Illumine 2023
Thu Apr 27, 7:30 PM - Thu Apr 27, 10:00 PM

Illumine, Oakland Cemetery's popular after-dark arts experience, returns for eight nights this spring with new history to uncover, more of the Cemetery to explore, and all-new installations set against the inspiring backdrop of Atlanta’s skyline.
As the sun sets, the Cemetery is transformed. Innovatively lit headstones, mausolea, flowers, trees, and buildings will showcase Oakland Cemetery’s history and exquisite spring gardens along with the Foundation’s restoration efforts.

In addition to exploring the Cemetery, Illumine attendees will also enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and an Oakland pop-up shop.

About the event:
Illumine [verb]: Light up or brighten; enlighten (someone) spiritually or intellectually

Trees are essential to the identity, history, and landscape of historic Oakland Cemetery. From the early oaks that inspired the name and the unique tropical specimens planted during the Victorian era to the towering magnolias that provide shade for today’s visitors, critical flora and rich cultural meaning are rooted in the soil of Oakland.

Trees contribute to the ecosystem through habitat, food, and shelter and support the environmental health and biodiversity of Atlanta. They are also imbued with meaning, symbolism, and power, and incorporated into the diverse cultural and burial practices found in Oakland.

Over two weekends in April and May, encompassing Arbor Day, Illumine 2023 will shine a light on Oakland’s unique trees and their environmental, historical, social, and cultural meaning through creative lighting and art installations and music.

Illumine 2023 Dates
Illumine 2023 takes place on the following evenings. Each evening of Illumine 2023 has a limited number of tickets to ensure the best experience for each visitor. Buy your tickets in advance to guarantee that you can experience Illumine 2023.

Thursday, April 27
Friday, April 28
Saturday, April 29
Sunday, April 30
Thursday, May 4
Friday, May 5
Saturday, May 6
Sunday, May 7
Tickets
Adults: $20 advance / $25 at the gate*
VIP: $100 advance/$125 at the gate*
Students, Children, Seniors (65+): $15 advance / $20 at the gate*
Children 3 and Under: Free
*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 newly 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, a seating area, a bar with wine and specialty cocktails, and a decadent dessert bar with a variety of sweet bites;
Two drink tickets;
Complimentary fun glow-in-the-dark accessories
This Year's Artists
• Dorothy O’Connor – Atlanta native and past Illumine contributor O’Connor’s flock of five wooden Phoenix will represent transformation and rebirth and highlight Oakland Cemetery’s transformative ability to create and sustain life despite being a place where the reality of death is so apparent.

• Gavin Bernard – Bernard, a British artist, designer, educator, and performer residing in Atlanta, will produce a large-scale sculpture that draws attention to Atlanta’s bounty of trees through an exploration of the life journey of one of Oakland’s trees.

• Brooks Garcia – Garcia, also an Atlanta native, is a landscape architect who has spent time as a gardener at Oakland. His installation, The Veil is Thin, will pay homage to the Victorian fascination with the veil between the living and what comes after death, utilizing natural wood elements and floral arrangements.

• Ricardo Martinez – Photographer, amateur ornithologist, and naturalist, Martinez will produce a range of photos that will highlight specific trees at Oakland and their dialogue with several bird species that are considered locally threatened.

Performers:
Okorie Johnson: 4/27, 4/28, 5/6
Veronika Jackson: 4/29, 5/5
The Shoal Creek Stranglers: 4/30, 5/4, 5/7
Know Before You Go
First entry is at 7:30, but this is an evening event and you’ll be able to enter until 9:30 p.m. If you do come in before sunset, we strongly encourage you to stick around until after the sun goes down (around 8:15).
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.
Weapons of any kind are prohibited.
With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed at Illumine.
For more information, please visit the Oakland Cemetery website.
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 2023 difficult for those with limited mobility. If you are unsure if Illumine 2023 is suitable for you, contact Sandy White at swhite@oaklandcemetery.com to discuss your particular circumstances.

About Historic Oakland Cemetery and Historic Oakland Foundation:
Historic Oakland Cemetery is the City of Atlanta’s oldest public greenspace, an active City Cemetery, a City of Atlanta Park, and a national historic landmark. Founded in 1850, over 70,000 of the city’s residents rest in these 48 acres surrounded by unique funerary sculpture, historically restored gardens, and a verdant tree canopy. Historic Oakland Foundation (HOF) was founded in 1976 with the mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery in partnership with the City of Atlanta.

Questions? Email Sandy White at swhite@oaklandcemetery.com.