to the creatures.

Alicia Johnson, a member of Rytter’s Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, helped bring the Heebie-Jeebies to life. She said the krewe gathers for “Weird Wednesdays” to construct Rytter’s creations.

“We call it Weird Wednesdays and the crew gets together and we help her build it,” Johnson said. “But it’s definitely characters out of her head that she drew. We’re happy to help.”

For Johnson, the event’s greatest reward is watching Atlantans connect through creativity.

“We like to say it’s the antidote to current times,” Johnson said. “Like it’s nothing but happiness and like just the kids laughing.”

The evening also featured live music from Atlanta-based Black Sheep Ensemble, which composed original music for the event, and a performance by Mr. Damon’s Shadow Puppet Theater.

Beyond the monsters, Rytter sees the parade as an opportunity to encourage Atlantans to create rather than simply consume entertainment. Through workshops leading up to the event, participants designed original cardboard masks and illuminated creatures.

“Let’s be imaginative and playful and make things with our hands together in real life,” Rytter said. “That’s important to me.”

Rytter believes these shared experiences help shape Atlanta’s cultural identity.

“I’d like to turn that on its head and say that you personally can contribute to the cultural character of where you live,” Rytter said.

She hopes “Where the Weird Things Are” eventually becomes an established annual tradition like the Lantern Parade. Currently, the event depends on grant funding through Atlanta Beltline Art, meaning its return is not guaranteed each year.

“It’s really, really good for a community to have traditions, in my opinion, participatory traditions,” Rytter said. “That’s what I’m up to, creating traditions for communities that are unique and very specific to place.”

For Rytter, the importance of the celebration extends beyond Halloween. It is about giving residents a shared experience that belongs uniquely to Atlanta.

“I hope that they are glad that they live in a city where something weird like that happens,” Rytter said.

And for one night, the monsters of Historic Fourth Ward Park offered Atlantans something more than a Halloween scare: a reminder that the city’s magic comes from the people who create it together.