About illumine
As the sun sets, Oakland Cemetery is transformed. Through colorful lighting and art installations by some of Atlanta’s most innovative artists, illumine 2026 will light up the shadows of the night.
We’re excited to once again partner with Atlanta gallery and studio Cat Eye Creative to curate artists, and join us in creating an elevated Oakland after dark experience against the inspiring backdrop of Atlanta’s glittering skyline.
In addition to exploring parts of the Cemetery after the sun sets, illumine attendees will also enjoy live entertainment, multiple bars, and an Oakland pop-up shop. This year, we are excited to offer new ways to experience illumine—including Premium Tickets, Artist Spotlight Tours, and Pick Your Price Nights.
illumine is a fundraiser and your ticket purchase supports Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to continue preserving, restoring, and beautifying historic Oakland Cemetery for all to enjoy.
illumine 2026 Dates
Admission begins at 7:30 PM and ends at 11 PM.
Thursday, April 16
Friday, April 17
Saturday, April 18
Sunday, April 19
Thursday, April 23
Friday, April 24
Saturday, April 25
Sunday, April 26
2026 artists include Vanna Black, Marcia R Cohen, Jordan Graves, Christina Kwan, Ralph Eugene Meatyard (1925 - 1972) presented in partnership with the High Museum of Art, The Neon Company, Eddie Farr, Daniel Phelps featured on the MAP Rover provided by Downtown Atlanta, Inc, VAYNE,and Fabian Williams.
illumine ticket options
General Admission
Adults - $25
Children (6-17) - $15
Seniors (65+) - $20
Tickets are non-refundable. Availability to transfer tickets to alternate nights of illumine is not guaranteed and will be managed at the discretion of Historic Oakland Foundation staff.
Members: Enter the email you used when you joined and save an extra $5!
Premium Tickets
Premium Tickets are $50 (a $65 value!) and include:
Two (2) drink tickets
Complimentary soda and water
Limited edition illumine 2026 artist sticker set, featuring exclusive artwork by 2026 contributing artists
Tickets are non-refundable. Availability to transfer tickets to alternate nights of illumine is not guaranteed and will be managed at the discretion of Historic Oakland Foundation staff.
Pick Your Price Nights
Offered select evenings (Sunday, April 19 & 26)
We know life is expensive! Join us on Sunday nights at a discounted rate. These tickets are limited, so be sure to purchase them while they’re available!
Tickets are non-refundable. Availability to transfer tickets to alternate nights of illumine is not guaranteed and will be managed at the discretion of Historic Oakland Foundation staff.
New Experience!
Artist Spotlight Tour
Want to experience illumine through the eyes of its creators? Each night of illumine, an artist or curator will lead a tour of the event, highlighting each installation and sharing an insider’s perspective on this year’s inspirations and themes.
Artist Spotlight Tours meet each night at 8:30 PM in the Plaza outside the Oakland Visitor Center. Guests who have already entered illumine can receive a re-entry stamp at the front gate before exiting for the Artist Spotlight Tour.
Tours are limited to guests who have pre-purchased the Spotlight Tour, making this a very limited opportunity!
Gallery
Artists & Installations
2026 artists include Vanna Black, Marcia R Cohen, Jordan Graves, Christina Kwan, Ralph Eugene Meatyard (1925 - 1972), The Neon Company, Eddie Farr, Daniel Phelps featured on the MAP Rover provided by Downtown Atlanta, Inc, VAYNE, and Fabian Williams.
Vanna Black
Vanna Black is a self-taught artist and skilled graphic designer who obtained her BFA from Georgia State University in hybrid design.
Marcia R Cohen
Marcia R. Cohen is a visual artist and educator based in Atlanta. Her artwork is broadly based in topics as diverse as color phenomena, Jewish history and the confluence of nature and culture. Her work was supported in part by the Atlanta Contemporary Nexus Fund and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Art.
Jordan Graves
Jordan Oleson-Graves is an Atlanta-based artist, designer, and educator who works with code across sculpture, textiles, printmaking, and interactive installations.
