40 ways the Tampa Bay area will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed annually on the third Monday of January. This year, it falls on his actual birthday. He was born on Jan. 15, 1929. The following is a list of 40 ways the Tampa Bay area will celebrate.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration: Featuring Civil Rights icon Willie Pearl Mackey King and Hillsborough County Urban League CEO Stanley Gray, with cultural music, dance and spoken word. $35-$40. 5-7 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 9). Lake Wimauma Convention Center, 5316 Center St., Wimauma. 813-729-1010.

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival: Leadership Luncheon: Spend an afternoon hearing from a pioneer of the American history, Civil Rights activist Willie Pearl Mackey King. $25. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 10). University Area Community Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa. 813-386-6687.

MLK Dream Big Spelling Bee: Pinellas County students in grades K-5 can sign up at their school to compete. Spectators welcome. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 11). Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, 2333 34th St. S. 727-321-7919.

MLK History Film: This portion features the 2014 film “Selma” (PG-13, 128 minutes), which chronicles Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. Free. 5 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 11). New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St. 727-853-1279.

Plant City MLK Celebration: Opening ceremonies for a week of events. Free. 11:30 a.m. Friday (Jan. 12). Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. 813-659-4253.

MLK Dream Big Banquet: A banquet to kick off MLK events week and acknowledge sponsors. Remaining tickets will be issued to the public, first come, first served. Call to be put on the list. Free. 7-10 p.m. Friday (Jan. 12). St. Petersburg Country Club, 2000 Country Club Way. 727-321-7919.

Arts Legacy Remix: MLK Commemoration: The sixth annual MLK Jr. commemoration features gospel music and spoken word. Takes place on the Riverwalk Stage. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Friday (Jan. 12). David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.

MLK Jr. Celebration: Enjoy a free breakfast while listening to keynote speakers, the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church choir and readings of the winning student essays about diversity. Then march to Pioneer Park for live entertainment celebrating the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free. 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday (Jan. 13). Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road. 727-812-4530.

MLK Day of Service: Work alongside veteran service organizations to clean the park and show support for the community. Free. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). McKay Bay Nature Park, 134 N. 34th St., Tampa. 813-274-8615.

Tampa Bay Area Hair Braiding Battle: MLK Weekend Celebration: Hair braiders battle it out in this audience judged competition. $75. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). Exchange Hotel, 234 Third Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

MLK Historical Hunt: Meet on the steps of City Hall to get your clue sheet and set out on a photo hunt for area monuments important to Black history. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 Fifth St. N. 727-321-7919.

Plant City MLK Celebration: Black N’ Brown Expo. Free. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. 813-659-4253.

Boomfest: MLK Festival: A car-truck and audio show with food, vendors, games and giveaways. $10, $40 vehicle entry for show. Noon-8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). 855 25th St. S., St. Petersburg.

Plant City MLK Celebration: The Freedom Parade runs through downtown Plant City to the MLK Recreation Center. Free. 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. 813-757-9195.

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival: Music Fest: This year features Leela James, Adam Hawley and Keke Wyatt. $30, $50 both days. 1-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (Jan. 13-14). Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa.

Plant City MLK Celebration: The MLK Drumline show and competition. Free. 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. 813-659-4253.

How We Doin’ Dr. King? A presentation by the One City Chorus of St. Petersburg. $20. 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater, 2470 Nursery Road. 727-531-7704.

Daytox: MLK Weekend Party: Celebrate MLK weekend at a watch party for the FAMU-USF football game. Includes drink specials and music by Jazzy Jeff, DJ MT and Dreesey Baby. $20. 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). 7th and Grove, 1930 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-649-8422.

The Bay Area Brotherhood Annual MLK Banquet: This year’s theme is “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for today.” The event includes a cocktail-social hour, guest speakers, awards presentations, member acknowledgments, music and dancing. $100. 5-11 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel, 10221 Princess Palm Ave., Tampa. 813-623-6363.

MLK Birthday Bash and Dance: DJ Coley hosts this R&B dance with food and drinks. $20, $5 drink ticket. 7 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 13). Holiday Lake Civic Center, 3624 Atlantis Drive, Holiday. 727-678-6566.

Plant City MLK Celebration: The MLK Leadership Breakfast features keynote speaker Gary Hartfield, CEO of Serenity Village Insurance, college-trade school scholarships and community awards. $45. 7:30 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 14). John Trinkle Building, Hillsborough Community College Plant City campus, 1206 N. Park Road.

MLK Car Show: The 13th annual show is billed as “the loudest show on Earth.” $30 car registration, $20 spectators, 12 and younger free. Noon-7 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 14). Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 Race Track Road N.

