When is the official MLK Holiday Observance?
The official MLK Holiday Observance will be on Monday January 20. It is the official holiday established by Congress in 1978 observing the birthdate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 15.
This year’s parade will take place on Saturday, January 18th.
FOR GENERAL ATTENDEES
Q: What time should I arrive?
A: The event begins with a Peace Rally at 9:30 AM at Shepherd Park, Peace Walk step-off at 10:30am at Malcolm X and MLK, and the Parade starts at 11 AM at Sycamore and Cypress and finish at the Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA). Activities inside the Entertainment and Sports Arena run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Q: Is the event free?
A: Yes, the event is free and open to the public; however, REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED at https://qr.fm/jzdUgS to attend and participate inside the ESA.
Q: Where is the arena located?
A: The ESA is at 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, parking is available at the Red Lot and Green Lot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Street parking is also available.
Q: What is the nearest Metro station?
A: Congress Heights Metro
Q: What activities can I enjoy inside the ESA?
A: Parade performances, a health and wellness fair, student essay awards, free groceries, merchandise, and more await inside the ESA.
FOR PARADE PARTICIPANTS
Q: Where is check-in, and what are the times?
A: Participants must check in by 10:00 AM at Gateway Pavilion, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE. Lineup begins at 10:30 AM on Sycamore Street, and the parade starts at Sycamore & Cypress, following the Peace Walk procession to the ESA loading dock.
Q: Can we still register to march?
A: Registration to march is now closed due to over capacity.
Q: How should participants handle music for their performance?
A: If music is required:
- Provide a copy of the music upon request.
- Bring a copy on a USB drive.
- For the parade procession, use a cart or wagon with a loudspeaker for playback.
- Once inside the ESA, a DJ will play the music during your 2-minute performance.
Q: What are the drop-off locations?
- Buses: MLK Ave & Cypress.
- Cars/Parents: 8th & Sycamore.
- Download Map
Q: Where does the parade end, and how do we exit?
A: Participants will exit the ESA after their performance. Buses will be parked on 13th Street for pickup. Parent and car pickups will be at 1100 Oak Street. Groups are welcomed to stay and particpate in activities.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, parking is available at the Red Lot and Green Lot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Street parking is also available.
Q: What is the nearest Metro station?
A: Congress Heights Metro
Q: Can parade participants also participate in the Peace Walk & Rally?
A: Yes, parade participants are welcome to join the Peace Walk & Rally. Once the Peace Walkers arrive at Sycamore & Cypress, participants can join their organization in the parade lineup. Others will remain on Cypress to guide parade marchers to the Entertainment & Sports Arena (ESA).
Individuals and organizations should also register at https://2025mlkhdc.eventbrite.com/.
FOR WELLNESS FAIR EXHIBITORS
Q: What is the focus of the Wellness Fair this year?
A: The 6th Annual MLK Holiday DC Hopeful Healing Health and Wellness Fair focuses on meeting the community’s mental health needs, offering hope, and equipping attendees with essential resources and services.
Q: Where and when is the Wellness Fair?
- Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Time: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM (doors open at 10:30 AM)
- Location: Entertainment & Sports Arena (ESA), 1100 Oak Dr SE, Washington, DC
Q: How much does it cost to be an exhibitor?
- Government and Non-Profit Tables: $25
- Commercial Vendor Spaces: $100
Q: What types of services are prioritized?
A: Priority is given to exhibitors providing health services such as medical screenings, life-saving demonstrations, nutritional guidance, and chiropractic or massage therapy.
Q: What are the space sizes available?
- 10′ x 10′
- 10′ x 8′
- 10′ x 6′
- 10′ x 5′
Q: What are the load-in and load-out times?
- Load In: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM (please set up early to avoid traffic shutdowns). Sign in with Jaren at the parking lot entrance upon arrival.
- Load Out: 2:00 PM
Q: What should I bring?
- Bring your own table and chairs.
- Note: Exhibitors may NOT distribute food.
Q: What will be provided?
A: Assigned exhibit space will be provided.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes, parking is available at the Red Lot and Green Lot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Street parking is also available.
Q: What is the nearest Metro station?
A: Congress Heights Metro
Q: How do I register or ask questions?
- Email: wwhrenjr@gmail.com
- Phone: John at 703-343-5186
Q: Is the Wellness Fair free to attend?
A: Yes, the event is FREE to the public, but registration is required.
For more information, visit the event resources:
- Social Media Toolkit: Link
PEACE WALK & RALLY
Q: What is the schedule for the Peace Walk and Rally?
- 9:30 AM: Peace Rally at Shepherd Park (intersection of Malcolm X Ave and MLK Ave)
- 10:30 AM: Peace Walk step-off to the Entertainment & Sports Arena (ESA).
- Note: The parade procession will follow the Peace Walk, starting at Sycamore St. & Cypress St.
Q: What is the focus of the Peace Rally this year?
A: The rally will highlight the vital yet often undervalued role of Black women in the civil rights movement, both historically and today. The theme, “The Noble Struggle Continues,” calls for action, support, and recognition for Black women, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and self-care.
Q: Do I need to register to participate in the Peace Walk or Rally?
A: No registration is required for the Peace Walk or Rally.
Q: What is the starting location for the Peace Walk?
A: The Peace Walk begins at Shepherd Park and steps off at 10:30 AM, proceeding to ESA.
Q: Where does the Peace Walk end?
A: The Peace Walk ends at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, where participants will transition to the parade procession.
Q: Can parade participants also participate in the Peace Walk & Rally?
A: Yes, parade participants are welcome to join the Peace Walk & Rally. Once the Peace Walkers arrive at Sycamore & Cypress, participants can join their organization in the parade lineup. Others will remain on Cypress to guide parade marchers to the Entertainment & Sports Arena (ESA).
Individuals and organizations should register at https://2025mlkhdc.eventbrite.com/.
For additional resources, check:
VOLUNTEERING
MLK Holiday DC Community Service Project
For the 2025 holiday observance, we’re organizing a cleanup in and around Shepherd Parkway from 2 PM to 4 PM on Friday, January 17.
Sign up at https://2025mlkhdc.eventbrite.com/
Location: Intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE & Malcolm X Avenue SE (near Popeye’s).
We’ll provide trash bags and tools. Dress warmly and bring gloves.
Questions? Contact Maurice Foushee at mauricekf@msn.com or text 301-980-3077.
Are there any details for the MLK Holiday DC Essay Contest?
Yes. The Essay contest is coordinated again this year by the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute. Students in elementary, middle and high school are eligible to participate. The deadline for essay submissions is January 5, 2025. For more information email:mylialumni@gmail.com
Are there any additional programs being held for the MLK Holiday DC Observance?
Yes. View events here
Who are this year’s parade grand marshals?
Can I donate to support the MLK Holiday DC events?
We thought you’d never ask. Yes, you can make your tax-deductible donation at www.MLKholidaydc.org
click DONATE TODAY
Who should I contact if I have any additional questions about the MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk and Parade?
You can contact: Stuart Anderson at mlkholidayparade@gmail.com, or Denise Rolark Barnes at drb@wicharities.org or Pege Gilgannon at pegeketchup@gmail.com