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January 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations, Events in the Phoenix Metro Area
Posted On 03 Nov 2025
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Arizona continues to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most impactful civil rights leaders that our world has ever seen.
PhxSoul.com has organized a list of January 2026 festivals, parades and other celebrations in the Phoenix area that will recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Please continue to visit this page and the various local city/town Websites for updates on their MLK celebrations.
Anthem
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Unity Walk 2026
Monday, January 19, 2026 | 10 a.m.
Anthem Civic Building | 3701 W Anthem Way
Free continental breakfast available at 9:00 a.m.
Join Anthem residents at the Annual Anthem MLK Day Celebration to applaud the lessons Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught all of us. One of the celebration highlights is the unity walk – a symbol of his inspiration that we carry now and into the future. This is a celebration showing the power of individuals and the community to make a positive difference.
More details at anthemcouncil.com.
Chandler
Each January, the City of Chandler holds a series of events to honor the community’s heritage and diversity, along with the spirit, ideals, life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights movement. Here are some of the events:
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Awards Ceremony
Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Starts at 4 p.m.
Chandler City Council Chambers
88 E. Chicago St.
Chandler, AZ 85225
This event celebrates the remarkable contributions of Chandler area residents, including youth, who are dedicated to promoting human and civil rights, and building a compassionate, socially just community.
Click here for more details:
https://www.chandleraz.gov/events/dr-martin-luther-king-junior-awards-ceremony
Chandler Multicultural Festival
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza
178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85225
The Chandler Multicultural Festival is a part of the annual Celebration of Unity events held each January to honor our community’s heritage and diversity, along with the spirit and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.
Click here for more details:
https://www.chandleraz.gov/events/chandler-multicultural-festival
Mesa
Mesa MLK Parade and Festival – 2025
Monday, January 16, 2026 | More details to come
Join the Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee in partnership with the City of Mesa for the city’s MLK Celebration, an annual event that brings together diverse community members, leaders, and organizations to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The MLK Parade 2025 kicks off at 11:00 AM at MLK Way and Center Street in downtown Mesa. The festival runs from 12PM – 4PM at the Plaza at Mesa City Center. Enjoy quality food, support local businesses and learn about community organizations.
For vendor applications, sponsorships and more information, visit www.mesaevmlk.org.
Phoenix
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MARCH & FESTIVAL
Monday, January 19, 2026 | Starts at 9 AM
The 2026 MLK Celebration is a long-standing tradition of the Arizona Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, with a series of events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Join the City of Phoenix along with city leaders, schools, local businesses, churches and community organizations, as we pay homage to this great Civil Rights leader.
The MLK March will begin at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, and end at Hance Park. Assemble at 8:45 AM as March begins promptly at 9 AM.
The MLK Festival runs from 10AM to 4PM, Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix.
Other events include the 40th Annual Arizona MLK Breakfast, MLK Candlelight Service, Youth Rally and the Youth/Adult Basketball Tournaments.
For more information on the MLK events in the City of Phoenix, visit www.azmlk.org or email info@azmlk.org.
Scottsdale
Community Celebrating Diversity – MLK Celebration
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Starts at 5:30PM
Scottsdale Center For The Performing Arts
7380 E 2nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
KEYNOTE SPEAKER – For more than four decades, Dr. Mary Frances Berry has been one of the most visible and respected activists in the cause of civil rights, gender equality and social justice. Serving as Chairperson of the US Civil Rights Commission, Dr. Berry led the charge for equal rights and liberties for all Americans over the course of four Presidential administrations. A trailblazer for women and African-Americans alike, she also became the first woman of any race to head a major research university as Chancellor of the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Click Here for sponsorships, tickets and more details:
Surprise
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration & Service
Saturday, January 17, 2026
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Willow Canyon High School
17901 W. Lundberg St. Surprise
In honor of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the City of Surprise is hosting its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration and Service! The morning starts with a hands-on service project that will help benefit the local community. Then, everyone of all ages is invited to gather for a program of celebration filled with local musicians, performers and inspiring speakers.
Click here for more info:
Tempe
2026 MLK Diversity Awards Ceremony
Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 | Starts at 8 AM
The MLK Diversity Awards honor people who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and who exemplify the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s program honors people and organizations, including students, who work to make Dr. King’s dream a reality. The MLK Diversity Awards are hosted by the City of Tempe and the Human Relations Commission.
For tickets and more information, click here:
Arizona State University
Tempe Campus
MLK day of service on January 2026 (TBD)
The ASU MLK Celebration Committee and Changemaker Central at ASU would like to invite students to be a “Changemaker” by participating in an important Day of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.
For more information, visit: mlk.asu.edu/events/.
The 35th Annual MLK March on West
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The MLK March on West is a tradition at Arizona State University’s West campus that dates back to 1991. The March features middle school students, members of the ASU community, and the public celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and fosters understanding about the history-changing 1963 March on Washington.
This year, educational presentations about the history of the civil rights movement and an inspirational rendition of the “I Have a Dream” speech by ASU faculty member Charles St. Clair.
For more information, visit: mlk.asu.edu/event/mlk-march-on-west/.
All events subject to change without notice.
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