The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration will take place on Saturday, Jan. 17, in Central Long Beach, with the city having sought more community input and participation for this year’s event.

The 38th annual parade and celebration is meant to be a family-friendly event for the Long Beach community that honors the life, legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through arts, remembrance and meaningful perspectives, according to a press release.

This year’s theme, “Rise Up, Stand Up for His Dream,” reminds people to take action in their daily lives by standing for justice, equality and unity, and to carry on King’s vision through service, advocacy, and love for community, city officials said.

“Each year, we come together to celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring call for justice, service and unity,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “This event is an opportunity for people from every part of our city to stand side by side, celebrate our diversity and recommit ourselves to building a stronger, more connected Long Beach. I encourage everyone to come out, take part and help carry Dr. King’s spirit and ideals forward.”

The 2026 festivities will begin with the parade, kicking off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street.

Local businesses, nonprofits and community groups will march down the parade route. Community members were invited to nominate grand marshals for this year’s parade and celebration – which have yet to be announced. The city sought nominations of people whose work embodies King’s legacy and those who have made a lasting impact in areas such as civic engagement and service, social justice advocacy, philanthropy, youth recognition, community achievement, and arts, sports and culture.

The parade will be followed by the celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave. The celebration will include a main stage with live entertainment, a kid zone, food and merchandise vendors, and more, according to a press release.

There will also be youth reciting their poems at the celebration, part of this year’s poetry contest. The MLK Advisory Committee, in partnership with We Got This LB Cares and Friends of MLK Park, presented the contest this year for Long Beach students to express their creativity and honor King’s legacy.

Long Beach is also looking for more volunteers to support the parade and celebration. Volunteers must be 18 years or older, and responsibilities would include standing at barricades to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the parade participants and spectators, staffing the information booth, trash collection and general assistance with event set up and break down.

Residents, local businesses, nonprofits and community groups interested in volunteering can find more information and sign up for volunteer shifts via the online registration link.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration is presented by the city and office of Sixth District Councilmember Suely Saro, with additional sponsorship from the Port of Long Beach.

“The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration reminds us that we must continue to rise up and stand up for Dr. King’s vision for a just society – one rooted in shared purpose, hope and values,” Saro said in a statement. “As we gather in 2026, we will once again honor that vision by celebrating the voices, cultures and partnerships that make Long Beach special. This event is a testament to our commitment to ensuring every resident feels seen, valued and supported.”

For more information about the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration, visit longbeach.gov/mlkparade.