Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 20th this year, opening up the day to learn, reflect, give back and celebrate the Civil Rights leader. Miami, a city he spent a lot of time in, is home to many events, celebrations and volunteer opportunities. There are many ways to participate in the momentous day, from a celebratory parade to service projects.
Here are the many ways you can celebrate Martin Luther King Day this year in Miami:
1. Join the 48th Annual MLK Day Parade
Liberty City’s annual MLK Day Parade, running along NW 54th Street from 10th to 32nd Avenue, will once again commemorate the eight mile route Dr. King frequently traveled during his time in Miami. The parade is comprised of high school marching bands, dance and drill teams, cheerleaders, local politicians and community leaders. This is one of the country’s oldest and largest MLK celebrations, drawing crowds of more than 500,000 in years past.
When: January 20, starting at 11 a.m.
Where: NW 54th Street, Miami
2. Get your fitness on at the annual MLK 5K Run & Fitness Walk
Start your day with the longest running MLK Day Race in Miami-Dade County, hosted by the Progressive Officers Club, Inc. Open to all ages, it will take place at the MLK Metrorail Station and proceeds will benefit the dropout prevention program, 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. While the race begins at 8 a.m., participants must arrive for registration at 6:30 a.m.
When: January 20, 8 a.m.
Where: MLK Plaza Metrorail Station, 6205 NW 27th Ave, Miami, FL 33147
3. Visit a National Park for free
One of the many things you could do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is visit a stunning national park for free, like the Everglades or Dry Tortugas National Park! To honor King’s birthday, National Park Service sites will waive entrance fees for everyone as the first free fee day of the year.
When: January 20
4. Head to the annual Homestead/Florida City Community Breakfast
Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King at a free community breakfast at the Phichol Williams Community Center. This year’s gathering will be themed “Celebrating the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” highlighting the significance of the landmark legislation in protecting voting rights and its continued impact on civil rights movements across the nation. Reservation to the breakfast is required.
When: Phichol Williams Community Center, 951 SW 4th St, Homestead, FL 33030
Where: January 17, 7 a.m. – 9 a.m.
5. Get hands on with an MLK Day Service Project
If you’re looking to be selfless and give back to the community, make an impact with United Way Miami this year. Volunteer efforts include gardening, remodeling of a barista station, painting and also creating a parking area for the children’s tricycles. Contact events@unitedwaymiami.org to join this event.
When: January 18
Where: Easterseals South Florida, 1475 NW 14th Ave, Miami, FL 33125
6. Enjoy an evening of live music with A Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Join Miami Jazz Cooperative and Sunshine Jazz Organization for a night of music by an amazing ensemble of local artists that will take the stage at the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater. The musical tribute is produced by Nicole Yarling.
When: January 17, 8 p.m.
Where: Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, 819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
7. Indulge in a special menu at Red Rooster Overtown
Red Rooster is paying homage to MLK Day with a series of mouthwatering offerings. From January 15-19, enjoy the exclusive King’s Jambalaya Dinner Special, a curated feast featuring BBQ fried chicken, jollof rice, fish curry, collards and more, priced at $110 per guest. Or indulge in the King Brunch Grand Buffet, available from January 18-19, highlighting an array of dishes from a raw bar featuring oysters on the half shell and island conch ceviche to delicious entrees like flat iron steak + eggs, shrimp & grits and a smoked brisket hash.
When: January 15 – 19
Where: Red Rooster Overtown, 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136