The Unity Festival & Celebration Hub
A vibrant celebration featuring live performances, local food vendors, and community art projects that honor diversity and shared heritage. Continuing Dr. King's mission of non-violence and unity, our festival brings the community together through music, art, and cultural expression at the heart of Carter Park.
9:30 AM — The Start
Parade departs from Sistrunk Boulevard and NW 5th Avenue, kicking off a historic procession through the city center.
Parade Course
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc. invites you to honor the legacy of non-violence. Join us for a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and community progress.
Procession travels West on Sistrunk Boulevard, then North on NW 15th Avenue, moving toward the festival grounds.
Traffic Advisory
Closures begin at 7 AM. Travel planning recommended. Parade/vendor applications can be found by clicking the reigster now buttons applicable to you.
11 AM–3 PM: Carter Park
The Unity Festival and Teen Zone featuring food, music, and celebration at
1450 W Sunrise Blvd.
pARADE & fESTIVAL ROUTE
OUR MISSION
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, Inc. is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King through community engagement, education, and the promotion of social justice. We strive to foster an environment of inclusivity and unity, ensuring that the dream of equality remains a vibrant reality for all citizens of Fort Lauderdale.
In the spirit of Dr. King’s teachings, we remain committed to the philosophy of non-violence. We invite all participants to join us in a peaceful celebration of multiculturalism, community, and the enduring power of purposeful action.
Celebrate The Legacy.
Inspire The Next Generation.
Extend your King Holiday Celebration experience with signature youth events honoring the life, vision, and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Lurther King Jr.
The king holiday experience
Signature Events Honoring Dr. Martin Lurther
King Jr. Honor the dream. Celebrate our unity.
Join us for signature events that inspire the
next generationand carry Dr. King's
legacy forward.
Dr. Martin Luther King jr. birthday celebration
A Legacy Of Hope For Our Youngest Dreamers
A special celebration for elementary school students, honoring Dr. King's birthday and inspiring the next generation to embrace kindness, unity, and the courage to dream.
Thursday, January 14, 2027| 10:00AM - 12:00PM
For: Elementary School Students
Location: African American Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC), Fort Lauderdale
Dr.Martin Lurther King Jr. Teen Summit
Empowering Young Voices. Inspiring Future Leaders.
REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY
An inspiring gathering for middle and high school students to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and consider their own roles in shaping the future rooted in leadership, service, and unity.
Saturday, January 16, 2027| 10:00AM - 2:00PM
For: Middle and High School Students
Location: African American Research Library & Cultural Center (AARLCC), Fort Lauderdale
MLKCC Youth Trailblazer Award
Honoring Young Leaders. Celebrating Extraordinary Promise.
Recognize a young person who embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy through leadership, service, and a heartfelt commitment to positive change. The MLKCC Youth Trailblazer Award celebrates emerging leaders who turn compassion into action, bring people together, and demonstrate that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.
Whether serving their neighbors, leading an initiative at school, advocating for others, or creating opportunities within their community, these young trailblazers reflect the courage and purpose at the heart of Dr. King’s dream. Their contributions remind us that leadership begins with a willingness to serve—and that even small acts of kindness can inspire lasting change.
Help us shine a light on the next generation of changemakers. Nominate a youth whose actions inspire others, uplift our community, and carry the dream forward through the example they set every day.
Nomination Deadline: Monday, January 11, 2027