Fort Lauderdale Announces 2026 King Holiday Celebration: January 15–24
Fort Lauderdale, FL — The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee (MLKCC), in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks & Recreation, announces the 2026 King Holiday Celebration, a week of events honoring the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through unity, culture, and youth empowerment.
The celebration begins Thursday, January 15, with the King Holiday Birthday Party at the African American Research Library & Cultural Center, a fun and educational program for students K–5 featuring crafts, storytelling, museum tours, and a traditional birthday celebration honoring Dr. King’s values of peace and collaboration.
On Saturday, January 17, the King Holiday Teen Summit engages local youth in conversations on leadership, and civic responsibility through workshops, cultural performances, and recognition of the annual MLK Day of Service projects.
The signature King Holiday Parade takes place Monday, January 19 at 9:30am along Sistrunk Boulevard.. Participants—including marching bands, cultural performers, community organizations, and residents—will march together promoting Dr. King’s ideals of unity, and equality. Leading the parade are our Grand Marshals, Westway Towing and 103.5 The Beat.
Immediately following the parade, the King Holiday Multi-Cultural Unity Festival will be held at Carter Park until 3:00pm. The festival features music, dance, art, global cuisine, and performances, along with the presentation of the annual Youth Trailblazer Awards.
Also on January 19, the King Holiday Teen Zone will offer teens a high-energy space with an Open Mic, Band Showcase, 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, giveaways, and empowerment activities focused on positive expression and community awareness.
The celebration concludes on Saturday, January 24, with the King Holiday Gospel Explosion at Carter Park, featuring a powerful headline performance by national gospel recording artist Jekalyn Carr. This uplifting outdoor event will include gospel music, praise dancing, poetry, and community worship honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy of faith, justice, and love.
The celebration is made possible through the support of Major Sponsors 103.5 The Beat, AHF AIDS
Foundation, Florida Blue, BSO, Publix, Westway Towing, Core Construction, International Longshoremen Association ILA 1526, African American Research Library and Cultural Center.
All events are free and open to the public.