top of page
Writer's pictureGotta Go Orlando

Celebrate MLK Weekend in Downtown Orlando with an exciting weekend of entertainment and events

Don’t miss a jam-packed weekend filled with unity, culture, and community pride.

Celebrate MLK Weekend in Downtown Orlando. Parade float with people waving, celebrating MLK Day. Signs read "Service, Equality, Justice." Trees and buildings in the background.

Downtown Orlando has so much to offer everyone, who lives, works, and plays in Central Florida, and this weekend there is so much going on, in and around downtown Orlando to help celebrate MLK Weekend.


On Saturday, Jan. 18, enjoy a concert from the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra as they take the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.


Plus, the FC Series comes to Orlando, with top Brazilian teams competing thrilling matches at Inter&Co Stadium.


A must-attend event on Saturday is the annual MLK Parade, celebrating the legacy of Dr. King with vibrant floats, marching bands and community groups. 


Moving onto Sunday, Jan. 19, the MLK celebrations continue with MLK Night at the Orlando Magic. Taking place at Kia Center, this event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners at the Orlando Magic vs. Denver Nuggets game. 


Expect downtown to be very busy this weekend, so give yourself lots of time to get to and from downtown, work out where you are going to park, and be aware of road closure in place.


Now read on for what's happening in downtown this weekend, Saturday, Jan. 18, and Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.



Downtown Events, Saturday, January 18 & Sunday, January 19, 2025


Celebrate MLK Weekend in Downtown Orlando. Concert hall with a large choir in black on stage, conductor leading. Audience seated in curved wood-paneled balconies. Warm lighting.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center (January 18)

Don’t miss the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra as they take the stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This performance promises an unforgettable evening of classical music.


FC Series at Inter&Co. Stadium (January 18)

Soccer fans, rejoice! Catch exciting action at Inter&Co. Stadium as the FC Series brings thrilling soccer matches to downtown Orlando.


Lunar New Year at Luminary Green Park (January 18-19)

Ring in the Lunar New Year with two days of festivities at Luminary Green Park! Enjoy live performances, traditional food vendors, and cultural exhibits that highlight the richness of Asian heritage and traditions.


MLK Parade (January 18)

The parade will kick off at the Downtown Orlando Courthouse and make its way to the beautiful Lake Eola Park. Come celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with vibrant floats, marching bands and community groups. 


MLK Night at the Orlando Magic (January 19)

Taking place at Kia Center, this event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners at the Orlando Magic vs. Denver Nuggets game. 


Discover More Events

Visit downtownorlando.com/events for a full list of events happening throughout MLK weekend.



Parking and Road Closures

Plan your route ahead of time. Here are key tips to navigate downtown:


Parking: Convenient parking is available at several downtown garages and lots, including the new Canopy South Lot (41 S. Hughey Avenue). And with Park DTO, you can get FREE parking at on-street metered and non-metered spaces. Learn more here.


Pick-Up and Drop-Off Zones: A new designated zone makes it easy to arrive and depart events (33 N. Hughey Avenue).


Road Closures: Note that the Summerlin Avenue intersection at Robinson Street will be close for the next 90 days. Plan alternate routes to avoid delays.



Celebrate MLK Weekend in Downtown Orlando. A group of smiling people holds a banner for the Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission march. Buildings and trees in the background.

Gotta Go Orlando offers the latest entertainment news, together with all the latest events and things to do throughout Central Florida. We feature concerts, theater, culture, nightlife, food & drink. theme parks, attractions, festivals, events, and more.


With news and information being released on a daily basis, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop with all the latest exciting news from our local community. You can also join the local conversation on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.


Contact Us

Got a story to tell Orlando? Contact us now. To advertise with us, click here, and to list your upcoming event with us, submit it here.



Emma Walton News Producer

Emma Walton

  • Instagram

News Producer

Shane Walton News Producer

Shane Walton

  • Instagram

News Producer

Aly Mac News Editor

Alastair Mac

  • Instagram

News Editor

bottom of page