On Martin Luther King Day we honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s official holiday is Monday, January 19, 2026. The week prior and on the Monday itself, you’ll find peace marches, parades, celebrations, talks, free meals, a rodeo and more as the community comes together in a show of unity and service.
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Here are some events we’ve heard about. We’ll add more as they come in.
Monday, January 12, 2026
Opening Celebration, Noon to 1:30 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. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman to present an official proclamation, followed by an interfaith prayer vigil. Light refreshments provided.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Local Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 6 p.m. to 7:30 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:
- Terri Gentry, Black American West Museum Board & Engagement Manager for Black Communities at History Colorado
- Samuel Gebremichael, President of Colorado Ethiopian Community & Aurora Sister Cities, Executive Director
- Adam Dempsey Morgan, Radio personality, former Aurora TV producer and producer of “When a King Came to Town,” a documentary about Dr. King in Denver
- Jovan Mays, Aurora Public School Teacher, Aurora’s 1st Poet Laureate and coalition member of Colorado Lynching Memorial Project.
Friday, January 16, 2026
I Am The Dream Family Night, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Community College of Aurora (Rotunda Room), 16000 E. Centertech Pkwy., Aurora
Open to all ages. Discuss issues that matter to you. Free dinner, games and family activities.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Wreath-laying Ceremony, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora
Monday, January 19, 2026
Denver MLK Celebration & Marade, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The marade (a combo of march and parade) starts at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue at City Park. Participants strut their stuff west along Colfax, ending three miles later at the Colorado State Capitol.
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 11:45 a.m.
There is no closing ceremony this year
The Marade goes on regardless of weather conditions.
Lafayette’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, 10 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.
Bob L. Burger Rec Center, Lafayette
Family-friendly celebration with guest performances and speakers. Free, all-ages, family-friendly event organized by Lafayette’s youth leaders.
Enjoy breakfast, coffee, hot chocolate, children’s activities, musical performances, speakers and more.
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.
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 featuring top cowboys and cowgirls competing in crowd-favorite rodeo events including bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin’, and ladies’ steer un-decorating. Tickets cost $46 to $49 and include General Grounds Admission to the National Western Stock Show that day.
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