At a Glance
- Jan. 19, 2026 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but many events start earlier
- Cedric the Entertainer will grand-marshal the Jan. 19 Los Angeles parade
- Free concerts, volunteer drives, and cultural performances span Jan. 16-19
- Why it matters: Multiple ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy across Southern California
Southern California will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 on January 19 with parades, concerts, volunteer projects, and family festivals. While the official holiday falls on Monday, several communities are stretching the celebration across four days, from January 16 through January 19.
Parades & Marches
The region’s two largest processions step off before the holiday itself.
Los Angeles Official Parade – Jan. 19, 11 a.m.
- Route: Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Western and Crenshaw Avenues
- Grand Marshal: Cedric the Entertainer
- Features floats, marching bands, and community groups
Long Beach Parade & Celebration – Jan. 17, 10 a.m.
- Kick-off: Corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Anaheim Street
- Post-parade cultural show: Martin Luther King Jr. Park at 12:15 p.m.
- Includes a flag ceremony
Free Concerts
Four no-cost performances require only an advance RSVP.
Scenes from Life: Unity – Jan. 17, 3 p.m.
Santa Monica Symphony and Inner City Youth Orchestra at Barnum Hall. Program features “We Shall Overcome.”
Experience the Dream Musical – Jan. 16-18
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts stages a new show chronicling Dr. King and Coretta Scott King’s public and private lives.
Skirball Cultural Center Concert – Jan. 17
100-plus musicians from the Inner City Orchestra of Los Angeles perform in Herscher Hall to honor “MLK’s commitment to civil rights for Black America.”
King Day 2026 – Jan. 19
California African American Museum in Exposition Park hosts the Inner City Youth Orchestra, family activities, food trucks, and a children’s-book donation drive.
Local Community Events
Culver City Celebration – Jan. 17
Veterans Memorial Auditorium on Overland Avenue offers live music, food vendors, and youth activities.
Big Sunday Clothing Drive & Breakfast – Jan. 19
South Park Elementary School invites neighbors to share a meal and sort donated clothing for those in need.
LA Works Volunteer Festival – Jan. 19
LA Memorial Coliseum focuses on “transforming compassion into action” with service projects and free tickets.
Planning Tips
- Some events are free but require advance RSVP; check individual websites
- Arrive early for parades; street closures begin before step-off times
- Bring gently used children’s books to the Exposition Park festival for donation
Key Takeaways
- Four-day window-Jan. 16-19-gives residents multiple chances to participate
- Star power (Cedric the Entertainer) and world-class orchestras headline the celebrations
- Every event is either free or volunteer-driven, keeping Dr. King’s spirit of service alive
