TAMPA, Fla. — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrates the memory of Dr. King and his achievements as a civil rights leader. The holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of January and this year, it will fall exactly on King's birthday: Jan. 15. Tampa Bay will be preparing to honor King's legacy with numerous events all over the region.
View our list to see what's happening in your area. All events are free to attend unless stated otherwise.
Citrus County
- MLK Freedom Unity Walk Valerie Theatre Plaza
- "Remembering the Dream" MLK Day Community Event
Jan. 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Copeland Park
The George Washington Community Center and the Copeland Park Community Association will be hosting a day of community speakers, including an interactive reciting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech and games for all to enjoy. Food vendors will also be available.
Liberty Park/Inverness Depot
Hernando County
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Jan. 15, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Downtown Brooksville
This parade in downtown Brooksville will commemorate the life, legacy and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City officials and local organizations will be participating in this community event.
Hillsborough County
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Event
Jan. 13, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | McKay Bay Nature Park
Community partners, local youth, veterans and businesses will be gathering for an environmental clean-up and awareness event to honor the service commitment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There will also be a celebratory cookout. Special guests include members of the Florida Aquarium, Students ReBuild and Jane Goodall Institute's Tampa Basecamp for Roots & Shoots to share environmental tips and activities.
- 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Parade
Jan. 13, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center
This long-running parade marches along a 1.4 mile route, featuring bands, local leaders and organizations. The parade starts at North Wheeler Street and MLK Avenue and continues on to the recreational complex. There will be vendors, food, live music and tons of family-friendly entertainment.
- 2024 MLK Parade
Jan. 15, 12 p.m. | City of Tampa
A day of unity, reflection and fun will be in store for the City of Tampa. The parade route will begin at North 15th Street and East 21st Avenue, and end at North 22nd Street and East Osborne Avenue.
Manatee County
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Jan. 13, 12 p.m. | City of Palmetto
The parade route includes 3rd Avenue West, 10th Street West, 8th Avenue West and 17th Street West. - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Celebration
Jan. 13 (6 p.m., banquet), Jan. 14 (12 p.m., parade) | Bradenton
The Palmetto Youth Center will be celebrating MLK Day all weekend long, featuring a banquet showcasing unity and community around the area, and a parade the next day beginning promptly at noon, traveling west on 17th Street.
Pasco County
- MLK Celebration
Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. (symbolic march), 11 a.m. (celebration) | African American Club
Begin the day with a symbolic walk from Union Baptist Church towards the African American Club for live performances, creative tributes and guest speakers. - 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade: Downtown Dade City
Jan. 15, 10 a.m. | Downtown Dade City
Embrace the spirit of unity and equality at Dade City's annual MLK Jr. Day Parade! This year's Grand Marshal will be Washington Huskies quarterback and Heisman Trophy runner-up Michael Penix Jr. The parade will proceed from Martin Luther King Boulevard to Seventh Street, and Meridian to Sixth Street, ending at the Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center (Pasco County Circuit Court Building).
Pinellas County
- MLK Dream Big Parade and Family Fun Day in St Pete
Jan. 15 | Downtown St. Pete (parade) and Tropicana Field (Family Fun Day)
The parade will run on 1st Avenue South from east to west, along with the 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
Jan. 15, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | North Greenwood Recreation Center
This celebration will start a march at 11 a.m. at the recreation center, then proceed along Cleveland Street and end in Coachman Park, where there will be events and music.
Polk County
- Winter Haven Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Jan. 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | MLK Park on Lake Silver
The 45th annual parade will be "Carrying the Dream" through the streets of Winter Haven and spread a message of unity to honor the holiday.
- MLK Day Block Party
Jan. 15, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Strong Tower Church
The block party will feature free food, bounce houses, games, haircuts and more.
- 46th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Jan. 20, 1 p.m. | City of Lakeland
Churches, organizations, fraternities, sororities, dance groups, bands and businesses will stroll down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue during this community event. The parade route begins at Providence Road and West 14th Street and ends at MLK Avenue and 2nd Street.
GOVERNMENT OFFICES & SCHOOL CLOSURES
All Tampa Bay area government offices and facilities will be closed on Jan. 15 in obserance of the holiday. Tampa Bay schools will also be closed on Jan. 15, but both will be open the following day on Jan. 16.