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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parades and Events in Tampa Bay

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MLK Day is this Monday, January 15, and there are several ways to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. this holiday weekend in Tampa Bay. From parades to special events, there is something for every family on our list!

MLK Events in Tampa Bay:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Event | Saturday, January 13 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm

Learn and Serve Tampa, Inc., a Youth Service America (YSA) NAtional Days of Service Lead Agency and AmeriCorps MLK Day Champion is bringing together community partners, local youth, veterans, and businesses for an environmental clean-up and awareness event to honor the service commitment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and McKay Bay Nature Park. There will be a beautification plan and informal event followed by a cookout. Community partners like The Florida Aquarium and The Jane Goodall Institute’s Tampa Basecamp for Roots & Shoots will be on hand to share important environmental tips and activities.

Patel Conservatory dancers perform as baby mice in Next Generation Ballet's production of Nutcracker.

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MLK, Jr. Celebration in Dunedin | Saturday, January 13 from 8:30 am-12 pm

Enjoy a free breakfast at Dunedin Rec Center while listening to keynote speakers, the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church choir, and readings of the winning student essays about diversity. Then march to Pioneer Park for live entertainment celebrating the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Parade | Saturday, January 13 from 1 pm-2:30 pm

This year’s parade celebrates “Our History, Our Responsibility” This long-running parade marches along a 1.4 mile route featuring bands, local leaders, and more! The parade starts at Wheeler and MLK and continues on to the Plant City MLK Recreation Complex. There will be vendors, food, live music , and much more family-friendly entertainment, so get ready to collect all the beads and candy! Following the parade will be an MLK Drumline from 3 pm-4:30 pm. On Sunday, January 14, there will be an MLK Leadership Breakfast at 7:30 am at the Trinkle Center HCC Plant City Campus.

Tampa Black Heritage Music Festival | Saturday, January 13 and Sunday, January 14 from 1 pm-9 pm

Head over to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park for live music by the Bar-Kays, Euge Groove and more! There will also be family-friendly entertainment and more. Get your tickets here.

MLK Dream Big Parade and Family Fun Day in St Pete | Sunday, January 14-Monday, January 15

The celebration starts early this year with the MLK Band Showcase at Lakewood High School on Sunday featuring college bands from Tuskegee University, Savannah State University, and Albany State University. The parade will follow on MLK Day on Monday, January 15 along with the MLK Family Fun Day at Tropicana Field Lot 4 where families can experience kid-friendly carnival rides, food from local vendors, entertainment, and more.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Clearwater | Monday, January 15 from 11 am-2 pm

Presented by the city of Clearwater and NAACP Clearwater Upper Pinellas County Branch, this MLK celebration will be a day of community starting with a march at 11 am at the North Greenwood Recreation Center. The march will proceed along Cleveland Street and end in Coachman Park, where there will be events and music at the park and The Sound

Martin Luther King Day Parade in Tampa | Monday, January 15 at 12 pm

This fun and exciting family-friendly event will celebrate the birth of one of our greatest American heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beginning at noon at Cuscaden Park, the parade will include floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, and decorated vehicles of all types and end at 22nd Street and Osborne.