Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday (Jan. 19), representing a time to remember the legacy of America’s famous civil rights leader and give back to the community.
More than six decades have passed since Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., and more than 57 years since the activist was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. The work he started is vital to this day.
Around Central Florida, performing groups, community leaders and volunteers will bring the public together for concerts, prayer, discussions and more throughout the holiday weekend. Here are a few offerings.
The MLK Commemorative Luncheon presented by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is back for its 40th annual event with keynote speaker Jeff Johnson. The event at First Baptist Orlando will honor students, community leaders and others with awards and scholarships. More information: 11 a.m. Jan. 16 at 3000 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando; mlkluncheon.org
The City of Groveland hosts an MLK Celebration and community breakfast at the E. L. Puryear Building and community center to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More information: 9-11 a.m. Jan. 17 at 243 S. Lake Ave. in Groveland; groveland-fl.gov
Orlando’s annual MLK Parade provides a community celebration with the theme, “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Non-Violent Way.” Thousands of spectators will line up to see drumlines, dancing, community organizations, music, art and more. The route begins at the Orange County Courthouse and goes to Lake Eola Park. More information: 10 a.m. Jan. 17 in downtown Orlando; orlando.gov or eventbrite.com
A portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. is viewed on a float during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade in 2019, in Eatonville. (Orlando Sentinel file)
The Town of Eatonville celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with the 49th annual parade and celebration themed “Progress with Purpose.” More information: 2 p.m. Jan. 17 on Kennedy Blvd. in Eatonville; townofeatonville.org
The City of Kissimmee MLK Unity Celebration gathers the community to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with live music, food, children’s activities and photo ops. More information: Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 17 at 201 Lakeview Drive in Kissimmee; kissimmee.gov
The 24th Unity Heritage Festival takes place in Winter Park over two days with live music, children’s games, food, retail vendors and booths with community resources. More information: 1-5 p.m. Jan. 18 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 19 at 721 W. New England Ave. in Winter Park; cityofwinterpark.org
Sanford’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Steering Committee will host several events throughout the holiday weekend with the theme, “Honoring the Legacy, Inspiring the Future.” At 6 p.m. Jan. 17, a commemorative banquet gathers the community at the Sanford Civic Center. Beginning at 3 p.m. Jan. 18, Pastor Robert T. Bradley Sr. will host an interfaith service at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. The public can enjoy the annual MLK Parade at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 on Historic Goldsboro Boulevard with vehicles, bands, singing groups and more. At Ft. Mellon Park at 11 a.m., enjoy entertainment, speakers, a talent show, children’s activities, food and vendors during a festival in the park. More information: mlksanford.org
Marching in the 35th annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemoration Parade, a student from Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School carries a placard of MLK, in Sanford, Monday, January 17, 2022. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The 35th Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast will commemorate the legacies of King and Orlando’s first Black city council member. This annual tradition brings together hundreds of civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida community members at First Baptist Church of Orlando. More information: 7:30 a.m. Jan. 19 at 3000 S. John Young Parkway in Orlando; ymcacf.org
The City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Great Day of Service brings together U.S. Hunger and volunteers to pack and distribute up to 1 million healthy meals of food relief throughout Central Florida during this family-friendly event, which has shifts beginning at 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at Orange County Convention Center and requires sign-ups in advance. More information: eventbrite.com or orlando.gov
Wells Fargo volunteers Nick Lorimer, left, and Larry San Juan join other volunteers as they dig a hole for a new tree while participating in the Seedlings For Civil Rights event at Trotters Park in Orlando on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2018. (Orlando Sentinel file)
2025 Seedlings for Civil Rights works with the City of Orlando’s Green Up initiative to beautify Rosemont Community Center by planting trees, mulching and removing litter. Snacks, water and supplies are provided for volunteers, who are required to wear closed-toed shoes. More information: 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at 4872 Rose Bay Drive in Orlando; orlando.gov
The Oviedo Citizens in Action Parade features businesses, schools, churches, civic groups, bands and more coming together for a community celebration. The route goes from Round Lake Park to Center Lake Park. A family fun day in the park will follow with live performances, food, vendors and kids’ activities. More information: 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at 299 Center Lake Lane in Oviedo (parade end); cityofoviedo.net
The City of Ocoee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade brings the community together for a fun morning, followed by a post-parade celebration inside the West Oaks Mall with a keynote speech. The parade route begins at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at Citrus Elementary School and ends at the mall. More information: 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at 87 N. Clarke Road in Ocoee; ocoee.org
The Winter Garden Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration commemorates the life and legacy of the Civil Rights leader with a parade, live entertainment, children’s activities and more. More information: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 19 in historic downtown Winter Garden; cwgdn.com
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
A color guard marches in the 12th Annual MLK Jr. Parade in Apopka, presented by the South Apopka Ministerial Alliance, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy on the national holiday in 2021. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Apopka kicks off with the theme, “The Dream Marches On,” at 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at 519 S. Central Ave. in Apopka and ends at the John H. Bridges Community Center. More information: facebook.com/ApopkaMLKjr
MLK Night at the Magic recognizes Mayor Buddy Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award winners at the Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game. The game is at 7 p.m. Jan. 19 at 400 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: kiacenter.com
The 2026 MLK Gospel Concert celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a show produced and directed by Dr. Jeffery Redding in Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for United Against Poverty. More information: 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando; drphillipscenter.org
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