Every year, Floridians come together to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. From lively parades that fill the streets with music and dance to festivals that bring together food, art, and entertainment, these celebrations bring together communities (and are a lot of fun too)!
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, check out these six incredible celebrations throughout Florida.
1. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration (Kissimmee)
Head to Kissimmee Lakefront Park for culture, community, music and fun the weekend before MLK Day. Groove to live performances that span genres from soul-stirring Gospel to rhythmic R&B and soul. Chow down at the many food trucks serving local flavors like street tacos and pizza, shop for unique creations at vendor tents, and check out the first annual pie contest. And for the kids, play the day away at the Power Zone, which features carnival games, bouncy houses, and slides!
2. MLK JR Day Ceremony & Celebration (Boca Raton)
On Florida’s East Coast in sunny Boca Raton, the MLK Day festivities kick off with a community breakfast at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church before shifting to a day of music, dance, art, and delicious local food. Watch the Unity March and see local high school bands and jazz ensembles play. Attend the ceremony and listen to speeches from local community leaders. Then, head to Mizner Park Amphitheater for an afternoon of amusement rides, games, and craft stations. From live stage performances to mouthwatering grub from local vendors, it’s truly a day to remember.
3. City of Tampa MLK Jr. Parade (Tampa)
There’s no celebration in Florida like the City of Tampa’s MLK Jr. Parade. Drawing in over 30,000 folks from around the state, this celebration of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. features more than 150 local acts, from marching bands to dance troupes, along with colorful floats. The parade begins in Cuscaden Park and ends at Middleton High School. Rock out to the Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats and the Edward Waters Marching Band! Catch colorful beads from the floats and cars. And keep an eye out for free candy!
4. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2024 (Winter Garden)
Winter Garden’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration kicks off with a parade through the historic downtown, a nod to the marches of the Civil Rights era. It quickly transitions into a rousing celebration with live music concerts from artists like Phoenix 5 and Selwyn Birchwood. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to relax at the park, grab a bite from one of the local vendors, or check out the children’s games and activities! Not only will there be a gaming truck, but face painting and a rock climbing wall elevate the fun!
5. MLK Parade & Festival (Miami)
Miami’s MLK Parade & Festival is the United States’ oldest and largest MLK Day parade. The event is a dynamic display of cultural diversity, featuring live music that cuts across genres, dance that ranges from traditional to contemporary, and theatrical performances that narrate stories of struggle and triumph. Watch the iconic parade that follows the same path once traversed by Dr. King during visits to Miami. Art enthusiasts will love the crafts marketplace where local vendors showcase their wares. And if you’re hungry, the food trucks lining the streets serve everything from soul food to Creole cuisine, traditional dishes from the Caribbean, and much more.
6. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration (St. Augustine)
St. Augustine’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration begins with a communal breakfast, setting a tone of togetherness and reflection with a local keynote speaker. A silent march follows, with participants commemorating Dr. King’s life and message. The march culminates in a communal gathering at the Plaza de la Constitución, where speakers share messages of hope, unity, and action. Following the march, there is a celebration and display of community spirit, with music and spoken word performances that resonate with Dr. King’s messages of peace and equality.
