Tampa Bay will commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through parades, festivals, and gatherings that stretch across seven counties between Jan. 16 and Jan. 19. Monday, Jan. 19 is the federal holiday. It always lands on the third Monday in January.

Hillsborough County has lined up several activities. The Tampa MLK Day Parade kicks off at noon on Jan. 19 from Cuscaden Park. The Edward Waters University Triple Threat Marching Band will march in the procession. Plant City plans a week-long event running Jan. 16 through Jan. 19 at Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, bringing speakers, musicians, and artists together.

Three parades take place on Jan. 17, before the actual holiday arrives. Polk County presents its 48th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade at 1 p.m. in downtown Lakeland. Winter Haven hosts its 47th Annual Commemorative Parade from 10 a.m. until noon along M.L.K. Boulevard. NE. Pasco County’s parade runs from 10 a.m. to noon in downtown Dade City. Coach Willie Broner serves as Grand Marshal.

Pinellas County offers three celebrations on Jan. 19. The St. Pete MLK Parade goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through downtown St. Petersburg. Clearwater starts at 8 a.m. Breakfast happens at North Greenwood Recreation Center, then programming follows with a march.

Sarasota County has scheduled activities from Jan. 16 through Jan. 19 at different spots around town. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Celebrating His Legacy in Spoken Word and Song” at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 at Sarasota Opera House. A Memorial Breakfast and Community Awards ceremony happens at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex.

Hernando County holds its 15th Annual MLK Car Show on Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Spectators pay $20. Car entry costs $40. Kids 12 and under get in free. Manatee County’s parade begins at noon on Jan. 17 at Palmetto Youth Center with the theme “Mission Possible: Empowering our youth to dream big, act boldly, and be part of the solution.”

Government offices, facilities, and schools throughout Tampa Bay close on Jan. 19. They reopen Jan. 20.