City of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. to Host 39th Annual St. Pete MLK Parade

City of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. to Host 39th Annual St. Pete MLK Parade

Dec. 19, 2025 - The City of St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. (TBCGF Inc.) are celebrating and honoring the life and legacy of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the 39th Annual St. Pete MLK Parade: "The Power of A Dream" on January 19, 2026. Join us for a weekend that unites the city, celebrates our collective history, and looks forward to a future of continued innovation and opportunity for all.

St. Pete MLK Parade Event Details
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Monday, January 19, 2026
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Parade Route: West on 1st Ave. S from 3rd St. S to 16th St. S, then south on 16th St. to 3rd Ave. S

Join us for one of the nation's longest-running MLK parades! The parade travels through downtown St. Petersburg on a route that will culminate at Tropicana Field. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, cultural performances, and a vibrant show of unity and diversity.

This year's parade will feature two distinguished HBCU marching bands - Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M University. The parade will also include a special appearance by the Wendell Scott Foundation, showcasing a historic Wendell Scott race car honoring the legacy of the first African American NASCAR driver and team owner to win at the sport's highest level.

How to Get Involved with the Parade

• Volunteers - The spirit of service is at the heart of Dr. King's legacy, and volunteers are central to fulfilling that mission. Those interested in volunteering with the annual St. Pete MLK can sign up by visiting www.stpetemlkparade.com or by emailing [email protected].

• Parade Participants - Those interested in participating in the parade can apply at https://www.stpetemlkparade.com.

• Sponsors and Partners - Support and funding are essential to the success of these events and activities. For sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected].

45 Days of Excellence - Jan. 1 to Feb. 14, 2026

As part of honoring Dr. King's legacy, the City of St. Petersburg and TBCGF, Inc are announcing the 45 Days of Excellence campaign. The 45 Days of Excellence is a citywide promotional initiative celebrating individuals, organizations, and community groups whose work reflects the values and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The campaign centers around digital storytelling and social media promotion, spotlighting community champions and elevating stories that strengthen St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. Select live events will also be featured.

Also during this period, the City's MLK Communities in Action Mini-Grant Program will highlight projects that focus on unity, health, and volunteerism.

More information will be available at https://www.stpetemlkparade.com