Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is celebrated every third Monday in January. We take the time to celebrate the birth, life and the ideas that he shared with our country. Dr. King’s ideas, rooted in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, have helped shape who we are today, and currently help us build toward our future.
Take time out of your day to acknowledge his life’s work toward freedom and equality for all people. Explore the following and make MLK Day celebrations part of your day on Monday, January 16.
The MLK Parade in Downtown Mesa is the highlight of the day on January 16, a celebration including marching bands, business supporters, community members, and local leaders. Co-Presented by Visit Mesa and Amazon, Mesa’s MLK parade will kick-off at 11:00 AM at the intersection of MLK Way and Center Street.
Following the parade, the MLK Festival is scheduled from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at The Plaza at Mesa City Center. The festival is FREE. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, entertainment, and the Kids Unity Corner with activities and crafts.
Chandler Multicultural Festival
Each January, the City of Chandler holds a series of events to honor its heritage and diversity, along with the spirit, ideals, life, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Civil Rights Movement.
The Chandler Multicultural Festival is the highlight on Saturday, January 14 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 East Commonwealth Avenue. Chandler, 85224. This is a FREE event.
The Multicultural Festival is part of Chandler’s Celebration of Unity, held each January, click here for more events.
Phoenix MLK Events and Activities
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Phoenix with sporting events, varied celebrations, a candlelight service, a day of service, and the annual march and festival. Please click here for Phoenix’s calendar of events beginning January 9 and running through MLK Day, January 16.
On January 16, at 9:00 AM, the MLK Celebration March begins at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix, and ends at Margaret T. Hance Park, 1200 N. Third St. The MLK Festival follows offering food, entertainment, and guest speakers from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and it’s absolutely FREE.
All national parks in the U.S. will offer free admission to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Here is a map and list of Arizona’s National Parks.
Many other celebrations and observations are going on around the Valley of the Sun during the weekend of January 14-15 and on MLK Day, January 16, click here for a list.
Margaret T. Hance Park
67 W. Culver Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-534-2406
Pilgrim Rest Church – start of MLK Day March
1401 E Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
