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 Jan. 20. Tampa Bay will be honoring Dr. King's legacy with numerous events all over the region.
View our list to see the celebrations and events honoring his legacy around the area. All events are free to attend unless stated otherwise.
Citrus County
- MLK Day Celebration
Jan. 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Liberty Park
Enjoy a day of live music, spoken word, scripture, and dance. There will also be food trucks, games, and more.
- Martin Luther King Celebration in Crystal River
Jan. 20, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Copeland Park
This event is sponsored by the George Washington Carter Community Center. There will be speakers and food. The theme is "Remember the Dream."
Hernando County
- 14th Annual MLK Car Show
Jan. 19, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Hernando County Fairgrounds
Spectators can view the show for $20, but car entry is $40. Kids 12 and under can attend for free.
- MLK Parade
Jan. 20, 10 a.m. | Ernie Chatman Run
The parade will begin at Ernie Chatman Run and Howell Avenue and end at East Fort Dad Avenue. This year’s theme is “Living the Dream, It Starts With Me.”
Hillsborough County
- Plant City MLK Festival
Jan. 17 – 26 | Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center
The festival is a 7-day cultural event held in Plant City that features speakers, musicians, and artists. There will also be a parade celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
- TOBA Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Breakfast
Jan. 20, 6:45 a.m. | JW Marriott Tampa
The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) will be hosting its 45th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Leadership Breakfast to honor the principles of Dr. King and to foster positive community relations. Click the link to get more information on ticket purchases.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Nature Camp
Jan. 20, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation Gallery
Campers will immerse themselves in activities that celebrate the beauty of diversity in both people and nature. They’ll observe native wildlife, read nature-themed poetry that promotes harmony, and plant seeds as a symbol of nurturing a sustainable future. Participants must be in kindergarten – 5th grade.
- Tampa MLK Day Parade
Jan. 20, noon | Cuscaden Park
This year’s parade will feature the Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats and Edward Waters University Triple Threat Marching Band. The grand marshal is Les Miller, former state representative and Hillsborough County commissioner. The parade route ends at Middleton High School.
Manatee County
- 2025 MLK Parade
Jan. 18, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Palmetto Youth Center
The assembly area for parade participants will be located in the parking lot of Lincoln Middle School off of 17th West in Palmetto. The entry point will be on 2nd Ave East at the first gate entering the parking lot. All participants are expected to arrive and check in at the entry gate no later than 11:15 a.m. The parade will begin promptly at noon traveling west on 17th Street.
- MLK Day of Service
Jan. 20. 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 1032 32nd Ave E, Bradenton, 34208
Manatee Habitat’s Advancing Black Homeownership (ABH) initiative is hosting an MLK Day of Service dedicated to building homes for families in need in Manatee County. Whether you’re an experienced builder or new to volunteerism, this is a chance to give back, make an impact, and honor Dr. King’s vision of community and equality.
Pasco County
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade
Jan. 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Downtown Dade City
The parade begins at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. It will end at the Historical Courthouse for a unity prayer.
Pinellas County
- St. Petersburg MLK Day Dream Big Parade
Jan. 17 -20 | Downtown St. Petersburg
The parade travels through the heart of downtown St. Petersburg on First Avenue South, culminating at Tropicana Field. This year will not have a family fun fair at the Trop like it has in past years due to heavy hurricane damage that the stadium sustained. The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Jan. 20, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | North Greenwood Recreation Center
The day will begin with a breakfast at North Greenwood Recreation Center, then at 10:45 a.m., there will be a procession to Coachman Park to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Martin Luther King, J. Celebration
Jan. 18, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | MLK, Jr. Recreation Center
Enjoy a free breakfast at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center while listening to keynote speakers, the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church choir, and readings of the winning student essays about diversity. There will be a march from the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center to Pioneer Park in downtown Dunedin for live entertainment celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- 5th Annual MLK Day of Service
Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | St. Pete Youth Farm
This volunteer event will have various farm projects and activities for all ages and abilities.
Polk County
- 47th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Jan. 18, 1 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland
The parade will start at the intersection of Providence Road and West 14th Street, they will then travel down Providence Road, turn east on 10th Street, and head south on MLK Avenue before ending at 2nd Street.
- 46th Annual Winter Haven Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Parade
Jan. 18. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Lake Maude Recreation Park
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the community gathers to celebrate unity and freedom.
GOVERNMENT OFFICES & SCHOOL CLOSURES
All Tampa Bay area government offices and facilities will be closed on Jan. 20 in obserance of the holiday. Tampa Bay schools will also be closed on Jan. 20, but both will be open the following day on Jan. 21.