3 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Orlando

Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day events include a downtown parade, a massive volunteer effort, and a free gospel concert.

A diverse group of participants marches down a tree-lined street during the Orlando Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, holding signs reading “Equality,” “Peace,” and “Respect,” and carrying a large banner for the Mayor’s MLK Holiday Commission.

The Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission turns 40 this year. | Photo courtesy the city of Orlando

Monday, Jan. 19 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and celebrations are already underway in Orlando. Here are a few upcoming opportunities to commemorate the life, work, and legacy of King around O-Town:

Saturday, Jan. 17 | 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade
Themed “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way,” this event along Orange Avenue will feature dance and musical performances, drumlines, comedy, and more.

Monday, Jan. 19 | 3rd Annual MLK Day of Service Million Meal Pack
Sign up to help package meals, move boxes, or assist with cleanup at this volunteer event that will deliver 1 million meals to people in need across Central Florida.

Saturday, Feb. 22 | 11th Annual MLK Gospel Concert
Head to the Dr. Phillips Center for a show honoring King produced by Grammy Award winner Dr. Jeffrey Redding. Tickets are free, but attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for United Against Poverty.

Find more Martin Luther King Jr. Day events around Orlando.