![[Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. [Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mathew Ahmann in a crowd.], 8/28/1963](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/secretlosangeles.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/11023123/WordPress-Banner-2024-01-11T023113.408-1024x683.jpg)
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time taken to honor the memory and legacy of the historic civil rights leader. This year it falls on Monday, January 19th.
Los Angeles honors his legacy every year with incredible parades, celebrations, and service opportunities all around the city. This special holiday continually inspires our local communities to come together in meaningful ways and to honor his enduring impact.
Check out our list below for powerful ways to remember the late Dr. King and celebrate his vision across Los Angeles:
Table Of Contents
- Celebrate MLK Day: Let Freedom Ring Bell Craft
- Experience the Dream: MLK The Musical
- LA Fed MLK Celebration 2026 – Annual MLK Day Breakfast
- MLK Day at Pretend City Children's Museum
- 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Celebration
- 38th Annual MLK Jr. Parade & Celebration
- MLK Holiday Concert
- LA’s Official Kingdom Day Parade
- King Day 2026 – California African American Museum (CAAM)
- L.A. Works’ MLK 2026 Volunteer Festival
Celebrate MLK Day: Let Freedom Ring Bell Craft
Join the LA County Library to celebrate MLK Day with a special story time and creating a bell. This event is specifically for children ages 5 – 12 with parent or caretaker.
📅 When: Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Where: Lloyd Taber-Marina Del Ray Library
💚 More Info Here
Experience the Dream: MLK The Musical
“Experience the Dream: MLK The Musical” is a powerful new stage production that brings to life the incredible love story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. This inspiring musical takes audiences on a heartfelt journey through the personal and public lives of two of America’s most iconic figures.
📅 When: Jan. 16 – 17 from 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
💚 More Info Here
LA Fed MLK Celebration 2026 – Annual MLK Day Breakfast
This Annual MLK Day Breakfast is on Saturday, January 17, 2026 where participants can celebrate the movement’s beginnings with this year’s theme “Back to Our Roots.” This Breakfast not only helps to empower local community activists and labor leaders, but it is also a major fundraiser supporting the work of the LA Fed.
📅 When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Where: Los Angeles Convention Center
💚 More Info Here
MLK Day at Pretend City Children’s Museum
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King with special activities and thoughtful discussions to celebrate Black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of MLK day.
📅 When: Monday, Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Where: Pretend City Children’s Museum
💚 More Info Here
43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Celebration
Join the celebration on Saturday, January 17th of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the city of Gardena, at the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Parade & Celebration. Following the parade will be a battle of the bands, entertainment, resource and retail booths, food trucks, and more!
📅 When: Saturday, Jan. 17th from 10 am to 3 pm
📍 Where: Gardena/Rowley Park – Parade from Junipero Serra High School to Rowley Park, with bands, booths, and entertainment.
💚 More Info Here
38th Annual MLK Jr. Parade & Celebration
The City of Long Beach proudly presents the 38th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration, a family-friendly event honoring the life, legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will take place Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 in Central Long Beach.
📅 When: Saturday, Jan. 17 from 10 am to 5 pm
📍 Where: The parade will kickoff at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, followed by the park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.).
💚 More Info Here
MLK Holiday Concert
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a concert featuring the Piano Concerto of African American composer Florence Price, Dvořák’s beloved New World Symphony and the traditional sing-along of the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome”. All Santa Monica Symphony concerts are FREE, but pre-registration is required as seating is limited.
📅 When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3 pm
📍 Where: Barnum Hall, Santa Monica High School
💚 More Info Here
LA’s Official Kingdom Day Parade
The 2026 parade will be led by actor and comedian Cedric The Entertainer, who was named grand marshal of LA’s Official MLK Jr. Day Parade. Nearly 150 colorful floats, marching bands, drumlines, dancers and performers will take over Crenshaw on Jan. 19, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
📅 When: Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10 am
📍 Where: The parade will begin at Western Ave. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., heading west on MLK Blvd. to Crenshaw Blvd., before heading south toward Vernon Ave., ending at Leimert Park.
💚 More Info Here
King Day 2026 – California African American Museum (CAAM)
Honor Martin Luther King Jr. with a performance by the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, a discussion with the King Study Group, family activities, food trucks, and more.
📅 When: Monday, January 19, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Where: California African American Museum (CAAM) 600 State Drive, Exposition Park Los Angeles, CA
💚 More Info Here
L.A. Works’ MLK 2026 Volunteer Festival
Join together to bring about Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community this MLK Day of Service, a large volunteer festival with hands-on projects, nonprofit booths, and family activities. Transform compassion into action!
📅 When: Monday, January 19, 2026
📍 Where: LA Memorial Coliseum
💚 More Info Here