There is a host of local events to commemorates and celebrate the life, work and legacy of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year, with this year's MLK Day taking place on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day set aside throughout the country to honor the memory of the iconic civil rights leader with parades, celebrations, community outreach, and continued advocacy for justice.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his one and only trip to Orlando to give a speech at historic Tinker Field on March 6, 1964, and here in Central Florida, there is a large variety of special events to commemorate the iconic civil rights leader, including the Orlando MLK Holiday Parade, the Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration, the City of Oviedo's MLK Parade & Family Fun Day and more.
In this guide we have listed the various events happening throughout Central Florida for Martin Luther King Jr. Day,
Dr Martin Luther Kings Day Events in Orlando 2025
January 12
The City of Orlando Mayor's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host a vigil at Shiloh Fellowship Hall. At the event, participants will be greeted with a brief presentation followed by a march to Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando for the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration.
January 12
Following the Dr. Martin Luther King Candlelight Vigil is the Interfaith Multicultural Celebration presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, with guest speaker Archbishop Allen T. D. Wiggins Senior Pastor, The Hop Church of Orlando. The celebration’s theme is "Human Resources & Human Will" and includes representation from various faith traditions.
January 13
Mayor Dyer and the City Commissioners will proclaim January 12 – 20, 2025, as “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Week” in the City of Orlando.
January 16
During the Leadership Forum, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, participants will take part in a moderated, interactive event with key leaders of the Orlando community to discuss this year’s theme of “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365”.
January 17
This luncheon, presented by the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. & the I.S. Hankins/F.A. Johnson Education Foundation (HJEF), begins with keynote speaker Marc Morial, who served as the highly successful and popular Mayor of New Orleans. At the event, students, community leaders and organizations will be recognized for their contributions with the prestigious Drum Major Award in areas of Scholastic Achievement, Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service and Business.
January 17 - 20
The City of Sanford Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Steering Committee, Inc. proudly presents the 38th Annual Celebration and Memorial Observance.This year’s theme is “Men of the Movement: Charting A Path Forward.”
We invite you to join us in celebrating the men who have been instrumental in driving forward the movements in Sanford. During the Dr. King holiday weekend, over four days, we will be hosting five events to keep the dream of Dr. King alive, including the annual MLK Parade. We would be grateful for your support in making these events a success and continuing to keep his dream alive.
January 18
Join us for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade in Downtown Orlando! 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. It's a day filled with unity, inspiration, and fun for all ages.
Join us as we honor Dr. King’s mission and let’s be intentional about protecting and promoting his dream through our works. Our parade theme for 2025 is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365.” This is a call to action for each of us to remain united in the spirit of love and nonviolence as we continue to advocate for a just and equitable society.
January 18
Join us as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Eatonville’s 48th Annual MLK Parade Celebration on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “Illuminating Tomorrow Together,” celebrates unity, progress, and hope for the future. Experience the vibrant parade down Kennedy Boulevard, followed by our Festival in the Field filled with live music, delicious food, local artisans, and family-friendly activities.
Oviedo MLK Day Prayer Breakfast, Parade and Celebration
January 18 - 20
"A Beloved Community: Stronger Together" Join the City of Oviedo and Oviedo Citizens in Action for a celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
PRAYER BREAKFAST, Saturday, January 18, 2025
Oviedo Cultural Center - 357 Center Lake Lane
PARADE, Monday, January 20, 2025
Parade kicks off at Oviedo High School and ends at Center Lake Park - 200 Center Lake Lane
COMMUNITY FUN DAY IN THE PARK, Monday, January 20, 2025.
Center Lake Park - 299 Center Lake Lane
January 18
Live music, special performances, family games, giveaways, food trucks, and more
January 19
The event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners as the Orlando Magic take on the Denver Nuggets at Downtow Orland's Kia Center.
January 19 - 20
This annual City of Winter Park festival celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and promotes community and family heritage. The two-day festival takes place in Shady Park across from the Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park. Sunday entertainment features music by local gospel bands and Monday includes a special program honoring Dr. King with ongoing musical artists. Special activities include children’s games, career booths, as well as retail and local food vendors. The Hannibal Square Heritage Center offers extended hours during the festival for visitors to learn about the history of Hannibal Square.
January 20
Presented by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees and the Central Florida YMCA, the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast will commemorate the legacies of civil rights pioneers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African American City Council Member. This year’s guest speaker will be Carolyn Fennell, former senior vice president of public affairs and community relations with Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Held each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for more than three decades, this prayer breakfast traditionally brings together more than 1,000 civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida neighbors in faith, prayer and the shared commitment to strengthen the community and improve lives.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service
January 20
Join Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and US Hunger with sponsorship from Kroger Foods for a food packing event. We're looking for 3,000 – 5,000 volunteers to pack between half a million and one million meals for those in need in the Orlando community.
Volunteer Opportunities: We have two types of roles for volunteers. Whether you’re a natural leader or someone who enjoys helping behind the scenes, there’s a spot for you.
Table Captains: Serve as leaders who help guide and support groups of volunteers to ensure smooth operations throughout the event. Sign up to be a Table Captain.
Heavy Lifters: Assist with essential tasks related to moving and organizing supplies, helping make sure everything runs seamlessly. Sign up to be a Heavy Lifter.
When registering, please be sure to select "City of Orlando - Mayor's MLK Commission" from the dropdown list to ensure your registration is properly recorded.
January 20
oin us at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration to commemorate the life and legacy of the civil rights legend. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the annual celebration includes a parade through historic downtown as well as live music performances, family friendly activities, and more.
PARADE
The remembrance kicks off with a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Parade in historic downtown. The parade travels along West Plant Street (from Woodland Street to Central Avenue) through historic downtown. Secure a good viewing spot along West Plant Street to enjoy the procession of community floats and groups.
ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES
Musical entertainment will include Selwyn Birchwood, and Sugar Vibe, plus enjoy children’s and family-friendly activities, and more.
January 20
The City of Ocoee’s 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade & Celebration is scheduled for Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. – Clarke Road. The Martin Luther King Day Celebration will be held after the parade at 11 a.m. in the food court area inside the West Oaks Mall.
January 20
Join Green Up Orlando to beautify Hankins Park by planting trees, mulching, and removing litter in the surrounding park and other areas. Snacks, water and all needed supplies provided for volunteers. Closed toe shoes required.
January 20
Lace up your running shoes and join us for Central Florida's only MLK Day race -Chasing the Dream 5k! This isn't just any race; it's a journey towards making a difference. This event promises to be not just a run, but an experience to remember! Every stride you take helps support the amazing work at New Image Youth Center, with all proceeds directly benefiting their programs. It's your chance to run for a cause and be a part of something bigger!
January 26
The 10th Annual MLK Concert is presented by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and produced and directed by Grammy Award Winner, Dr. Jeffrey Redding celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Witness the powerful message of Dr. King's legacy come alive through "MLK: Until I Reach My Home, It's Gonna Take a Village."
This concert emphasizes the importance of working together to build a better future.More than just a concert, this is a call to action. Be uplifted by the beauty of music and inspired to create positive change in your community. Featuring Orlando Choral Society, the UCF Choirs, high school and church choirs, guest narrator, soloists, actors, dancers, and more! Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for UP – United Against Poverty which will be distributed to various local community and school food pantries.
To list your MLK Event with Gotta Go Orlando, submit your events here.
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.
