Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s MLK, Jr. Commission Announce Events

Last updated on January 08, 2026

WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission are proud to announce a series of events commemorating the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the first quarter of 2026.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, which for four decades has served as a bridge between city government, community organizations, businesses, faith-based leaders, educators, and residents, working collaboratively to ensure Dr. King’s vision of peace, unity, and the beloved community remains alive and active in Orlando.

The goal of the Commission and its annual programming is to bring together hundreds of residents each year in reflection, remembrance, and service, while honoring Dr. King’s legacy through education, community engagement, and action. The Orlando MLK Commission partners with numerous civic and community organizations to present free, inclusive events that encourage unity and service across Central Florida.

Sunday, January 11, 2026, marks the first event in this year’s MLK commemorative series, beginning with the annual Vigil and March.

For a full list of events and information on how to get involved, visit orlando.gov/mlk.

WHEN:
Sunday, January 11, 2026
3:30 p.m. - MLK Vigil and March
Rotunda, City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue
The City of Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will host a community vigil at Orlando City Hall. The event will begin at 3 p.m., where attendees will gather for a brief presentation honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Following the presentation, participants will take part in a commemorative march to First United Methodist Church for the Interfaith and Multicultural Celebration.

Complimentary parking will be available at the City Commons Garage; attendees should mention the MLK event upon entry.

4 p.m. - Interfaith/Multicultural Celebration
First United Methodist Church, 142 East Jackson Street
Following the vigil is the Interfaith/Multicultural Celebration presented by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, with guest speaker State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis. The event is a celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision of a beloved community. This year's theme is “Let Us Be Dissatisfied" from MLK's speech, "Where Do We Go from Here" and includes representation from various faith traditions and worldviews.

Monday, January 12, 2026
2 p.m. - Orlando City Council Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Presentation
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue
Mayor Dyer and the City Commissioners will proclaim January 11-19, 2026, as “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Week” in the City of Orlando.

Thursday, January 15, 2026
7 p.m. – 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum
FAMU College of Law, 201 FAMU Law Lane
During the Leadership Forum, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, participants will take part in a moderated, interactive event with key leaders of the Orlando community to discuss this year’s theme of The Economics of Justice: Why Equity is Good Business.

Event registration, visit mlkluncheon.org.

Friday, January 16, 2026
11:30 a.m. - 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon
First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway
This luncheon, presented by the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, begins with keynote speaker Jeff Johnson, a cultural translator, truth-teller, and ecosystem builder. At the event, students, community leaders and organizations will be recognized for their contributions with the prestigious Drum Major Award in areas of Scholastic Achievement, Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service and Business. In addition scholarships will be awarded.

Event registration, visit mlkluncheon.org.

Saturday, January 17, 2026
10 a.m. – 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Downtown Orlando Parade
Downtown Orlando, Orange Avenue
Join the Southwest Orlando Jaycees for an exciting event that will feature dance, comedy, community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more. The parade theme is “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way”.

For parade information, contact swojuniorchamber@gmail.com or to sign up visit https://2026OrlandoMLKParade.eventbrite.com.

Monday, January 19, 2026
7:45 a.m. - Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy 33rd Annual Prayer Breakfast
First Baptist Orlando, 3000 South John Young Parkway
Presented by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees and the Central Florida YMCA, the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast will commemorate the legacies of civil rights pioneers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African American City Council Member. This year’s guest speaker will be Tony Jenkins, Market President for Florida Blue's Central Florida region. Held each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for more than three decades, this prayer breakfast traditionally brings together more than 1,000 civic leaders, pastors and Central Florida neighbors in faith, prayer and the shared commitment to strengthen the community and improve lives.

Event registration, visit https://ymcacf.org/community/y-events/prayerbreakfast/

9 a.m. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission’s Great Day of Service US Hunger – Million Meal Pack
Orange County Convention Center North Concourse 9400 Universal Boulevard Orlando, FL 32819
The Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, in partnership with the Orange County MLK Initiative, will package one million healthy meals for distribution across the Central Florida region while hosting a high-energy, family-friendly event for up to 5,000 volunteers. Participants will help maintain efficiency on the meal-packaging floor by moving boxes and filling food bins, as physically able, in honor of Dr. King’s Day of Service.

When registering, please be sure to select "City of Orlando/MLK - Volunteer" from the dropdown list to ensure your registration is properly recorded.

To R.S.V.P. https://ushunger.org/event/mlk/.

9 a.m. - Seedlings for Civil Rights
Rosemont Community Center, 4872 Rose Bay Dr, Orlando FL 32808
During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the City of Orlando’s Green Up and Keep Orlando Beautiful programs will coordinate a community beautification effort around the Rosemont Neighborhood Center. Volunteers will assist with planting, mulching, and litter removal in the surrounding park and nearby areas. Snacks, water, and all necessary supplies will be provided. Closed-toe shoes are required.

For volunteer sign up, visit orlando.gov/seedlings.

Saturday, January 24, 2026
7 p.m. – MLK Night at the Orlando Magic
Kia Center, 400 West Church Street
The event will recognize Mayor Dyer’s MLK Youth Humanitarian Award Winners at the Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game.

Sunday, February 22, 2026
7 p.m. - MLK Gospel Concert
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall, 445 South Magnolia Avenue 
The 11th Annual MLK Concert, presented by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and produced and directed by Grammy Award–winning Dr. Jeffrey Redding, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Admission is free, however attendees are requested to bring non-perishable food donations for United Against Poverty which will be distributed to various local community and school food pantries. Visit orlando.gov/mlkconcert to register.

For more events, please visit: orlando.gov/mlk.  ###