Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parades and Events in Tampa Bay
MLK Day is Monday, January 19, 2026, and there are several ways to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. this holiday weekend in Tampa Bay. From parades to special events, there are great events for kids and families to continue honoring his legacy!
2026 MLK Events in Tampa Bay:
41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival in Plant City | January 16-19, 2026
This festival honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. begins with an opening ceremony on January 16, at 11:30 a.m. Then, on January 17, the MLK Expo begins at 10 am, with a parade that marches along a 1.4-mile route featuring bands, local leaders, and more! The parade starts at Wheeler and MLK Blvd. and continues on to end at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. On the 17th there will also be a Dumrline Battle of the Bands, and live entertainment for a full day of remembrance.
On Sunday, January 18, there will be an MLK Leadership Breakfast at 7:30 am at the Trinkle Center HCC Plant City Campus, followed by a memorial service on Monday, January 19.
MLK, Jr. Celebration in Dunedin | Saturday, January 17, 2026, 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.
This year’s keynote speaker is affiliated with Dunedin Cares Community Food Pantry and we will be accepting donations at the event.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Clearwater | Monday, January 19, 2026, from 8 am-12 pm
The city of Clearwater and the NAACP Clearwater Upper Pinellas County Branch present the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, Jan. 19, at the North Greenwood Recreation Center, 900 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. The celebration begins with breakfast from 8 am-9 am, and continues with the programming and speakers from 9 am-11 am. The march will be immediately after the conclusion of programming.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Event in Tampa | Monday, January 19, 2026, 9 am-4 pm
Feeding Tampa Bay will open its doors, and our hearts, to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a powerful day of service with meal repackaging, produce packing, sorting, food service, and more at the Causeway Center in Tampa and the Feeding Pinellas Empowerment Center in St. Pete. Together, we proved what can happen when our community comes together for good!
Arts Legacy Remix: Eighth Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration | Monday, January 19, 2026, 7:30 pm
The Straz Center is set to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a commemoration that amplifies the commitment to manifest his dream. Join the Straz Center for an evening of gospel music, the powerful writings of Dr. King, and young voices sharing their hopes and vision for 2026.
Martin Luther King Day Parade in Tampa | Monday, January 19, 2026, at 12 pm
This fun and exciting family-friendly event, themed “Courage is Contagious,” 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! The parade will also feature the President of the Tampa Housing Authority, Grand Marshal Jerome Ryans. The parade ends at N 22nd Street and E Osborne Ave.