Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Denver

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy is commemorated in The Mile High City every January with what has grown to be one of the largest MLK Jr. Day celebrations in the U.S. — even larger than that of Washington, D.C.!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

Martin Luther King Marade (March and Parade)

TBA 2026
This annual event, combining both a march and a parade (hence the name), is the only one of its kind in the nation. The march goes from City Park to Civic Center Park.

Schedule

City Park (at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue)
10:30 a.m. – Opening gathering with Mayor Mike Johnston, community leaders and dignitaries
11 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. – Marade steps off

Marade Route-Only Warming Centers

Carla Madison Recreation Center at 2401 E. Colfax Ave. will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Church in the City at 1580 N. Gaylord St.
Pete’s Kitchen at 1962 E. Colfax Ave.
Webb Building Atrium at 201 W. Colfax Ave. will be open at the conclusion of the Marade route from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Weather Advisory

Temperatures are expected to be extremely cold, with a forecast of about -10 °F (subject to change). Please dress warmly in multiple layers, including gloves, hats, scarves and other winter weather gear to ensure comfort during the event. The Marade will not be canceled due to weather conditions. Hand warmers will be provided at the “Mayor’s Huddle” tent.

Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in Denver's City Park

MLK Peace Breakfast

WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Mile High Station
The MLK Peace Breakfast was created to commemorate the philosophy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by promoting diversity and equality for all humanity, within the Metropolitan State University of Denver campus community and the Denver community at large. The principal feature of the MLK Peace Breakfast is the awards ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates individuals within MSU Denver and the Denver community who keep the spirit and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive through their actions and contributions to peace, justice, diversity, equality and social change.‌ This year's keynote speaker, Erika Alexander, is an actress, trailblazing activist, entrepreneur, creator, producer, director and one of the country’s boldest, most daring and powerful voices. As co-founder of Color Farm Media, she is on a mission to bring greater equity, inclusion and diverse representation to both media and electoral politics.

MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo

WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Historic Denver Coliseum
Celebrate the history and heritage of America's Black cowboy honoring the legacy of Bill Pickett and his influence on Black Western heritage. The special MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo will showcase top cowboys and cowgirls competing in all your favorite pro rodeo events including bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin', ladies' steer un-decorating and many more.

Let Freedom Ring & Ride

WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Spangalang Brewery
Mark your calendar for a special concert honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring Tony Exum Jr. and hosted by Ride for Racial Justice.

Denver Botanic Gardens Free Day

WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Explore Denver Botanic Gardens for free in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The Chatfield Farms location in Littleton is also offering free admission all day.

Near Denver

'Still We Rise'

WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: The Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Motus Theater presents its third-annual, arts-based family-friendly event exploring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s understanding of poverty and racism within an expansive expression of ‘beloved community.’ Featured guests include the nationally acclaimed and regionally loved singers The ReMINDers. There will also be performances from Motus JustUs monologist Cynthia Randall and Motus TRANSformative Stories monologist Alison Reba. You will leave inspired, overflowing with our beloved selves, and strong with what we can do together when we have the courage to stand up for what we know — and say NO when we need to and YES to what is most important.

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms Free Day

WHEN: TBA 2026
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Explore Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms for free in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The York Street location in Denver is also offering free admission all day.