Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday (January 19) and marks a day to remember America’s famous civil rights leader and give back to our communities.
More than 60 years have passed since Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., and more than 57 years since the activist was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. The work he started remains extremely important to this day.
Throughout the holiday weekend, performing groups, community leaders, and volunteers will bring the public together for concerts, prayers, discussions, and more around Central Florida. Here are some benefits.
The MLK Memorial Luncheon sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is back for its 40th annual event, with Jeff Johnson as the keynote speaker. The event at First Baptist Orlando will award awards and scholarships to students, community leaders and others. More information: 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at 3000 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando. mlkluncheon.org
The City of Groveland will host an MLK Celebration and Community Breakfast at the EL Puryear Building and Community Center to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More information: 9-11 a.m. Jan. 17 at 243 S. Lake Ave. in Groveland. Groveland-Florida State Government
Orlando’s annual MLK Parade features a celebration of community themed “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting the Nation in Nonviolent Ways.” Thousands of spectators line up to watch drumlines, dancing, community organizations, music, art, and more. The route begins at the Orange County Courthouse and continues to Lake Eola Park. More information: January 17th, 10 a.m., Downtown Orlando. orlando.gov or eventbrite.com
The City of Eatonville celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with its 49th annual parade and celebration themed “Progress with Purpose.” More information: January 17th at 2pm at Kennedy Blvd. Eatonville. townoffeatonville.org
The City of Kissimmee MLK Unity Celebration brings the community together to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with live music, food, children’s activities, photo opportunities and more. Details: Jan. 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee. kissimmee.gov
The 24th Annual Unity Heritage Festival will be held over two days in Winter Park and will feature live music, children’s games, food, retailers and booths with community resources. Details: January 18th from 1pm to 5pm and January 19th from 10am to 5pm at 721 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park. cityofWinterpark.org
Sanford’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Steering Committee will be hosting several events throughout the holiday weekend with the theme “Celebrating Tradition, Inspiring the Future.” A commemorative banquet will be held at the Sanford Civic Center on January 17th at 6 p.m., bringing together community members. The Rev. Robert T. Bradley Sr. will host an interfaith service at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. The public can enjoy the annual MLK Parade featuring vehicles, bands, singing groups and more on historic Goldsboro Boulevard on January 19th at 10 a.m. Enjoy entertainment, speakers, talent shows, children’s activities, food and vendors at the festival at Mellon Park starting at 11 a.m. at Ft. More information: mlksanford.org
The 35th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast commemorates Dr. King and Orlando’s first Black City Council member. This annual tradition draws hundreds of civic leaders, pastors, and members of the Central Florida community to First Baptist Church in Orlando. More information: 7:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at 3000 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando. ymcacf.org
The City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Great Day of Service will unite America’s Hunger and Volunteers to package and distribute up to 1 million healthy food meals throughout Central Florida during this family-friendly event. The event begins at 9 a.m. January 19 at the Orange County Convention Center and requires advance registration. More information: eventbrite.com or orlando.gov
2025 Seedlings for Civil Rights is working with the City of Orlando’s Green Up initiative to beautify the Rosemont Community Center through tree planting, mulching, and trash removal. Volunteers will be provided with snacks, water, and supplies, but volunteers must wear closed-toe shoes. Details: 9 a.m. Jan. 19, 4872 Rose Bay Drive, Orlando. orlando government
The Oviedo Civic Action Parade brings together businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, bands and more for a community celebration. The route is from Round Lake Park to Center Lake Park. This park offers a fun-filled day for the whole family, with live performances, food, vendors, activities for kids, and more. More information: 10 a.m. January 19, 299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo (parade ends). cityofoviedo.net
The City of Ocoee’s Martin Luther King Jr. Parade will feature a morning of fun for community members, followed by a post-parade celebration with a keynote speaker inside West Oaks Mall. The parade route begins at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at Citrus Elementary School and ends at the mall. More information: 10 a.m. Jan. 19, 87 N. Clarke Road, Ocoee. ocoee.org
The Winter Garden Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration commemorates the civil rights leader’s life and legacy with a parade, live entertainment, children’s activities, and more. More information: January 19th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in the historic downtown Winter Garden. cwgdn.com
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
The color guard marches during Apopka’s 12th Annual MLK Junior Parade, sponsored by the South Apopka Ministerial Alliance to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 2021 holiday. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Apopka’s Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, themed “March of Dreams,” begins at 2 p.m. on Jan. 20 at 519 S. Central Ave. in Apopka and ends at the John H. Bridges Community Center. More information: facebook.com/ApopkaMLKjr
MLK Night at the Magic will honor Mayor Buddy Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award recipients during the Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game. The game will be held at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando on January 19th at 7 p.m. More information: kiacenter.com
The 2026 MLK Gospel Concert will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a show produced and directed by Dr. Jeffrey Redding at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center’s Steinmetz Hall. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to United Against Poverty. Details: 7 p.m., Feb. 22, at 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando. drphillipscenter.org
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