Returning for its 37th year, the massive MLK Dream Big Celebration is back this weekend in St. Pete, January 14-16th. The annual three-day event stretches Saturday-Monday and features a music festival, gospel choir showcase, marching band showcase and of course the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade through downtown.
Organizers say the MLK Dream Big Weekend is meant to be a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in St. Pete, “a city of opportunity where the sun shines on all who come to live, work, and play.”
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The parade on Monday begins at the intersection of 3rd Street South and 1st Avenue South next to First Citrus Bank where it will march all the way down 1st Ave S until taking a left onto 16th Street South and conclude across from Tropicana Field. This year’s parade features performances from 10 different high school and college marching bands from around the state and country.
The lineup of main events is listed below, and more details can be found at mlkdreambig.com. All events are free and open to the public.
Saturday, January 14
Music & Arts Festival – 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. , Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr. SE. Gates open at 11:00 a.m.
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Sunday, January 15
MLK Band Showcase – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Campbell Park Football Complex, 601 14th St. S. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
Monday, January 16
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade – 11:00 a.m. start time, 1st Ave. S heading west starting at 3rd St. Full parade route map available at mlkdreambig.com
MLK Family Fun Day – 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Tropicana Field Lot 4, 198 17th St S
Note: This year’s MLK parade route will turn down 16th St. to enter 17th St. and road closures will be required. St. Petersburg Police Department will divert traffic toward 20th St. There will be road closures at all streets that intersect 1st Ave. S. Sunrunner stops 5th Ave. N, 8th St. N and 13th St. N will be impacted by the parade from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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