Illumine 2024
April 18 @ 7:30 pm - April 28 @ 10:30 pm
About the Event
As the sun sets, the Cemetery is transformed. Through innovative lighting and art installations by local artists, interactive experiences, and live music, Illumine 2024 will light up the shadows of the night. Experience Oakland after dark against the inspiring backdrop of Atlanta’s glittering skyline.
In addition to exploring parts of the Cemetery after the sun goes down, Illumine attendees will also enjoy live entertainment, multiple bars, and an Oakland pop-up shop.
Featured Installations
Illumine’s 2024 contributors have worked within the theme “Out of the Shadows,” making use of light, shadow, and movement to reveal new ways of seeing Oakland’s landscape:
Infinity Shadows In Oakland by David “WAVI” Muehlenkamp allows participants to see themselves in the infinity mirrors, where only they exist with their shadow in perpetuity.
Left Unsaid by Stefanie Wardrep lets participants take the words, memories, secrets, and confessions that have been in the darkness of loss and send them into the light.
Aurora Avenue by Philip Cheng. An interplay of motion, light, and shadow, this experience pays homage to winter and heralds the coming of spring.
Cast Your Shadow by Black Label Design Company invites you to play and to participate in creating shadow art and images.
Into the Light by DJJRHO is a soundscape soundtrack inspired by the beauty only found within Oakland Cemetery. Follow the sounds as they take you through the shadows and back into the light.
Attracted to Light by Cooper Sanchez and Steve Bransford. For Sanchez, moths are a fitting mascot for Illumine and a metaphor for all of us attracted to light in Oakland Cemetery.
Moon Garden, by Allen Meredith & Phillip Cheng. This installation evokes images of moonlit nights, silhouettes, and hidden truths—the unseen aspects that exist beyond the direct light.
Musical Performers
- Thursday, April 18: Joe Capo, OKCello
- Friday, April 19: Veronika Jackson, Bonaventure Quartet
- Saturday, April 20: Veronika Jackson, Bonaventure Quartet
- Sunday, April 21: Joe Capo, OKCello
- Thursday, April 25: Joe Capo, OKCello
- Friday, April 26: Veronika Jackson, Bonaventure Quartet
- Saturday, April 27: Veronika Jackson, Moody Hollow
- Sunday, April 28: Joe Capo, OKCello
Illumine 2024 Dates
Each evening of Illumine 2024 has a limited number of tickets to ensure the best experience for each visitor. Buy your tickets in advance to guarantee that you can attend.
- Thursday, April 18
- Friday, April 19
- Saturday, April 20
- Sunday, April 21
- Thursday, April 25
- Friday, April 26
- Saturday, April 27
- Sunday, April 28
Tickets
- Adults: $20 advance / $25 at the gate*
- VIP: $85 advance/$100 at the gate*
- Students, Children, Seniors (65+): $15 advance / $20 at the gate*
- Children 3 and Under: Free
Members save $5 on tickets with the promo in your member email!
*Plus taxes and fees
Illumine VIP Experience
Level up your Illumine experience with VIP status! We’re releasing a limited number of VIP tickets per night, so get yours early and enjoy
- Exclusive access to the restored Oakland Bell Tower featuring amazing views from second-story balconies overlooking the Atlanta skyline and Oakland Cemetery;
- Bell Tower VIP amenities including a VIP-only restroom, seating area, separate bar with a larger selection of wine and cocktails, and a decadent dessert bar with a variety of sweet bites;
- Two drink tickets;
- Complimentary fun glow-in-the-dark accessories
All proceeds from Illumine support Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery in partnership with the City of Atlanta.
Know Before You Go
- First entry is at 7:30 pm and the last entry is at 10:30 pm. The sun goes down around 8:15 pm and we strongly encourage you to stick around until after that time to see the illumination effects.
- General Admission tickets purchased at the gate are subject to a $5 walk-up fee.
- Illumine is a rain-or-shine event.
- Ticket price does not include tax or fees.
- With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed at Illumine.
Accessibility
Illumine’s route covers approximately one mile of roads and historic pathways. Although there are no steps on the route, historic gutters, slopes, and brick walkways might make experiencing Illumine 2024 difficult for those with limited mobility.
If you would like to request accommodation for accessibility, such as an ASL interpreter, please provide Historic Oakland Foundation at least 3 days notice. For more information or to make a request, please contact Makeda Phillips at mphillips@oaklandcemetery.com to discuss your particular circumstances.
Parking
Limited $20 parking will be available from 6:30 to 11:59 p.m. at our paved lot at 342 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. SE. Street parking is also available on surrounding streets. Oakland is a short walk from the King Memorial MARTA station.
Thank You Sponsors
