3-minute read
The city of Lakeland will host the 48th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m.
This year’s parade theme “A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Actions,” was chosen to unite the community in honoring King and his message of equality, service and unity.
“Each year, those themes reflect the city of Lakeland and how we’re growing and the things that we need,” said Cora Rankins, Lakeland MLK Commission committee president.
“We were looking back on how we’ve come through a lot, so that’s our legacy of strength. And a future of actions because we’re planning on continuing to do our best all the time,” Rankins said.
The parade will have more than 100 participants, including professional floats, marching bands, dance teams, decorated vehicles, car clubs and other community groups.
It will begin at the intersection of Providence Road and West 14th Street. From there, the parade will travel south on Providence Road, turn east onto 10th Street, continue south on MLK Jr. Avenue, and conclude at 2nd Street.
Watch the official live broadcast on the city of Lakeland’s Facebook page, Spectrum Channel 643 or FiOS Channel 43. The broadcast will also be streamed on lakelandgov.net and will be available on demand.
Additional Lakeland events honoring King
Wednesday, Jan 14
Evening With the Artist: Alex Lanier
6 p.m. at The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
Free admission. RSVP on The AGB’s website.
Friday, Jan 16
“Broadway in the Park” Grand Marshal Gala honoring Sylvester Little and Latha Speed
7 p.m. at the Lake Crago Recreation Center
Individual tickets $50 and tables $400; black-tie attire
Contact Cora Rankins for more information corarankins58@gmail.com or 863-734-9277
Saturday, Jan. 17
MLK Car Show & Sound Competition
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Joker Marchant Stadium
Free admission
$15 parking and $30 car registration
Cultural Connections
10 a.m. to noon at Bonnet Springs Park in the GiveWell Community Foundation Nature Center
Free admission
Celebrate MLK Day and kindness. Participate in a community mural, create an acts-of-kindness craft and share what kindness means to you.
Monday, Jan 19
Prayer Breakfast featuring Pastor Rhonda Edwards
9 a.m. at the Dream Center of Lakeland
Individual tickets $30
Hosted by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Lakeland
Thursday, Jan. 22,
Oratorical Contest
7 p.m. at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Lakeland
Open to Polk County Public School students from third through 12th grade
2026 Theme — Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. & Corretta Scott King: How did their past resilience inspire present and future progress?
Contact Cora Rankins for more information corarankins58@gmail.com or 863-734-9277
Nearby celebrations
Haines City Annual Dr. Martin L King Jr. Day Parade and Unity Day 2026
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation of Lake Wales events
Plant City MLK Festival schedule of events
Winter Haven calendar of events
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.