Each year on the third Monday of January citizens of our country take time to recognize and celebrate the birth, the life and the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here are some of the events being held in the greater Phoenix area where you can take time out to acknowledge the value of diversity, the progress we've made toward freedom and equality for all people, and continued efforts to strengthen our communities.
Chandler
Chandler Multicultural Festival
Chandler Public Library Courtyard, 22 S. Delaware St.
Celebrates the cultural diversity of the community through music, dance, art, storytelling, and arts/crafts. Free admission.
In 2013: Saturday, January 19
Gilbert
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Picnic
Redemption Church, 1820 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In 2013: Monday, January 21
Free admission. Live music, food, speaker, art competition. Children's Art Competition Awards Ceremony and Reception.
Glendale
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Day Luncheon
Glendale Civic Center
In 2013: TBA
Mesa
Candlelight Ceremony
Mesa High School, 1630 E. Southern Ave., Mesa A multi-cultural and non-denominational service with music and guest speakers.
In 2013: Friday, January 18MLK Dinner Banquet
Windemere Hotel & Conference Center, 5750 E. Main St., Mesa
Reception, dinner, keynote speaker.
In 2013: Saturday, January 19MLK Parade and Festival
Downtown Mesa
The parade will begin at University and Center and proceed to the Mesa Arts Center. 11 a.m.
In 2013: Monday, January 21Community Festival
Mesa Arts Center
The Mesa MLK Festival begins immediately after the parade.Community celebration including music, dance, food, retail, and information on job opportunities, health, outreach programs and youth area for kids.
In 2013: Monday, January 21MLK Basketball Classic
Arizona State University, Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe
High school boys and girls teams compete.
In 2013: Saturday, January 21Weekend of Service Project
Mesa and other Phoenix area locations
To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the City of Mesa’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program is coordinating with HandsOn Greater Phoenix for a community service project on MLK Day. Volunteers are needed to help paint the exterior of the home of a retired disabled Air Force veteran. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Volunteers who are 16 or 17 who wish to participate without a parent or guardian must bring a signed youth waiver form with them to the project.
In 2013: Monday, January 21 from 8 a.m. until noon
Peoria
Evening With a King Tribute Dinner
TBA
Rio Vista Community Park and Recreation Center
In 2013: No event in 2013. Check back for 2014 information.
Phoenix
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Awards Breakfast
The event recognizes one winner for the Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement award and five individuals for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream Award who have made Phoenix a better place to live through a lifelong commitment to creating a compassionate and socially just society. Proceeds will benefit Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) and scholarships to deserving students in the Phoenix community. Call for information 480-767-3877. Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. Third St., Phoenix.
In 2013: Friday, January 18 at 7 a.m.Martin Luther King Jr. Torch Run
This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Awards Breakfast will be preceded by a 3.5 mile “Flame of Hope” Torch Run through downtown Phoenix. Phoenix Police officers will join the students as they depart from City Hall running west to the State Capitol, then east to US Airways arena and finally north to the Sheraton Hotel where they will present the torch and open the annual breakfast event.
In 2013: Friday, January 18Dr. Martin Luther King MLK March and Parade
Assemble at 9 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 East Jefferson Street. Festival at 10 a.m. at Margaret T. Hance Deck Park. For more information, call 602-495-0950.
In 2013: TBAMLK Basketball Classic
at ASU and Grand Canyon University, Phoenix
In 2013: Monday, January 21
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Community Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner Celebration
Chaparral Suites, Scottsdale
Steve Pemberton, chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens, will speak. He directs activities to help serve diverse markets, including customers in medically underserved areas, food deserts, and urban areas, as well as strengthens relationships with diverse suppliers and communities. Purchase tickets online.
In 2013: Tuesday, January 15
Surprise
Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
Keynote presenter.
Sun City Grand Cimarron Center, 17100 W. Clearview Blvd, Surprise
In 2013: No event in 2013. Check back for 2014 information.
Tempe
MLK Diversity Awards Brunch
The Buttes Resort, Tempe
Keynote Speaker will be Judge Cody Williams
In 2013: Monday, January 21ASU's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Celebrate Dr. King's life by serving at the Tiger Mountain Foundation's Garden of Tomorrow. Join ASU MLK Celebration Committee and Changemaker Central in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering in your community. Three volunteer opportunities offered. Light refreshments provided. No charge to participate, but registration is required.
ASU Student Union, Tempe
In 2013: Monday, January 21MLK Basketball Classic
ASU Wells Fargo Arena, Tempe
In 2013: Monday, January 21Regional Unity Walk
Walking for unity in our communities to promote mutual respect and understanding. Families, community organizations, scout groups, schools, and faith groups are encouraged to participate. Walkers are encouraged to carry signs and banners representing their groups. No registration required. Free.
Various starting locations
In 2013: Saturday, February 2
Arizona's National Parks
Free Admission to National Parks
All 397 national parks in the U.S. will offer free admission to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Here is a map and list of Arizona's National Parks.
In 2013: Monday, January 21
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
