King Day Parades
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Years Strong in St. Pete
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Black-Owned Spots
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Two parades, one day
Tampa Bay's King Day
From the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Foundation
East Tampa marches for King.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Foundation puts on the City of Tampa’s parade through East Tampa every King Day. The 2027 entry application is already posted.
In 2026 the parade stepped off at noon under the theme “Courage is Contagious,” with Tampa Housing Authority president Jerome Ryans as grand marshal and the Bethune-Cookman and Edward Waters bands marching. The 2027 start time, theme and grand marshal haven’t been announced.
Across the bay, St. Pete’s MLK Parade marks 40 years in 2027 and steps off at 11 AM on Jan 18.
Mon, Jan 18, 2027
King Day
St. Pete times are announced for 2027; Tampa times are from 2026.
Early
- 6:45 AM — TOBA MLK Leadership Breakfast (2026 time)
Late morning
- 11 AM–2 PM — St. Pete MLK Parade (2027)
- 9 AM–4 PM — Feeding Tampa Bay Day of Service (2026)
Afternoon
- Noon — Tampa MLK Parade from Cuscaden Park (2026 time)
2026 route
The Tampa Route
In 2026 the parade lined up at E 21st Ave and N 15th St by Cuscaden Park and ran through East Tampa to N 22nd St and E Osborne Ave, with roads closed 6 AM to 6 PM. The 2027 route hasn’t been posted.
Black-led
Events Around King Day
Most 2027 details post closer to January; dates below are from 2026 unless marked.
Mon, Jan 18, 2027 · 11 AM–2 PM
St. Pete MLK Parade
The 40th annual parade, “40 Years Strong, the Legacy Lives On,” with Pinellas Commissioner Rene Flowers as grand marshal. It ends near Tropicana Field. Entries close Jan 3, 2027.
2027 details pending
King Day · 6:45 AM
TOBA MLK Leadership Breakfast
The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs’ breakfast; at the JW Marriott Tampa in 2026.
2027 date pending
Black tie
MLK Parade Foundation Gala
The Tampa parade foundation’s black-tie gala, which funds its scholarships.
2027 details pending
King Day · 9 AM–4 PM
Feeding Tampa Bay Day of Service
Volunteer shifts at Causeway Center in Tampa and Feeding Pinellas in St. Pete.
2027 dates pending
King Day weekend · Plant City
Plant City Dr. MLK Jr. Festival
A parade, Battle of the Bands and leadership breakfast; its 41st year in 2026.
Open spot
Promoters
Your King Day Event Here
Hosting a King Day brunch, service project or celebration? Send it in and we’ll add it.
Black-owned food
Where to Eat
Black-owned kitchens in East Tampa, Ybor and across the bay in St. Pete.
East Tampa · on MLK Blvd
Mama's Southern Soul Food
3701 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Southern soul food in East Tampa.
East Tampa · seafood & soul
Ladies of the Sea & Soulfood
2705 E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. A family-owned seafood and soul food spot.
East Tampa · near the route
M&R Cafe Southern Cuisine
3320 E Osborne Ave, close to where the parade ends. Maria Rumlin’s Southern kitchen.
St. Pete · the Deuces
Sid's Caribbean Grill
903 22nd St S. Chris, Sheldon and Andrew Steele’s Caribbean grill on the Deuces.
St. Pete · steakhouse
Roam Steakhouse & Bar
3405 34th St N, St. Petersburg. Christian and Joshua Jackson’s steakhouse.
Black-owned nightlife
Clubs & Lounges
Black-owned lounges and bars around Tampa Bay.
Town 'n' Country · Jamaican lounge
Wha Gwaan Jamaica
13910 W Hillsborough Ave. Jamaican restaurant and lounge.
Black-owned places to stay
Where to Stay
Black-owned hotels in Tampa Bay.
Open spot
Hotels, inns & B&Bs
List Your Black-Owned Stay
We haven’t confirmed a Black-owned hotel in Tampa Bay yet. Own one? Send it in and we’ll feature it for King Day weekend.
Location
Getting to East Tampa
Address
Cuscaden Park
The Tampa parade lines up by Cuscaden Park, just north of Ybor City, and runs through East Tampa. Roads around the route closed from 6 AM to 6 PM in 2026.
St. Pete’s parade runs along 1st Ave S downtown toward Tropicana Field.
Promoters & Black-owned businesses
Get your event or spot on this page
Hosting a King Day brunch, service project or celebration, or running a Black-owned spot people should hit? Send it in. Featured placement at the top of this page is available.