The 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade in Pensacola is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 20, 2025. It kicks off at the intersection of Spring & Garden Streets in downtown Pensacola. The theme this year is “One Team – One Dream”. 

The Pensacola MLK Day Parade will be shown live on WBQP and Blab-TV.

The Pensacola Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, often referred to as “the people’s parade,” has been a cherished community event since its humble beginnings in 1987. What started with just over a dozen dedicated individuals gathering to honor Dr. King’s legacy has grown into the largest parade in the city, attracting thousands of spectators and participants each year. The event has become a symbol of unity, diversity, and celebration, showcasing the strength and spirit of the Pensacola community.

One of the unique aspects of the Pensacola MLK Day Parade is its Mardi Gras-style flair, with participants from businesses, churches, schools, civic groups, and elected officials creating themed floats that add vibrancy and excitement to the streets of downtown Pensacola. Each year, a new theme is chosen, encouraging participants to creatively express their interpretation of Dr. King’s teachings and values. This tradition of themed decorations not only highlights the artistry and creativity of the community but also reinforces the parade’s mission of spreading Dr. King’s message of hope, equality, and justice.

Over the past 35+ years, the parade has grown into more than just an event; it has become a powerful platform for fostering community pride, celebrating diversity, and recognizing the social, cultural, and economic contributions of Pensacola’s citizens. The parade brings together people from all walks of life, from children to elders, local organizations to national leaders, to collectively honor Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing pursuit of his dream.

The mission of the Pensacola MLK Day Parade is to keep Dr. King’s message alive by uniting the community in a shared celebration of love, peace, and justice. Through this annual event, we aim to inspire future generations, promote civic engagement, and highlight the power of diversity in creating positive change. We welcome everyone to join us in this enduring tradition, whether as a participant, sponsor, or spectator, to continue honoring Dr. King’s legacy and building a more just and inclusive community.