Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events in Orlando 2026
- Alastair Mac
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day to commemorate and celebrate the life, work and legacy of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year, with this year's MLK Day taking place on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is 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 several special events 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 throughout Central Florida to help thousands of locals gather celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026.
Dr Martin Luther Kings Day Events in Orlando 2026
January 11
City Hall Rotunda to First United Methodist Church, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando
The City of Orlando Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host a candlelight vigil at Orlando City Hall. Following the Candlelight Vigil is the Interfaith/Multicultural Celebration presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, with guest speaker State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis. The celebration’s theme is “Let Us Be Dissatisfied" from MLK's speech, "Where Do We Go from Here" and includes representation from various faith traditions and worldviews.
January 11
First United Methodist Church, 142 East Jackson Street, Orlando
Following the Candlelight Vigil is the Interfaith/Multicultural Celebration Celebration presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, with guest speaker State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis. The event is a celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision of a beloved community. This year's theme is “Let Us Be Dissatisfied" from MLK's speech, "Where Do We Go from Here" and includes representation from various faith traditions and worldviews.
January 12
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor. City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando
Mayor Dyer and the City Commissioners will proclaim January 11-19, 2026, as “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Week” in the City of Orlando.
January 15
FAMU College of Law, 201 FAMU Law Lane, Orlando
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 todiscuss this year’s theme of The Economics of Justice: Why Equity is Good Business.
January 15
First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando
This luncheon, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, begins with keynote speaker Jeff Johnson, a cultural translator, truth-teller, and ecosystem builder. 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.
January 17
Downtown Orlando, 425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando
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 “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.
January 17
1187, 1021 Wymore Rd, Eatonville
Each January, the Historic Town of Eatonville proudly presents the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Celebration, a meaningful tribute to Dr. King’s legacy of unity, equality, and hope. The celebration begins with a vibrant parade down Kennedy Boulevard, where local schools, organizations, marching bands, and community leaders gather in a colorful procession to honor Dr. King’s dream and the spirit of our community. Following the parade, the festivities continue with the Celebration in Hungerford Field. Here, visitors can experience live music, browse unique goods from local artisans, enjoy delicious offerings from a variety of food vendors, and participate in family-friendly activities. The festival is a day of inspiration, unity, and enjoyment for all ages, highlighting the rich cultural and community pride of Eatonville.
January 17
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 600 Walker Rd., Wildwood
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the City of Wildwood on Saturday, January 17, 2026 The day includes a community walk, and celebration in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The community is invited to enjoy live music, special performances, family games, giveaways, food trucks, and more.
January 17
Kissimmee Lakefront Park - Veterans Lawn, 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee
Join thousands of local residents at for the City of Kissimmee's Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration, a time to gather as one community, honoring diversity, togetherness, and the spirit of Dr. King's legacy. Enjoy live music, delicious food, the KUA Kids Power Zone, children's art village, and inspirational photo area.
January 17
Center Lake Park - 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo
Join the City of Oviedo and Oviedo Citizens in Action for a day of celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the day begins with a Prayer Breakfast at 9 am within the Oviedo Cultural Center - 357 Center Lake Lane. There will be honors for the 2025 recipients of the "I Have a Dream" Award presented at the breakfast. This is followed by the MLK Parade at 10 am, kicking off at Round Lake Park and ends at Center Lake Park - 299 Center Lake Lane, where a MLK Fun Day in the Park takes place after the Parade, an empowering celebration of leadership, and creativity,
January 17
Towne Square, Downtown Leesburg
Join the Ciy of Leesburgh right after the MLK Parade in Downtown Leesburg for a festival full of Soul! Let’s keep the energy going with a day filled with live music from O'Gilvie Trio and Shay Butter Band, delicious food from local vendors, and so much more. This event is a perfect way to continue celebrating unity, diversity, and the lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 19 - 20
Shady Park, 721 W New England Ave, Winter Park
This annual City of Winter Park festival celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes community and family heritage. The two-day festival takes place in Shady Park across from the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park. Sunday entertainment features music by local gospel bands and Monday includes a special program honoring Dr. King with ongoing musical artists. Special activities include children’s games, career booths, as well as retail and local food vendors. The Hannibal Square Heritage Center offers extended hours during the festival for visitors to learn about the history of Hannibal Square.
January 19
First Baptist Church Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando
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 Tony Jenkins, Market President for the Central Florida region. 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.
January 19
Rosemont Community Center, 4872 Rose Bay Drive, Orlando
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 the area around Rosemont Community Center by planting, mulching, and removing litter in the surrounding park and other areas. Snacks, water and all needed supplies provided for volunteers. Closed toe shoes required.
January 19
Orange County Convention Center - North Concourse, 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando
Join Orange County and US Hunger with sponsorship from Kroger Foods for a food packing event on MLK Day. The're looking for 5,000 volunteers to pack one million meals for those in need in the Orlando community. Let’s make this a day on, not a day off. This event is free to register and is family-friendly. Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones and join us for a fun day fueled by hope, teamwork, joy, and community.
January 19
West Oaks Mall, 9401 West Colonial Drive, Ocoee
Join the City of Ocoee at its 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration. The public is invited to attend a post-parade celebration that will take place in the West Oaks Mall food court at 11 am. Master of Ceremony is Allie Braswell. Keynote speaker is Ocoee resident, Ages Hart. The parade runs on Clarke Road. It begins at Citrus Elementary School, 87 North Clarke Road and ends at the parking lot of the West Oaks Mall.
January 19
Crooms Academy of Information Technology High School, 2200 Historic Goldsboro Blvd. Sanford
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee, Inc. (Dr. MLK, Jr. Committee) proudly presents the Annual Dr. MLK Jr. Parade of the City of Sanford, which honors Dr. King’s legacy. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, in the Goldsboro community begins at Crooms Academy of Information Technology High School, 2200 Historic Goldsboro Boulevard (formerly West 13th Street) Sanford, Florida, at 10 am.
January 19
104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden
Join the City of Winter Garden at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration to commemorate the life and legacy of this civil rights legend. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the free family-friendly celebration includes a parade through historic downtown, live entertainment, children’s activities, and more! The parade travels along West Plant Street (from Woodland Street to Central Avenue). Bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfortable viewing of the Parade and Concert.
January 23
Kia Center, 400 West Church Street, Orlando,
The annual MLK Night at the Orlando Magic will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners at the Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game.
January 24
Lake Lorna Doone, 115 S Tampa Ave, Orlando
Join Keep Orlando Beautiful for a community cleanup! This year Keep Orlando Beautiful will be hosting a Day of Service the weekend after MLK Day inviting the community to give back and clean up litter around the area where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his speech in Orlando. The cleanup will launch from Lake Lorna Doone located at 115 South Tampa Avenue, Orlando. All materials provided include vests, pickers, gloves, trash bags. Please wear comfortable clothing, close-toed shoes, and bring a refillable water bottle to help us reduce plastic waste!
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