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

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

This Monday, January 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day when we celebrate the birthday and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr..

A variety of events are planned throughout Central Florida to commemorate the iconic civil rights leader.

There will be a multi-day celebration of marches, prayer breakfasts and other events to honor the Baptist minister and activist who became one of the most prominent leaders in America's civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.

Here in Orlando, on March 6, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his one and only trip to Orlando to give a speech at historic Tinker Field.

Here we have listed the various events happening around Central Florida for Martin Luther King Jr. Day,

Orange County

Friday, January 13

37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon  First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway - 11.30 am

This luncheon, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, begins with keynote speaker Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the new interim General Secretary/President of the National Council of Churches. 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. 

Saturday, January 14

39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade  Downtown Orlando, Orange Avenue - 10 a.m

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: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Break the Cycle of Injustice."

Parade starts at Orange Avenue and Livingston Street and ends at Rosalind Avenue and Livingston Street.

Monday, January 16

Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy 32nd Annual Prayer Breakfast  First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway - 7.45 am

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.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Barbara Jenkins, retired Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools.

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. 

 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service   Lake Lorna Doone Park, 1519 West Church St. - 9 am

During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the city of Orlando’s MLK Commission coordinate various volunteer efforts to clean-up areas, provide gardening, landscaping, beautification of homes and more.

For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteer.orlando.gov.

Seedlings for Civil Rights  Gilbert McQueen Park, 650 West Lake Mann Drive - 9 am

During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the City of Orlando’s Green Up and Keep Orlando Beautiful programs coordinate efforts to beautify homes in the Lake Mann community by planting trees, mulching, and removing litter in the surrounding park and other areas.

For volunteer opportunities, visit orlando.gov/seedlings.

Friday, January 20

MLK Night at the Orlando Magic Amway Center, 400 West Church Street - 7 pm

The event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners at the Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans game.

Saturday, February 18

 8th Annual MLK Gospel Concert  Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall, 445 South Magnolia Avenue  The 8th Annual MLK Concert is produced and directed by Grammy Award Winner, Dr. Jeffrey Redding.

Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

For more events, visit orlando.gov/events/MLK.

Kissimmee

Saturday, January 14

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival Kissimmee Lakefront Park, Festival Lawn 69 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee - 12 pm

Celebrate diversity, unity, and community at the City of Kissimmee’s Martin Luther King Jr Unity Celebration. This energetic festival features live performances from Gospel, R&B, and Soul artists, as well as food trucks, craft vendors, an art Unity Garden, essay contests, and the KUA Kids Power Zone.

Oviedo

Monday, January 16

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Oviedo High School - 10 am

Join the parade from Oviedo High School to Round Lake Park, immediately following the parade, enjoy Family Fun Day in The Park.

Sanford

Monday, January 16

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Festival

2200 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard - 10 am

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee, Inc., proudly presents the Annual Dr. MLK Jr. Parade of the City of Sanford which honors Dr. King’s legacy.

Festival in the Park - Got Talent Competition

Ft. Mellon Park - 2.30 pm

The festival in the park event will begin immediately following the parade on the event grounds at Ft. Mellon Park on the beautiful shores of Lake Monroe. Food and merchandise will be available to purchase as well as music, kids activities and live music.

Winter Garden

Monday, January 16

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Parade & Live Concert

Plant Street - 10 am

Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a community celebration. The event includes a parade, a lineup of live music performances, family friendly activities, displays, and food vendors.

mediately following the parade, the celebration continues with a lineup of top-notch music performances at the Downtown Pavilion. The Gerry Williams Band, Craig Thompson Project, and Selwyn Birchwood will be taking the stage throughout the day.

Ocoee

Monday, January 16

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

Clarke Road - 10 am

The City of Ocoee’s 15th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade & Celebration.

The MLK Day Celebration will be held after the parade at in the food court area inside the West Oaks Mall.

Apopka

Monday, January 15

14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade

519 South Central Avenue - 2pm

:Join the South Apopka Ministerial Alliance for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. This year’s parade theme is “Together, We Can Make a Difference.

Parade begins on 519 South Central Avenue and ends at the John H. Bridges Community Center.

Eatonville

Saturday, January 14

Historic Town of Eatonville 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade 2023 East Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville - 2 pm

The parade travels east on Kennedy Boulevard from Keller Road to West Avenue through the heart of the small town.

Lakeland

Sunday, January 22

MLK Car Show: 1st Annual MLK Car Show

Coleman Bush Building, 1104 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.- 12 pm

Daytona Beach

Sunday, January 15

MLK March Daytona Beach, 925 George W. Engram Blvd, Daytona Beach - 9.45 am

Melbourne

Monday, January 16

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Joseph N. Davis Comunity Center 2547 Grant St. Melbourne - 1 to 6 pm

Enjoy a day of activities and entertainment in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.