Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration

The City of Long Beach is pleased to announce the return of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration set to take place Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Central Long Beach.

The 2024 festivities will begin with the parade kickoff at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, followed by the park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). The park celebration will include a main stage with performances, a health and wellness area, a youth area, food and merchandise vendors, and information booths.

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration has become a longstanding tradition that celebrates the diverse community of Central Long Beach. This festival serves to honor and keep alive the many values of Dr. King through arts, remembrance and meaningful perspectives.

36th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade & Celebration

Parade Information and Street Closures
The event will commence at 10 a.m. with a celebratory parade led by 2024 Grand Marshals. The parade will step off at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Anaheim Street, then travel northbound up Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and conclude at 19th Street. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue will be closed from 7th Street to Anaheim Street beginning at 5 a.m. on Jan. 13 and will close from Anaheim Street to 19th Street at 9 a.m. to accommodate the parade route and staging areas. Vehicles will be allowed to cross intermittently at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. All roads are expected to reopen by 1 p.m.

Community Park Celebration
Following the parade is the community park celebration from noon to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.). Hosted by the Sixth District Council Office. Entry to the park celebration is free.

This year’s musical performance schedule includes the following lineup, with in between sets by DJ Donaldo Reed and DJ B-ROKK: 6 Times Soul Blue Breeze Band Mary Jane Girls

Media inquiries about the parade may be directed to Tasha Day, Manager, Special Events and Filming, at 562.570.5313 or Tasha.Day@longbeach.gov. Media inquiries regarding the community park celebration may be directed to the Sixth District Council Office at District6@longbeach.gov.

Volunteer
The City is looking for friendly, eager and enthusiastic volunteers to help support the parade and festival. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and responsibilities include standing at barricades to ensure the safety and enjoyment of parade participants and spectators, staffing the information booth, trash collection, and general assistance with event set up and break down.

Residents, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in volunteering in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration can find more information and sign up for volunteer shifts via the online registration link.