The Soul Revival: MLK Celebration: Features a popup art gallery, art market, vendors, live performances and hands-on activities. Benefits the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America St. Petersburg Chapter. $25. 2-6 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 14). The Well for Life, 833 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg.

MLK Block Party: Bring yourself and a kicking car stereo to provide music for this “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the staircase”-themed celebration. Drinks available for purchase. $10, 12 and younger free. 4-11 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 14). 855 25th St. S., St. Petersburg.

MLK Band Showcase: Bands from predominantly Black colleges, high schools and middle schools show off their marching style. Bands include Savannah State (Georgia), Tuskegee University (Alabama), Albany State (Georgia), Lucy Laney High School (Georgia) and Florida’s Palm Beach Lakes High School, Daytona Mainland High School, Stranahan High School and JFK Middle School. Local bands will only be participating in the parade. Free. 5-8:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 14). Lakewood High School, 1400 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-321-7919.

MLK Bash: The MLK Bash features Jeezy, Boosie, Real Boston Richey and friends. $55-$175. 7:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 14). Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-3111.

Martin Luther King Jr. Parade: The community comes together for this march as a symbol of solidarity and support for unity and equality. Free. 8:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 15. Main Street, downtown Brooksville.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: Spend a day working around the farm doing chores including weeding, prepping beds, planting and composting. Free. 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 15. St. Pete Youth Farm, 1664 12th St. S., St. Petersburg.

MLK Day at SHAMc: A day of creativity and social justice exercises for ages 7-14. All supplies included. $20. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 15. Safety Harbor Arts and Music Center, 706 Second St. 727-725-4018.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade: Local bands join the parade as well as all the out-of-town bands. Also includes dance teams, floats, car clubs and marching units representing area agencies. Travels east to west on First Avenue South, turns left on 16th Street and ends at Tropicana Field. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 15. First Avenue South, St. Petersburg. 727-321-7919.

City of Tampa MLK Day Parade: The “Making the Dream a Reality”-themed parade features dance groups, equestrian units, floats, motorized vehicles, bands and walking units. It starts at 15th Street and 21st Avenue and moves to 22nd Street and Osborne Avenue. Free. Noon Jan. 15. 15th to 22nd Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Tampa. 813-803-8060.

MLK Day Weekend Celebration: KOTS St. Pete presents music by DJ Skyway. 1 p.m. Jan. 15. The Den, 3135 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg.

MLK Family Fun Day: A giant festival with stage entertainment, a “show mobile,” DJ dancing, carnival rides, face painting, food, drinks and more. There’s also an opportunity to meet participating band members. Free. 2:30-6 p.m. Jan. 15. Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. 727-321-7919.

MLK Interfaith Service: Honor the memory of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with song, prayer and guest speakers. Free. 4 p.m. Jan. 15. Allen Temple AME Church, 2101 Lowe St., Tampa. 813-229-1438.

MLK Weekend Windown: Soul Roll: DJ Wild Child provides the music for this 18-and-older only skating party. Out-of-state visitors get half-price admission with proof of ID. $16, $14 bring your own skates. 9 p.m. Jan. 15. United Skates of America, 5121 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. 813-876-5826.

National Day of Racial Healing: The Truth and Racial Healing Collaborative hosts the “Heart of Racial Equity” event. Free. 5-7 p.m. Jan. 16. Stetson University Law College, 1401 61st St. S., Gulfport. 727-562-7800.

MLK Jr. Musical Celebration: A gospel performance featuring Bethlehem’s Praise Team, TampaBay’s Gospel Legends minister Andra Bryant and Nu Creation. Free. 5 p.m. Jan. 21. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, 695 Elm St., Safety Harbor. 727-726-6695.

St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tour: Join local historian Josette Green for a 5-mile bicycle tour highlighting sites of historical significance to St. Petersburg’s African American residents. Helmets required. Free (registration required on Eventbrite). 9 a.m. Jan. 27. Wellness Center, 2198 15th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-200-4051.

Martin Luther King Jr. Essay and Oratorical Contest: The announcement of the winners of the essay contest based on the “I Have a Dream” speech. Free. 10 a.m. Jan. 27. Enoch Davis Center and Park, 1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-893-7134.

Roots of Black Music in America: Teacher and troubadour Karlus Trapp uses story and song to take you 100 years back in time to explore the history and works of America’s Black musical giants. Free. 2-3 p.m. Jan. 27. Tarpon Springs Public Library, 138 E. Lemon St. 727-943-4922.