Christina Kwan
Christina Kwan is an Atlanta-based artist known for her abstract works on canvas, paper, and large scale murals. Her compositions feature bold and calligraphic brush strokes inspired by her heritage, acting as a yearning for permanence and a search for wholeness.
Ralph Eugene Meatyard
A largely self-taught photographer, Ralph Eugene Meatyard (American, 1925–1972) was a pioneering and inventive artist who created some of the most original images of the mid-twentieth century. Presented in partnership with the High Museum of Art.
The Neon Company
Started by Gregg Brenner in 1983, The Neon Company has served the Atlanta community through the creation of neon art, gifts, indoor and outdoor signage, sets for major motion pictures and video productions, and trade show exhibit displays.
Eddie Farr
Eddie Farr is an artist focused on physical and digital technology living in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a B.A. in Music and an M.M. in Music Technology.
Daniel Phelps
Daniel Phelps creates experimental narrative systems that explore how technology shapes perception, embodiment, and interaction.
MAP Rover
Atlanta Downtown’s MAP Rover is a public art projection program on wheels that illuminates city buildings and unexpected places with digital artwork, film, and photography.
VAYNE
VAYNE is an infamous graffiti artist from Atlanta, Georgia. VAYNE is internationally known, having blessed hundreds of cities with his style, spanning 4 continents and counting. VAYNE has interior and exterior murals in cities around the world and shows work in galleries across the US.
Fabian Williams
Fabian Williams is an Atlanta-based visual and performance artist with a future-focused approach to his work, exploring themes of Black liberation, innovation, and joy.
Gallery
illumine FAQs
What happens if it rains?
illumine is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of severe weather, ticketholders will be notified via email and social media of any event schedule changes or cancellations.
Do you offer any discounts?
Discounts are available for Seniors (65+), children (6-17), and Historic Oakland Foundation members. Additionally, a limited number of discounted tickets are available on Pick Your Price Nights (April 19 and 26).
Are pets allowed?
As illumine is a permitted event within a City of Atlanta park, only service animals are permitted.
Does my ticket purchase support the cemetery?
Yes! Your ticket purchase supports Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, share, and enhance Historic Oakland Cemetery. Learn more about Historic Oakland Foundation and Preservation at Oakland.
Is this a guided tour?
illumine is a self-guided experience. General and Premium Admission tickets grant access to the illumine event, which you are free to explore at your own pace. However, if you are interested in a guided tour experience, you may purchase an Artist Spotlight Tour ticket (limited availability).
Does illumine take place in all 48 acres of the cemetery?
No — illumine will take place along a lit-up route in select areas of the Cemetery. For the comfort and safety of all guests, guests must enjoy the experience within the designated event areas throughout the evening.
Additional questions?
Contact ticketing@oaklandcemetery.com
How do I get there?
Oakland Cemetery is easy to get to by bike, public transit, or rideshare. Taking MARTA? King Memorial Station is only a 7-10 minute walk from our Main Gate. From the station:
Exit to Decatur Street and head west (left) to Grant Street
Turn left on Grant Street and continue to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE
Turn left onto MLK Jr. Drive — the main gates will be straight ahead
Rideshare is strongly encouraged. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Limited onsite parking is available for $20.
Will there be food and drink available?
Yes! Our bars will be serving up craft cocktails, local beer, curated wines, refreshing mocktails, plus soda and water. When hunger strikes, food trucks will be on-site with a variety of flavorful bites and dinner options.
Do I need to print my ticket?
There is no need to print your tickets. Tickets will be scanned on your smart phone. Please try to have your tickets pulled up before you arrive at check-in.
How much time do I have to experience the event?
Make a night of it! Wander through immersive art installations and glowing light displays and settle in to enjoy live music or sweeping city views.
Is illumine wheelchair accessible?
The event route follows paved roads and brick pathways and is fully accessible, including installations, bars, and performance areas. The full route is about one mile, and seating is available throughout. Please contact us with any questions or to request accommodations
