St. Pete’s MLK Weekend 2025: Celebrating Legacy, Leadership and Unity

St. Pete's MLK Weekend 2025: Celebrating Legacy, Leadership, & Unity with Fire Chief Watts and FAMU Marching Band!

December 18, 2024 - St. Petersburg's MLK Dream Big Weekend returns in 2025 to honor the life and legacy of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Events will take place during the weekend of January 17-20, 2025.

This year's 38th Annual MLK Dream Big Celebration will celebrate Dr. King's vision of justice, equality, and progress in a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community. It's a weekend that unites the city, celebrates our collective history, and looks forward to a future of continued innovation and opportunity for all.

Chief Watts Named 2025 Grand Marshal:

We are thrilled to announce St. Pete Fire Rescue Chief Keith Watts as the 2025 Grand Marshal of the MLK Dream Big Parade! Chief Watts, whose leadership and dedication to public service exemplifies the values Dr. King championed, was recently sworn in as St. Petersburg's first Black fire chief. We are honored to have him lead this year's parade as we pay tribute to Dr. King's extraordinary legacy.

FAMU Marching Band Joins the Parade:

This year, the Florida A&M University Marching 100 Band will join the parade, adding even more excitement to the celebration! Known for their powerful performances and electrifying sound, the FAMU Marching Band is one of the most prestigious and recognized bands in the country. Their participation will undoubtedly make this year's parade an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

EVENT DETAILS

Annual MLK Dream Big Educational Band Showcase
Sunday, January 19, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.
Gibbs High School, 850 34th St. S

The Annual MLK Dream Big Educational Band Showcase celebrates the future of music and showcases the musical talent of tomorrow. College bands from across the country will perform, and band directors will be available to discuss scholarship opportunities. This year, we are excited to feature performances from:

• FAMU

• Tuskegee University

• Savannah State University

• Albany State University

• And More!

Tickets for the Band Showcase are available daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Advantage Village Academy (833 22nd St. S).

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Monday, January 20, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Parade Route: West on 1st Ave. S from 3rd St. S to 16th St. S, then south on 16th St. to 3rd Ave. S

Join us for the highlight of the weekend: the MLK Dream Big Parade! The parade travels through downtown St. Petersburg on a route that will culminate at Tropicana Field. The parade will feature floats, marching bands, cultural performances, and a vibrant show of unity and diversity.

Featured this year: the FAMU Marching 100 Band will elevate the energy and excitement of the parade to new heights! It's a powerful opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy, embrace the diversity of our city, and celebrate the progress we've made together as a community.

Accessibility: The parade route is fully accessible to people with disabilities, with special viewing areas designated for those in need.

For updates and more information, please visit mlkdreambig.com.