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- Jan 2

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2024 at MLK Events in Central Florida

Updated: Jan 2

There is a host of events happening here in Orlando, Central Florida to commemorates and celebrate the life, work and legacy of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 15, 2024, a day set aside throughout the country to honor the memory of the iconic civil rights leader with parades, celebrations, community outreach, and continued advocacy for justice.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his one and only trip to Orlando to give a speech at historic Tinker Field on March 6, 1964, and here in Central Florida, there is a large variety of events planned to commemorate the iconic civil rights leader, including the Orlando MLK Holiday Parade, the Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration, the City of Oviedo's MLK Parade & Family Fun Day and more.

In this guide we have listed the various events happening around Central Florida for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Plus, for even more things to do in Orlando, check out our latest guides: Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Month, Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend, and FREE Events & Things To Do In Orlando This Weekend.

To list your event in our events guides, submit your event to us here.

Dr Martin Luther Kings Day Events in Orlando 2024

Dr. Martin Luther King Candlelight Vigil and March

January 7

The City of Orlando Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host a candlelight vigil at Orlando City Hall. At the event, participants will be greeted with a brief presentation followed by a march to First United Methodist Church for the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration.

2024 Interfaith Multicultural Celebration

January 7

Following the Candlelight Vigil is the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, with guest speakers Bishop Derrick L. McRae, Senior Pastor, The Experience Christian Center; President, African American Council of Christian Clergy. The celebration’s theme is “We Cannot Turn Back” and includes representation from various faith traditions.

20th Annual MLK, Jr. Leadership Forum

January 11

During the Leadership Forum, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, participants will take part in a moderated, interactive event with key leaders of the Orlando community to discuss this year’s theme of "Advancing the Dream: Navigating Education Equity in Today’s Landscape”.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon

January 12

This luncheon, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, with keynote speaker Alpha Phi Alpha Brother Dr. Gerald Jones. At the event, students, community leaders and organizations will be recognized for their contributions with the prestigious Drum Major Award in areas of Scholastic Achievement, Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service and Business. Get info here.

40th Annual Orlando MLK Holiday Parade

January 13

Join the Southwest Orlando Jaycees for an exciting event that will feature dance, comedy, community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more. The parade theme is: It Starts with Me – Shifting the Cultural Climate Through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.

Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration

January 13

The Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration features the lively beats of the House of Blues Gospel Bandat Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Discover one-of-a-kind crafts with participating community vendors, witness captivating art, and capture your dreams with the My Dream photo opportunity. Take advantage of the excitement at the KUA Kids Power Zone!

Eatonville Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Celebration

January 13

The community is invited to this annual event, including a parade, food, live entertainment, vendors and more. The 2024 theme is Culture, Peace, and Awareness.

Winter Park Unity Heritage Festival

January 14 - 15

This annual 2-day festival in Winter Park celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes family heritage. Sunday activities include career booths, children's games, vendors, and job training/readiness. Monday activities include kids activities, blues and jazz music, and food/retail vendors.

Orlando Chasing the Dream 5K

January 15

Chasing the Dream 5K is Central Florida's only MLK Day race honoring the life of Dr. King. Register for this 5K and receive a shirt, custom race bib, medal and race packet. If running is not your thing, that is OK, still come on out and support the runners and the cause.

2024 Seedlings for Civil Rights

January 15

During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the City of Orlando’s Green Up initiative will work with volunteers to beautify the Lake Mann Homes neighborhood by planting trees, mulching, and removing litter in surrounding parks and other areas. Snacks, water and all needed supplies provided for volunteers. Closed toe shoes required.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service

January 15

U.S. Hunger in collaboration with The Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and the Orange County MLK Initiative, will pack and distribute 1 million healthy meals of food relief throughout the Central Florida region; while providing a high-energy, family-friendly volunteer event for up to 5,000 Central Florida volunteers.

Volunteers will maintain efficiency on the meal-packaging floor, move boxes, and fill bins with food products (if physically able) as volunteers package 1 million meals in honor of MLK Day of Service! RSVP Here.

Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy 33rd Annual Prayer Breakfast

January 15

Presented by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees and the Central Florida YMCA, the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast will commemorate the legacies of civil rights pioneers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African American City Council Member. This year’s guest speaker will be Congresswoman Val Demings.

Held each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for more than three decades, this prayer breakfast traditionally brings together more than 1,000 civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida neighbors in faith, prayer and the shared commitment to strengthen the community and improve lives.

Winter Garden's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

January 15

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration commemorate the life and legacy of this civil rights legend. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the free annual celebration includes a parade through historic downtown, live entertainment, children’s activities, and more!

City of Oviedo's MLK Parade & Family Fun Day

January 15

City of Oviedo's annual MLK Day celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Oviedo Gym and Aquatics Center on Oviedo Blvd and will travel east on Broadway Street and ending at Round Lake Park. At the park, located at 891 East Broadway Street, there will be a Celebration until 2 p.m. with DJ, Vendors, Food Trucks, Fashion Show, Skills and Drills and a Scholar Bowl! Cost is $5, with wristbands available on site.

Ocoee Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration

January 15

The City of Ocoee’s 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade & Celebration is scheduled for 10 am at Clarke Road. The Martin Luther King Day Celebration will be held after the parade at 11 am in the food court area inside the West Oaks Mall.

Sanford Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Festival in the Park

January 15

Join the city of Sandfiord for the annual “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Festival in the Park” with a Parade at 10 am on Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, from Persimmon Avenue to South Holly Avenue, followed by a festival on Seminole Boulevard, near the Civic Center, from noon – 4 pm with vendors, activities for children, music and more on Monday, January 15, 2024

National Parks Free Entrance for MLK Jr. Birthday

January 15

In honor of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Park Service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 15, 2024. National parks in Florida include Big Cypress, Biscayne, Canaveral, Castillo de San Marcos, DeSoto, Dry Tortugas, Everglades, Fort Caroline, Fort Mantanzas, Gulf Islands, Timucuan, and more!

MLK Night at the Orlando Magic

January 19

The event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarians at the Orlando Magic vs. 76ers game.

Lakeland Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

January 20

The Community is invited to join the city of Lakeland to celebrate the Dream of Martin Luther King Jr. Churches, organizations, daycares, fraternities, sororities, dance groups, bands, and businesses will stroll down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue during this community event.

Orlando 2024 MLK Gospel Concert

February 2

The 9th Annual MLK Concert is presented by the City of Orlando and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is produced and directed by Grammy Award Winner, Dr. Jeffrey Redding to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for UP – United Against Poverty, which will be distributed to various local community and school food pantries. Special guests include Naguanda Miller-Nobles, Soprano – Benjamin Polite, Bass, and Shawn Welcome, the City of Orlando’s Poet Laureate. This year's theme is "Through the storm, I need You to survive!"

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Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Events happening throughout Central Florida

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