For nearly four decades, the St. Pete MLK Parade has been a moment when the city pauses, comes together, and reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Year after year, families line the streets, community groups show up with pride, and neighbors reconnect at an event many consider a meaningful start to the new year.
On Monday, January 19, 2026, that tradition continues with the 39th Annual St. Pete MLK Parade, themed “The Power of A Dream,” hosted by the City of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc.
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The parade has long been more than a single day on the calendar. It’s something many people in St. Pete plan for and look forward to each January, whether they’ve attended for decades or are experiencing it for the first time. Over the years, it has grown into one of the nation’s longest-running MLK parades, bringing together residents from across neighborhoods and generations to honor Dr. King’s vision.
Beginning at 11 am on Monday, January 19, the parade will travel through downtown St. Petersburg and end at Tropicana Field, continuing a route familiar to many who have made this event part of their annual tradition.
Parade Details
- Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Route: West on 1st Ave. S from 3rd St. S to 16th St. S, then south on 16th St. S to 3rd Ave. S, ending at Tropicana Field
This year’s parade will include performances by Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University, along with a special appearance by the Wendell Scott Foundation, which will bring a historic race car honoring the legacy of the first African American NASCAR driver and team owner to win at the sport’s highest level. These moments connect past and present while highlighting stories that continue to shape the community.
Service and participation remain a key part of the parade’s legacy. Volunteers, parade participants, sponsors, and partners all play a role in making the event possible, continuing the spirit of collective responsibility that Dr. King championed throughout his life.
The celebration extends beyond parade day through the 45 Days of Excellence, running from January 1 through February 14, 2026. The citywide initiative will highlight individuals, organizations, and community groups whose work reflects Dr. King’s values through digital storytelling, community spotlights, and select live events. During this time, the City’s MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Program will also bring attention to projects focused on unity, health, and volunteerism across St. Petersburg and Pinellas County.
For many in St. Pete, the MLK Parade is a reminder of where the city has been and where it hopes to go. As it enters its 39th year, the tradition continues to serve as a space for a shared sense of purpose.
For more information about the parade or ways to get involved, visit www.stpetemlkparade.com or email info@stpetemlkparade.com.
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