St. Petersburg Prepares for 2025 MLK Dream Big Parade

News Summary

St. Petersburg is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for the 2025 MLK Dream Big Parade and Educational Band Showcase from January 17 to 20. The event will highlight the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a vibrant parade featuring cultural displays, marching bands, and a showcase of talented college bands at Gibbs High School. The festivities promise to bring unity, hope, and joy to the community, along with opportunities for educational advancement. Families will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at Tropicana Field following the parade, complete with food and activities.

News Summary

St. Petersburg Gears Up for the 2025 MLK Dream Big Parade and Educational Band Showcase

Get ready, St. Petersburg! The city is buzzing with excitement as preparations kick off for the MLK Dream Big Parade and Educational Band Showcase, designed to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This spectacular event is set to take place from January 17 to 20, 2025, and promises to be a joyful celebration of unity, music, and progress.

A Musical Celebration at Gibbs High School

One of the highlights of the weekend is undoubtedly the Annual MLK Dream Big Educational Band Showcase, slated for January 19 at Gibbs High School, located at 850 34th Street South. Starting at 4 p.m., music enthusiasts will be treated to an array of performances from some of the most talented college bands across the nation. Expect to see marching bands from Florida A&M University (FAMU), Tuskegee University, Savannah State University, and Albany State University grace the stage.

Beyond the music, families will have the chance to learn about scholarship opportunities for aspiring students. Band directors will share insights and information that can help students take their next steps toward their musical careers. Tickets for the showcase are available daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Advantage Village Academy, which is located at 833 22nd St. S. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a day filled with educational fun and amazing performances!

The Parade in Downtown St. Petersburg

Mark your calendars for January 20 because that’s when the MLK Dream Big Parade marches into downtown St. Petersburg! The parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and wraps up around 2:00 p.m. starting from the intersection of 3rd St. S and 1st Ave. S, leading all the way to Tropicana Field. This year’s parade promises to be a visual feast featuring diverse cultural displays, vibrant floats, marching bands, and artistic performances that reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community.

A special treat for parade-goers will be the performance by the renowned FAMU Marching 100 Band, celebrated for their electrifying energy and spectacular shows. Organized by Advantage Village Academy, this marks the 38th year of this beloved celebration, making it one of the largest and longest-running celebrations of Dr. King’s legacy in the nation.

Accessibility and Family Fun

Parade organizers want everyone to enjoy the festivities, which is why the route is fully accessible, complete with designated viewing areas for individuals with disabilities. The focus this year will be on conversations about unity, hope, and joy, all themes that Dr. King passionately advocated for throughout his life.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, this year’s parade Grand Marshal will be Attorney James Flynn, a dedicated philanthropist known for his community involvement. Following the parade, families are invited to Tropicana Field for a fun-filled afternoon from 2:30 to 6 p.m., featuring food, games, and a variety of activities perfect for all ages.

More Exciting Events and Free Rides!

The MLK Dream Big Weekend isn’t just about the parade and showcase! Don’t miss other exciting events like the MLK Scavenger Hunt and the Big Band Showcase. Plus, to make it even easier for everyone to participate, PSTA will be providing free rides to parade-goers along designated routes—what a wonderful way to support community involvement!

For those interested in keeping up with all the latest details and updates, be sure to visit mlkdreambig.com. With so much in store, the 2025 MLK Dream Big Parade and Educational Band Showcase in St. Petersburg is shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend dedicated to celebrating the incredible impact of Dr. King’s vision. Join in on the festivities—you won’t want to miss it!