Family Friendly Martin Luther King Jr. Events in Orlando 2025
MLK Day is this Monday, January 20, and there are several ways to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. this holiday weekend in Orlando. From parades to special events, there is something for everyone going on around town.
Continue the celebration and visit one of the many FREE things to do in Orlando with kids. Or take the extra step and visit these Black History travel destinations close to Orlando.
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MLK Events in Orlando
MLK Candlelight Vigil and March
Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 2 pm at the Shiloh Fellowship Hall
580 West Jackson Street, Orlando, FL, 32805
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.
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum
Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 7 pm
FAMU College of Law
201 FAMU Law Lane, Orlando, FL 32801
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”.
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon
Friday, January 17, 2025 at 11:30 am
First Baptist Orlando
3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805
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.
2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration
Saturday, January 11, 2025 from noon until 4 pm
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Festival Lawn, 201 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee
Head to City of Kissimmee’s Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration, a time to gather as one community, honoring diversity, togetherness, and the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy. Enjoy live music, delicious food, the KUA Kids Power Zone, children’s art village, and inspirational photo area.
Unity Heritage Festival
Sunday & Monday, January 19 & 20, 2025
Winter Park’s Hannibal Square and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (Winter Park)
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.
Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy 33rd Annual Prayer Breakfast
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 7:30 am
First Baptist Orlando
3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, Florida 32805
For over three decades, the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast has united in prayer Central Florida residents and civic, faith, and business leaders who share an unwavering commitment to strengthening our community and uplifting every individual within it. This distinctive occasion, jointly orchestrated by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, YMCA of Central Florida, and City of Orlando’s MLK Commission, serves as a resounding tribute to the indelible legacies of Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Seedlings for Civil Rights
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9 am
Dr. I Sylvester Hankins Park
1340 Lake Park Court, Orlando, FL 32805
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 are required.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9 am
Orange County Convention Center – South Concourse
9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Join the City of Orlando and US Hunger with sponsorship from Kroger Foods for a food packing event. They’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: There are three 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.
- Community Volunteer: Help in the assembly and packing of up to one million meals for families across Central Florida. Sign up to be a community volunteer.
City of Orlando MLK Gospel Concert
Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 7 pm
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
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!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Orlando Parades
What could be better than a Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Orlando? Here are all the big parades to see!
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade
Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 10am
Downtown Orlando from Orange County Courthouse to Lake Eola Park
425 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
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.
2025 MLK Parade Celebration
Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2pm
Historic Eatonville on Kennedy Boulevard
Keller Road to West Avenue (Eatonville)
The celebration begins with a vibrant parade down Kennedy Boulevard, where local schools, organizations, marching bands, and community leaders gather in a colorful procession to honor Dr. King’s dream and the spirit of our community.
Following the parade, the festivities continue with the Celebration in Hungerford Field. Here, visitors can experience live music, browse unique goods from local artisans, enjoy delicious offerings from a variety of food vendors, and participate in family-friendly activities. The festival is a day of inspiration, unity, and enjoyment for all ages, highlighting the rich cultural and community pride of Eatonville.
Winter Garden Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration: Parade, Live Concert, & Children’s Activities
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11am
Parade is in downtown Winter Garden
Celebration kicks off at the downtown pavilion located at 104 S. Lakeview Ave. (Winter Garden)
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.
The remembrance kicks off with a parade through historic downtown at 11:00 am. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and secure a good viewing spot along West Plant Street (from Woodland St. to Central Ave.) to enjoy the procession of community floats and groups.
Oviedo MLK Day Parade and Celebration
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10 am
Center Lake Park
299 Center Lake Lane, Oviedo, FL
The parade kicks off at Oviedo High School and ends at Center Lake Park.
Sanford Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Festival 2025
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10 am
Heritage Park
221 N. Palmetto, Sanford, FL 32771
The Annual MLK Parade has a diverse and vibrant lineup. The grand marshal, local school bands, dancers, bikers, and other participants will join the festivities. The parade route is expected to attract a sizable crowd, with approximately 2,500 spectators anticipated to line the road. The festival starts after the parade and includes various activities: entertainment, food vendors, merchandise vendors, and food trucks.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 10 am
Parade starts at Citrus Elementary
87 N Clarke Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761
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.
City of Apopka’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 2 pm
Starts at 519 South Central Avenue & ends at the John H. Bridges Community Center
This year’s parade theme is “Committed to Unity.” Parade Route starts at 519 South Central Avenue & ends at the John H. Bridges Community Center.
MLK Events Near Orlando (30 – 40 minutes)
MLK March
Monday, January 20, 2025 at 11 am
555 Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
