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Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day will be observed on Monday, Jan. 20 this year. It’s a federal holiday, which means banks, mail delivery and city offices will be closed.
Although MLK Day was established in 1983 and first observed in 1986, Arizona was the last state to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a statewide federal holiday; voters didn’t approve the measure until 1992, after the NFL decided to strip the state of the 1993 Super Bowl because we didn’t observe the holiday. Arizona’s lack of recognition for the holiday also caused a number of musicians to boycott the state.
Now, there are a wide range of events happening around the Valley in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here are several to check out.
Chandler Multicultural Festival
Saturday, Jan. 18
Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., ChandlerAlthough not specifically an MLK event, the Chandler Multicultural Festival carries the spirit of King’s message about diversity and acceptance. This festival began back in 1995 and was specifically a celebration of humanities. There will be a wide cultural variety of food, entertainment and vendorss.. This free event starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m.
Dr. Martin Luther King March and Festival (AZMLK)
Monday, January 20MLKAZ is having its annual march to pay homage to King. Then after the march, the festival will begin at 10 a.m. at Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street. There will be vendors, live entertainment and food. Free admission. Assembly will start at 8:45 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St. The march will begin promptly at 9 a.m.
Anthem Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Unity Walk 2025
Monday, Jan. 20
Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way
Anthem residents will be celebrating King at the 4th Annual Anthem MLK Day Celebration. Highlights include a continental breakfast, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, activities for the kids, community speakers, and the unity walk.This event starts at 10 a.m.
Mesa MLK Parade and Festival 2025
Monday, Jan. 20
Martin Luther King Way and Center Street in downtown MesaEnjoy quality food, support local businesses, and learn about community organizations. The Mesa MLK Parade and Festival. The parade begins at 11 a.m. The festival includes a Kids Corner, sponsored by Sundt Construction, with games and activities for children of all ages. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Plaza at Mesa City Center.
Town of Paradise Valley MLK Celebration
Monday, Jan. 20
Town Hall, 6401 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise ValleyThis year’s theme for the Paradise Valley MLK Celebration is “Hope and Unity.” Paradise Valley will celebrate Dr. King with honoree Dr. Victor Waters, live entertainment, and lunch. This is a free event which starts at 11 a.m.
MLK 34th annual March on West, Arizona State University
Wednesday, Jan. 22
ASU Campus Courtyard – Kiva Courtyard, 13492 N. 47th Ave.
Since Arizona State University’s West Campus will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, they are instead honoring him on Jan. 22 with the MLK March on West. This in-person event will include presentations about the civil rights movement, a musical program, and a rendition of the “I Have a Dream” speech by ASU faculty member Charles St. Clair. The free event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon.
