Monday, Jan. 20 marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the civil rights activist's legacy. Lakeland will commemorate Dr. King's impact with community-wide and free events starting Friday, Jan. 10. Here are six to mark on your calendar:

Grand Marshal Gala
Honor parade marshal Morris Chestang, president of the Gladys Leggett Neighborhood Association, at the Coleman-Bush Building on Friday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. — tickets are $50 per person or $380 per table.

Day of Caring
The Florida Children's Museum will offer free admission on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids can dream big together with art performances, hands-on activities, and interactive exhibits.

Unity Through Diversity: An Evening at the AGB
Dive into Martin Luther King Jr.’s life + legacy with a special lecture at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art. The talk begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Celebrate a week of service with Saturday's MLK parade. | Photo by the City of Lakeland

47th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Celebrate with the community at this parade on Saturday, Jan. 18. The procession begins at 1 p.m. at the crossing of Providence Road and West 14th Street, and it ends at Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and 2nd Street, near the Coleman-Bush Building.

2025 MLK Car Show
The whole family can check out Lakeland’s best rides together on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Joker Marchant Stadium. If you want to be part of the fun, it’s $30 to register your own vehicle. Pro tip: Admission is free, but bring $15 for parking.

21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance will host this breakfast at the Dream Center of Lakeland on Monday, Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. This year's speaker will be Commissioner Rev. Clifton E. Dollison of Winter Haven. Tickets are $30 per person — be sure to buy yours by Jan. 13.

Want more? Keep an eye out for additional events to be announced.