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Denver, Aurora, Boulder prepare to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

Denver's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday events are under way and are expected to draw tens of thousands in Denver. 

The MLK Marade, a march and parade, taking place Monday January 20th is the signature event, and has grown to be one of the largest MLK Jr. Day celebrations in the country.

The theme of the 2025 Marade is "Make Real the Promises of Democracy."

The holiday coincides with the second inauguration of President Donald J. Trump.  The last time the events coincided was 28 years ago, during the second inauguration of President Bill Clinton.

Denver Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin
DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade makes its way past Denver East High School on January 17, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

The Marade begins at the MLK monument at Denver City Park on the 20th at 9:30AM, with the step-off planned for 10:45 AM. Marchers head to Civic Center Park for performances, vendors, food trucks and a closing ceremony.

Other events are planned over the next several days in Denver, Aurora and Boulder.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute and Humanitarian Awards

WHEN: Jan. 14, 2025

WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex

Known as the most prominent spokesperson and leader in the American civil rights movement, Dr. King remains one of the most inspirational figures in history for his pursuit of equal rights and his nonviolent approach to civil rights protests. The evening will feature special guest performances and will honor recipients of the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards.

'When a King Came to Town': Film Screening and Discussion

WHEN: Jan. 16, 2025

WHERE: History Colorado Center

Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. came to Colorado in the 1960s during the height of the Civil Rights Movement? Join Adam Dempsey Morgan, documentarian and host of KUVO's Groove Jazz Rendezvous, as he shows his film "When A King Came to Town." This documentary follows King's visit to Denver and Littleton in 1964, his return in 1967 after his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, and the local reaction to Dr. King's assassination in April 1968. Dempsey will give a behind-the-scenes look at this visual documentation of Colorado history and will be available for a Q&A after the film.

MLK Peace Breakfast

WHEN: Jan. 17, 2025

WHERE: Mile High Station

The MLK Peace Breakfast was created to commemorate the philosophy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by promoting diversity and equality for all humanity, within the Metropolitan State University of Denver campus community and the Denver community at large. The principal feature of the MLK Peace Breakfast is the awards ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates individuals within MSU Denver and the Denver community who keep the spirit and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive through their actions and contributions to peace, justice, diversity, equality and social change.‌ This year's keynote speaker, Erika Alexander, is an actress, trailblazing activist, entrepreneur, creator, producer, director and one of the country's boldest, most daring and powerful voices. As co-founder of Color Farm Media, she is on a mission to bring greater equity, inclusion and diverse representation to both media and electoral politics.

MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo

WHEN: Jan. 20, 2025

WHERE: Historic Denver Coliseum

Celebrate the history and heritage of America's Black cowboy honoring the legacy of Bill Pickett and his influence on Black Western heritage. The special MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo will showcase top cowboys and cowgirls competing in all your favorite pro rodeo events including bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin', ladies' steer un-decorating and many more.

2025 Denver Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Bike Ride Tour

WHEN: Jan. 20, 2025

WHERE: Civic Center Park

This bike tour stops by historic Black landmarks that tell the story of those who participated in fighting for justice, equality and equity. Riders and rollers are encouraged to meet in Civic Center Park after the Marade  for hot drinks, free basic bicycle checks and robust conversation! The historical tour will begin at 2 p.m. and will be a five-mile loop that begins and ends in Civic Center Park.

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Let Freedom Ring & Ride

WHEN: Jan. 20, 2025

WHERE: Spangalang Brewery

Mark your calendar for a special concert honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring Tony Exum Jr. and hosted by Ride for Racial Justice.

Denver Botanic Gardens Free Day

WHEN: Jan. 20, 2025

WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore Denver Botanic Gardens for free in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The Chatfield Farms  location in Littleton is also offering free admission all day.

Aurora is organizing the following events:

Monday, Jan. 13

Opening Celebration, Prayer Vigil and Proclamation Reading 

An opening celebration featuring performances to celebrate MLK Jr.'s legacy. Refreshments to be provided followed by an interfaith prayer vigil and the reading of the MLK commemoration proclamation.

  • 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Aurora Municipal Center Lobby, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway

Tuesday, Jan. 14

At the table with Dr. King

A captivating musical performance that immerses audiences in the sights and sounds of the American Civil Rights movement. This event is a partnership with the Mizel Museum. 

Wednesday, Jan. 15

Aurora Speaks: Poetry and Prose Reading

Join Aurora Poet Laureate Ahja Fox to celebrate the Aurora Speaks exhibit of citizen poetry at the Aurora History Museum. 

Friday, Jan. 17

Interfaith Breakfast 

Event partners: Aurora Community of Faith (ACOF) and Aurora Mental Health & Recovery. Keynote speaker: Jatour Johnson of Conqueror's Circle - Youth Mentorship & Leadership Program. Call 303.739.7699 with questions. 

  • 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Quebec Place Event Center, 430 S. Quebec St. #2 in Denver
  • RSVP by emailing officeofpcb@auroragov.org
  • Please bring art and craft items to be donated to the Behavioral Health Care Settings Program for youth and adults. 

Community College of Aurora Virtual Student Film Fest

Event features films from Community College of Aurora students

  • 6 p.m. 
  • Virtual program streamed at AuroraTV.org and Comcast channels 8 and 880

Saturday, Jan. 18

Community Service Project 

Help city staff pack 1,000 hygiene kits for community members in need. A partnership with Justice Necessary

Wreath-laying Ceremony 

City officials and community members will attend.

  • 11 a.m. to noon 
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.

Youth Talent Show

Talent shows participation requirements: Must be between 6 and 25 years old, and performance must be 2 to 2.5 minutes long. To sign up to participate, email Ms.Miller at tashiad6@aol.com or Dr. Jones at evgtjones@gmail.com

  • 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Community College of Aurora, 16000 E. Centretech Parkway, Rotunda Room 

Free Dinner Giveaway

Event hosted by Brother Jeff

And the following events are taking place in Boulder:

'The Time Is Always Right'

WHEN: Jan. 19, 2025

WHERE: The Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

Join BETC, the Boulder Philharmonic and the Boulder Ballet as they honor the brilliance and sacrifices of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fellow Civil Rights leaders through music, dance and the spoken word. Directed and curated by Kenya Mahogany.

'Still We Rise'

WHEN: Jan. 20, 2025

WHERE: The Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

Motus Theater presents its third-annual, arts-based family-friendly event exploring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s understanding of poverty and racism within an expansive expression of 'beloved community.' Featured guests include the nationally acclaimed and regionally loved singers The ReMINDers. There will also be performances from Motus JustUs monologist Cynthia Randall and Motus TRANSformative Stories monologist Alison Reba. You will leave inspired, overflowing with our beloved selves, and strong with what we can do together when we have the courage to stand up for what we know — and say NO when we need to and YES to what is most important.

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