Ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Denver and how the cold weather has affected Marade festivities

Due to below freezing temps, the annual Marade’s start time has been delayed and other programming has been adjusted or rescheduled.
5 min. read
Quincy Shannon (center) leads a step dance as he marches with members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in Denver’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Marade. Jan. 16, 2023.
Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Updated Jan 14:

Organizers of the annual Marade, an event meant to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., say they are advising seniors, small children, pets and others with potential medical issues to avoid attending the outdoor festivities planned for Monday, Jan. 15, due to the expected freezing temperatures.

Organizers have also pushed back the start time to events at City Park to 10 a.m.

Monday's high is expected to be 2 degrees and the wind chill could be -17 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The expected low at night is -10 degrees.

"Augmentations have been made to the programs taking place at City Park and Civic Center," organizers said in a statement, adding that some programs have been shortened.

The second annual bike ride through Five Points has also been rescheduled for Feb. 17.

Our original story follows below. 


The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Marade is back and that means East Colfax Avenue will be tough to maneuver Monday morning if you are commuting through the area.

And Monday will be below freezing with a high of 18, a chance of snow, and partly sunny, according to the National Weather Service. Nevertheless, the Denver Marade is expected to happen rain, snow or shine.

If you're heading out, it's important to remember that children and seniors are especially at risk of frostbite, according to Denver Health. It is advised that you dress for the weather and cover your head, hands and feet, wear a water-repellent coat and avoid drinking or smoking before going out in the cold.

The parade route begins on Colfax and Columbine. Expect a train of maraders to begin walking westbound towards Civic Center Park close to 10:45 a.m. shortly after an opening ceremony at City Park beginning at 10 a.m.

Click here for the Marade route.

RTD riders are encouraged to allot extra travel time during the marade. Anticipate delays and detours between 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Civic Center Station will be closed during the event.

Expect minor detours for the following bus routes:  0, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 15L, 16, 19, 20, 24, 48, 52 and 83L.

Festivities, however, don't end with the Marade. There are a handful of programs celebrating MLK's Legacy in Denver including a bike ride through Denver's historical Black landmarks and the African-American Heritage Rodeo.

Here are some ways you can celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Denver:

Martin Luther King Jr. Denver Marade

Date: Monday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m. (updated time)

Location: Begins at City Park

Denver's MLK Marade stands among one of the largest in the nation this time of year. Programming begins with an opening ceremony at City Park at 10 a.m. followed by a parade beginning close to 10:45 a.m. at E. Colfax Ave and Columbine headed towards Civic Center Park. Entertainment, awards, a resource fair and a closing ceremony will follow the Marade at Civic Center.

2024 Denver Martin Luther King Jr. Marade Bike Ride (rescheduled)

Date: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2-4 p.m. (updated time)

Location: Civic Center Park, 101 14th Ave.

Following Marade festivities, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission is hosting its second annual Bike Ride. Riders will bike through the historic Five Points neighborhood with a focus on historically Black landmarks.

Click here to RSVP for free.

MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo

Date: Monday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m.

Location: Historic Denver Coliseum

The National Western Stock Show is in town and part of the festivities include the MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo. Showcasing top cowboys and cowgirls in all of your favorite rodeo events such as bronco riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin', ladies' steer un-decorating and more. The event honors the legacy of Bill Pickett and his influence on Black Western Heritage.

Click here for tickets.

'Good Trouble' A John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tribute

Date: Monday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Location: Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th St.

Described as a musical equivalent of an old-school mix CD, Music Theologian Daryl J. Walker will curate a night of music honoring the legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis. Former director of The Spirituals Project, housed at the Lamont School of Music, and Minister of Music and Worship at Park Hill United Methodist Church, Walker will put on a family-friendly show where one might be inspired to action.

Colorado Black Round Table Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

Date: Saturday, Jan. 13, 4-7 p.m.

Location: New Hope Baptist Church, 3701 Colorado Blvd.

This event will include a welcoming reception and presentation on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Iliff School of Theology President, Rev. Dr. Lee Butler. Awards will also be presented to the honorable Wellington E. Webb and the honorable Wilma J. Webb.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Service

Date: Sunday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m. 

Location: Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1500 S. Dayton St. Aurora, CO. 80010

Hosted by the Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance, this event will feature keynote speaker Congressman Joe Neguse. The service will also honor Coach Deion Sanders, Dr. Syl Morgan-Smith and former Mayor Michael Hancock.

Maker Mornings: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Date: Saturday, Jan. 13, 10:30-12:30 p.m.

Location: Clyfford Still Museum

This family program invites attendees to make art based on their "big dreams." Beginning with a Spanish-English bilingual story time and movement activities led by a DPL librarian, kiddos will then move to a hands-on art studio to create art.

Children ages 17 and under are free, $10 adults, $8 seniors, $6 teachers/college students/military.

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