MLK Day events in Colorado

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed each year on the third Monday of January. The day is set aside to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of seeking equality for all people.

There are several events in the area to attend and honor that legacy, including one of the largest celebrations in the U.S. Below you will find events happening on Mon., Jan. 20, 2025 in the Denver area and along Colorado’s northern Front Range.

Update: due to the extremely cold weather, some events may be delayed or even canceled. Please check with organizers before attending.

Denver Marade

The Denver celebration is both a parade and a march and is dubbed a “Marade.” The only bigger celebration happens King’s home state of Georgia. The Marade starts in Denver’s City Park at 10 a.m. and ends in downtown Denver at Civic Center Park. There are performances, food trucks, and warming stations located at Carla Madison Recreation Center, Church in the City, and Pete’s Kitchen. (Update: Marade events may be modified or shortened due to the extreme cold weather – check the Marade website for details).

Fort Collins March

The MLK Day march in Fort Collins begins at 1 p.m. at Washington Park, 301 Maple Street, and ends at the Lory Student Center on the Colorado State University campus, where there is a community celebration. (Update: due to freezing temperatures, the march is canceled this year. However, check the organization’s website for details on other events.)

‘Still We Rise’ in Boulder

Motus Theater presents a free arts-based, family-friendly event on MLK Day at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, with some of the most powerful musicians and leaders in Colorado.

Featured guests include: The ReMINDers; hip-hop poetry and reflections by Dr. Reiland Rabaka, Director of the CU Boulder Center for African and African American Studies; and a monologue by Colette Payne, Director at the Women’s Justice Institute. 

Denver MLK Historical Bike Ride Tour

This five-mile loop bike tour stops by historic Black landmarks. The tour begins at 2 p.m. in Civic Center Park after the Marade. (Update: the bike ride may be delayed or canceled due to freezing temperatures, please check the Marade website for details.)

Denver Botanic Gardens

Explore Denver Botanic Gardens for free in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Chatfield Farms  location in Littleton is also offering free admission all day. (Update: due to freezing temperatures, the Botanic Gardens will be closed Sat., Jan. 18 through Mon., Jan. 20.)

‘Let Freedom Ring’ Events in Aurora

The City of Aurora and community members put together this month long series of celebration events including speeches, prayer vigils, poetry sessions, a talent show, wreath-laying ceremony, community service project, and a film festival.

MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo

This special rodeo takes place during The National Western Stock Show on Mon., Jan. 20. The MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo celebrates “the history and heritage of Black cowboys and cowgirls while honoring the legacy of rodeo champion, Willie ‘Bill’ Pickett, and the life of Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. “