It’s time to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! This year, there are tons of awesome events happening around the Orlando metro area to honor his dream of equality and justice. So grab your littles, pack your comfy shoes, and get ready to spread some love and learning!

Attend a Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Take the kids to attend a parade to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Here are a few parades taking place in and around Orlando.

Orlando’s 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade

This is a BIG one, folks! Grab your lawn chairs and head downtown on Saturday, January 13th at 10 AM for a vibrant parade celebrating Dr. King’s message of unity and nonviolence. Expect marching bands, colorful floats, and tons of community spirit. (Think happy tears and maybe a few goosebumps!)

Town of Eatonville’s MLK Parade

This historic town, known as the “cradle of Black civilization in Florida,” hosts its parade on Saturday, January 13th at 11 AM. It’s a smaller, more intimate celebration with a focus on Eatonville’s rich history and resilience.

Ocoee MLK Day Parade and Celebration

Head to Ocoee on Monday, January 15th at 10 AM for their parade and celebration. It’s a great way to teach your kids about the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s tough.

Beyond the Parades for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

It’s not all parades. Here are other ways to celebrate MLK Jr.’s birthday in Orlando.

City of Kissimmee Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration

This family-friendly event on Saturday, January 13th from 11 AM to 4 PM features live music, food trucks, games, and educational activities. It’s a great way to learn about Dr. King’s life and legacy while having a blast.

City of Winter Garden’s MLK Parade and Concert

This event on Monday, January 15th starts with a parade at 10 AM, followed by a free concert in the park at 1 PM. Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy some tunes under the Florida sunshine!

City of Winter Park’s Unity Heritage Festival

This two-day festival (Saturday, January 13th and Sunday, January 14th from 1-5 PM) is all about celebrating diversity and inclusion. Expect live music, yummy food, fun activities for the kids, and booths showcasing different cultures and communities,

City of Sanford’s Martin Luther King Parade and Festival

This lively celebration on Monday, January 15th features a parade at 10 AM, followed by a festival with live music, food, and vendors. It’s a great way to end the long weekend with a bang!

Bonus Tip: Many of these events also have volunteer opportunities, so if you’re looking for a way to give back and make a difference, check with the organizers!

No matter which event you choose, the most important thing is to talk to your kids about Dr. King’s message of peace, love, and equality. Use these celebrations as an opportunity to teach them about the importance of standing up for what they believe in and making the world a better place.