Where to celebrate MLK Day in Fort Myers, Naples: Parades and more

The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. lives on this month across the country, including some big events happening in Naples and Fort Myers.

The civil rights icon will be honored with parades, outdoor celebrations, speakers and more on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as well as the days surrounding the national holiday. The holiday takes place Monday, Jan. 15.

Here's everything you need to know about celebrating MLK Day in Southwest Florida:

MLK DAY PARADE & CELEBRATION IN NAPLES

Naples' popular Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade celebrates its 27th year Monday, Jan. 15, in downtown Naples. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Broad Avenue South and Third Street and then travels through downtown.

The parade features about 2,000 participants, including marching bands, floats and first responders, according to organizers. That doesn't include the thousands of people who show up to watch both events.

The parade is followed at noon by a celebration in Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S. The event includes vendors, entertainment, food, refreshments and children's activities. It goes until 3 p.m.

The parade and celebration are organized by the Collier County branch of the NAACP. Admission is free.

For more information, call Diann Keeys at 249-9738 or visit naacpcolliercounty.org/27th-annual-mlk-parade-celebration.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PRAYER BREAKFAST IN NAPLES

Trinity Life Foundation hosts its fifth-annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12. This year's theme: “An Appeal – America, Do Not Give Up on The Dream!”

The event takes place at Vineyards Country Club, 400 Vineyards Blvd., Naples. It includes a hot breakfast buffet, networking and a silent auction. The keynote speaker will be Naples native Lori Snell, senior pastor at St. Paul A.M.E Church in Ft. Pierce.

“Proceeds from this event will be used to prevent and reduce at-risk youth in Collier County from becoming involved in the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) System," said Bishop Ric Neal, Trinity Life Foundation's founder and CEO, in a news release. "Instead, they will be on a path to becoming responsible citizens and empowered with programs involving social, moral, interpersonal skills, career and vocational planning and self-esteem."

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at trinitylifefoundation.betterworld.org/events/5th-annual-mlk-prayer-breakfast.

For more information, call event project manager Tamika Peters at 293-2009 or email her at events@trinitylifefoundation.org.

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. LEGACY WEEKEND IN FORT MYERS

In Fort Myers, Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn't just a one-day thing. Residents celebrate the event all week long ― and even into February, too.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Weekend ― organized by the Dunbar Festival Committee ― includes a church service, breakfasts, an awards gala and the 41st-annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March and Celebration. About 200-300 people usually take part in the march, organizers say.

Here's what they have planned from this weekend through Feb. 10:

Lee Pitts Live After Work: CODE BLACK

Lee Pitts, host of the TV talk show "Lee Pitts Live," hosts this after-hours event featuring a six-piece band, local celebrities, free hot food, vendors, red-carpet photos, interviews and networking. The dress code is black, of course. 6-11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. $10 at the door. All admission proceeds are donated to the Dunbar Festival Committee. Free parking. Arriving early is suggested. American Legion Post No. 38, 1857 Jackson St., downtown Fort Myers. 877-830-0391 or facebook.com/LPLAfterWork

Florida Rep's 'The Mountaintop'

Katori Hall’s surrealistic drama imagines what happened in Martin Luther King Jr.'s motel room on the night before his assassination. The play continues through Sunday, Jan. 14, but the Dunbar Festival Committee has designated the Saturday, Jan. 13 matinee as the official Legacy Weekend show. That 2 p.m. show is sold out except for one ticket, but there are limited tickets available for the rest of the play's run. $65. Artstage Studio Theatre at Florida Repertory Theatre, 2268 Bay St., downtown Fort Myers. 332-4488 or floridarep.org

A Night of Faith: 38th-Annual Dr. King Ecumenical Service

Members from various local churches come together in unity for this service honoring Dr. King ― who was, himself, a pastor. Then they chat afterward during a reception. 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. Free. Mount Olive AME Church, 2160 Veronica Shoemaker Blvd., Fort Myers. 208-3300 or facebook.com/mtoliveftmyers

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast

The 17th-annual breakfast includes inspirational speeches honoring King's life and legacy and the continued fight for justice and equality for all.  It's presented by the Xi Omicron Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the SWFL Alpha Educational & Leadership Foundation. 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15. $40. Caloosa Sound Convention Center at Luminary Hotel & Co., 1375 Monroe St., downtown Fort Myers. tinyurl.com/5x2khuyc

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day March and Celebration

The 41st-annual march starts at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, at the Dunbar Jupiter Hammon Library at High and Blount streets. Then it travels along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and through downtown Fort Myers to Centennial Park, where a festival takes place until 6 p.m. The fest includes music, food, vendors and entertainment. Coolers, food, grills, alcohol or pets aren’t allowed. The parade arrives at the park around 11:30 a.m. Free. Downtown Fort Myers. facebook.com/dunbarfestivalcommitteeinc

National Mentoring Month Social and Panel

A new social event for mentoring and family-focused community organizations. Presented by the community organization100 Black Men of Southwest Florida. 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Free. Collaboratory, 2031 Jackson St., Suite 100, Fort Myers. RSVP at martinbyrd@dunbarfestival.org.

STARS Breakfast Fit For A King

Dads and their children ―plus brothers, uncles, grandfathers, coaches and mentors ― are all invited to this event celebrating positive parenting and father figures. Includes breakfast, games, an inspirational speaker and prizes. Free, but an RSVP is required. 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. STARS Complex, 2980 Edison Ave., Fort Myers. tinyurl.com/2vyaj8sp

Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Gala

This upscale annual event honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with local dignitaries, philanthropists and community leaders. Local residents are inducted into the Dr. King/Dunbar Hall of Fame while others are honored with the awards for their work over the past year. Hosted by the Dunbar Festival Committee. Includes dinner, drinks, dancing, speeches and more. 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. $125 plus a $5 service fee. The Club at Pelican Preserve, 9802 Pelican Preserve Blvd., Fort Myers. dunbarfestival.ticketspice.com/2024-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-legacy-honors-gala

Charles Runnells is an arts and entertainment reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. To reach him, call 239-335-0368 (for tickets to shows, call the venue) or email him at crunnells@gannett.com. Follow or message him on social media: Facebook (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), X (formerly Twitter) (@charlesrunnells), Threads (@crunnells1) and Instagram (@crunnells1).

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: MLK Day 2024: Parades, celebrations and more in Fort Myers, Naples