On Martin Luther King Day we honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s official holiday is Monday, January 20, 2025. The weekend prior and on Monday itself, you’ll find peace marches, parades, celebrations, talks, meals and more as the community comes together in a show of unity and service.
Source: Depositphotos
Here are some events we’ve heard about. We’ll add more as they come in.
Note: Cold temperatures may affect the staging of certain events. Be sure to confirm that any outdoor event is still on before heading out.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
The Local Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Pkwy., Aurora
Learn about Dr. King’s visits to the Denver area and engage with a panel of historians, scholars and important members of Aurora’s community. Join us to explore the complex legacy of this national figure whose words and work changed Aurora and still resonate with Americans today.
The panel consists of Mordecai Brownlee, Community College of Aurora President, Ajha Fox, Aurora’s Poet Laurette and Terri Gentry, Board Member of the Black American West Museum and moderated by Bill Gwaltney, retired National Park Service interpreter, Superintendent and Regional Director.
Monday, January 13, 2025
Opening Celebration, Prayer Vigil and Proclamation Reading, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Aurora Municipal Center Lobby, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora
An opening celebration featuring dance, music and theatre to celebrate MLK Jr.’s legacy. Refreshments to be provided followed by an interfaith prayer vigil and the reading of the MLK commemoration proclamation.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Wreath-laying Ceremony, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Monday, January 20
Denver MLK Celebration & Marade, 10:30 a.m. to noon
The marade (a combo of march and parade) starts at E. Colfax Ave. (at Columbine) south of City Park. Participants strut their stuff straight west along Colfax, ending three miles later at Civic Center Park’s Greek Theater.
The event is preceded by a shortened program honoring Dr. King at the I Have a Dream Memorial, with the actual walk stepping off at about 11 a.m.
The post-parade program in Civic Center Park has been canceled.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program immediately follows the Marade, in Civic Center Park’s Greek Theater.
The Marade goes on regardless of weather conditions. Due to the cold temperatures the programming will be shortened.
Lafayette’s MLK Day March For Peace, 10 a.m. to noon
Lafayette Public Library & Bob L. Burger Rec Center, Lafayette
A pre-march family-friendly celebration with guest performances and speakers begins at 10 a.m. at the Library. The March for Peace begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Library’s north end patio and lawn. Festivities continue at the end of the parade at the Bob L. Burger Rec Center.
MLK Free Dinner Giveaway: No One Should Be Hungry, Period!, noon to 3 p.m.
Meals to those who need them. Hosted by the Brother Jeff Cultural Center. Both pickup and delivery options are available.
Register here for food or to volunteer.
Let Freedom Ring & Ride Concert & Celebration, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Spangalang Brewery, 2736 Welton St. #102, Denver
A special concert and celebration featuring Tony Exum Jr., honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy Spangalang’s offerings of craft beer and cocktails along with food prepared by pop up, 5 Star Chef MG. Doors open at 1 p.m. Music starts at 2 p.m. General admission is FREE. Reserved tables $40 to $75.
MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo, 6 p.m.
Denver Coliseum, 4600 Humboldt St., Denver
Celebrate the history and heritage of America’s black cowboy honoring the legacy of Bill Pickett and his influence on Black Western Heritage.