Tampa and St. Petersburg host MLK Day parades next week

After last year’s virtual celebrations, organizers and local activists are excited for the return of both Tampa and St. Petersburg’s MLK Day parades—which will both take place on Monday, Jan. 17.

Both parades feature marching bands, floats, speakers and local businesses— all gathering to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,  one of America’s greatest heroes.

St. Pete’s parade—which is in its 36th year— will begin at 11 a.m. and run from 3rd St. S to the end at 16th St. N, following 1st Ave. S westward towards Tropicana Field.
Cuscaden Park at 2901 N 15th St. will be the starting location for Tampa’s parade, which starts at noon.

In the ‘Burg, there are also events happening the weekend leading up to the official parade, with a musical festival and family fun day happening on Saturday, and a MLK band and a gospel choir showcase both slated for Sunday. For more information on these multiple events, visit mlkdreambig.com, although no tickets are necessary.
According to the Parade Foundation—the organizer's of Tampa's MLK Day celebration—a portion of the proceeds (from fees and sponsorships) will provide scholarships for a “diverse set of deserving high school students.”

More information about Tampa’s official parade is at mlkjrparade.com.