MLK-Day-Parades-Tampa-Bay

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

By Last Updated

MLK Day is Monday, January 20, 2025, 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!

2025 MLK Events in Tampa Bay:

MLK, Jr. Celebration in Dunedin | Saturday, January 18, 2025, 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.

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

Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?

>>This Weekend’s Top Picks
>>Holiday Fun in Tampa Bay
>> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids

40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Parade | Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 1 pm-2:30 pm

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 19, there will be an MLK Leadership Breakfast at 7:30 am at the Trinkle Center HCC Plant City Campus.

MLK Dream Big Parade and Family Fun Day in St Pete | Monday, January 20, 2025, from 10 am-2 pm

The celebration starts early this year with the MLK Band Showcase at Lakewood High School on Sunday, Jan. 19, featuring college bands. Then, the parade will follow on MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 20, 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 20, 2025 from 8 am-2 pm

The city of Clearwater and the NAACP Clearwater Upper Pinellas County Branch presents the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Monday, Jan. 20, at the North Greenwood Recreation Center, 900 N. Martin Luther King Jr., Ave. and Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St.

Martin Luther King Day Parade in Tampa | Monday, January 20, 2025, 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.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Event | 2025 TBA

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.