At a Glance
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrated on Jan. 19 with parades, concerts, and volunteer events.
- Key events: Los Angeles parade, Long Beach celebration, Santa Monica concert, Cerritos musical, Skirball performance, museum concert, Culver City gathering, clothing drive, volunteer festival.
- Many events are free but may require RSVP; check local sites for details.
The upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day brings a series of community events throughout Southern California, offering parades, concerts, and volunteer opportunities to honor the civil-rights leader’s legacy. While the official holiday falls on Jan. 19, 2026, many activities begin earlier, giving residents ample chance to participate.
Official Los Angeles Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
The long-running procession will travel along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, between Western and Crenshaw Avenues, on Jan. 19. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, and spirited participants. Cedric the Entertainer will serve as the 2026 grand marshal, and several local groups are expected to take part in the effervescent spectacle.
- Route: Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Western to Crenshaw Avenues
- Timing: Jan. 19
- Highlights: Floats, marching bands, grand marshal Cedric the Entertainer
- Participation: Local community groups
Long Beach Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration
The Long Beach event begins at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17 with a parade kickoff at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street. Cultural performances follow the parade at Martin Luther King Jr. Park starting at 12:15 p.m., featuring a flag ceremony.
- Start time: 10 a.m. Jan. 17
- Parade kickoff: Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue & Anaheim Street
- Park performances: 12:15 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park
- Flag ceremony: part of the cultural program
Santa Monica Symphony & Inner City Youth Orchestra
The free concert, titled Scenes from Life: Unity, the Annual MLK Concert, takes place at Barnum Hall in Santa Monica. RSVP is required for the event on Jan. 17, which begins at 3 p.m. The program includes stirring songs such as “We Shall Overcome.”
- Venue: Barnum Hall, Santa Monica
- Date: Jan. 17
- Start time: 3 p.m.
- Performers: Santa Monica Symphony & Inner City Youth Orchestra
- Highlights: “We Shall Overcome” and other songs
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts – Experience the Dream MLK Musical
The Cerritos Center hosts a musical that runs on Jan. 16, 17, and 18. The show revisits the personal and public lives of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King, offering a joyful look back at their stories.
- Venue: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
- Dates: Jan. 16, 17, 18
- Focus: Life of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King
- Format: Musical
Skirball Cultural Center – Free MLK Concert
A free program at Herscher Hall, the Skirball Cultural Center, is scheduled for Jan. 17. The Inner City Orchestra of Los Angeles will perform with more than 100 musicians, paying tribute to “the memory of MLK’s commitment to delivering civil rights for Black America.” Tickets are complimentary, but advance reservation is advised.
- Venue: Herscher Hall, Skirball Cultural Center
- Date: Jan. 17
- Performers: Inner City Orchestra of Los Angeles (100+ musicians)
- Theme: Tribute to MLK’s civil-rights legacy
California African American Museum – King Day 2026 Concert
The Inner City Youth Orchestra will perform on Jan. 19 at the museum in Exposition Park. Family activities, food trucks, and a children’s book donation drive accompany the concert, creating a festive holiday celebration.
- Venue: California African American Museum, Exposition Park
- Date: Jan. 19
- Performers: Inner City Youth Orchestra
- Extras: Family activities, food trucks, book donation
Culver City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration
Held on Jan. 17 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Overland Avenue, this uplifting event features live music, food for sale, and activities honoring Dr. King.
- Venue: Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Overland Avenue
- Date: Jan. 17
- Features: Live music, food, honor activities
14th Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive & Community Breakfast
The volunteer event, held at South Park Elementary School on Jan. 19, offers a meal and a chance to meet neighbors. Participants can sort clothing for donation or drop off items.
- Venue: South Park Elementary School
- Date: Jan. 19
- Activities: Meal, clothing sorting, donation drop-off
MLK Day Volunteer Festival – LA Memorial Coliseum
The festival, presented by LA Works, honors those who “transform compassion into action.” Free tickets are available for the event at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
- Venue: LA Memorial Coliseum
- Tickets: Free
- Presented by: LA Works
- Focus: Volunteerism and community action
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 16 | Cerritos Musical – Day 1 | Cerritos Center |
| Jan. 17 | Long Beach Parade | Martin Luther King Jr. Ave & Anaheim |
| Jan. 17 | Santa Monica Concert | Barnum Hall |
| Jan. 17 | Skirball Concert | Herscher Hall |
| Jan. 17 | Culver City Celebration | Veterans Memorial Auditorium |
| Jan. 18 | Cerritos Musical – Day 2 | Cerritos Center |
| Jan. 19 | Los Angeles Parade | Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd |
| Jan. 19 | California African American Museum Concert | Exposition Park |
| Jan. 19 | Clothing Drive & Breakfast | South Park Elementary |
| Jan. 19 | Volunteer Festival | LA Memorial Coliseum |
Key Takeaways
- Southern California offers a wide range of free events to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Many activities require RSVP; checking local event sites is essential.
- From parades to concerts, the celebrations span the entire holiday weekend.
- Volunteer opportunities provide a hands-on way to pay tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
These events provide residents with meaningful ways to celebrate, reflect, and give back in honor of the civil-rights icon.
