San Diego County will observe the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events spanning Sunday and Monday. The celebrations include parades, festivals, performances, and opportunities to access California’s state parks.
Sunday’s Events
Sunday’s schedule begins with the MLK 5K Walk/Run, hosted by San Diego Alphas, starting at 9 a.m. at the corner of Harbor Drive and Ash Street. Later in the day, the 44th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade, hosted by the San Diego Alpha Foundation and Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, will begin at 11 a.m. at the Embarcadero on Harbor Drive.
The parade will feature floats, high school bands, drill teams, and representatives from colleges, universities, fraternities, sororities, churches, and peace and youth organizations. San Diego MTS will also debut a newly wrapped bus commemorating Black History Month during the parade. Additional events include the MLK Harmony Health Festival at Waterfront Park, beginning at 9 a.m., and the MLK Weekend R&B Block Party, hosted by Quartyard at 5 p.m.
Monday’s Events and Park Access
Monday’s observances include the 38th annual All Peoples Celebration, hosted by Alliance San Diego, starting at 10 a.m. at the Balboa Park Activity Center. The event will feature B.A. Parker, co-host of NPR’s “Code Switch,” as the keynote speaker, alongside performances from transcenDance Youth Arts, Olivia Mercedes, and J. Pierre.
Also in Balboa Park, the WorldBeat Cultural Center will host its 37th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This free, all-ages event will include live performances, guest speakers, and craft vendors.
California residents and visitors will also have free vehicle day-use entry to participating California state parks on Monday, made possible by the California State Parks Foundation. Armando Quintero, California State Parks director, stated that such partnerships “help remove barriers and ensure more Californians can experience the natural and cultural treasures that belong to all of us.”
Participating parks include Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Border Field State Park, Cardiff State Beach, Carlsbad State Beach, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Palomar Mountain State Park, San Elijo State Beach, San Onofre State Beach, San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, Silver Strand State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach, Tijuana Estuary National Park Point of Interest, Torrey Pines State Beach, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Service and Facility Changes
Outside of the scheduled events, several city and county offices will be closed Monday, including family resource centers, library branches, county public health clinics, and animal shelters. While county parks, campgrounds, and neighborhood day-use parks will remain open, Fallbrook Community Center, Lakeside Community Center, Spring Valley Community Center, Spring Valley Gymnasium, the 4S Ranch Recreation Office (though parks will remain open), Valley Center Community Hall, and Adams Park Pool will be closed.
San Diego MTS services will operate on a normal weekday schedule on Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the MLK parade start on Sunday?
The 44th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Embarcadero on Harbor Drive.
Are there any events specifically for children?
The 37th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration at the WorldBeat Cultural Center is a free, all-ages event.
Will I need to pay to enter state parks on Monday?
No, California residents and visitors will receive free vehicle day-use entry to participating California state parks on Monday.
As communities come together to honor Dr. King’s life and work, what aspects of his message resonate most strongly with you today?
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