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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration

Join the city of Aurora and community partners to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The city's 40th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration in January 2026 is themed "I am the Dream."

Please note that the following events are free unless otherwise noted. This schedule is subject to change; please check back frequently. 

Events flyer (coming soon) 


2026 Schedule of Events 

Monday, Jan. 12

Opening Celebration

An opening celebration honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., featuring dynamic performances that reflect his enduring impact. Mayor Mike Coffman will present an official proclamation, followed by a prayer vigil hosted by the Aurora Community of Faith. Light refreshments will be available.

  • Noon to 1:30 p.m. 
  • Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway 

Wednesday, Jan. 14

The Local Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Learn about Dr. King’s visits to the Denver area and engage with a panel of community members to explore his legacy.

  • 6 p.m. 
  • Aurora History Museum, 15051 E. Alameda Parkway 
  • Register at AuroraMuseum.org

Thursday, Jan. 15

Interfaith Breakfast 

Event Partners: Aurora Community of Faith and Aurora Mental Health and Recovery 

Friday, Jan. 16

YASPA: I am the Dream

A meaningful youth and family night honoring the living legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by uplifting and empowering today’s young people.
  • 5:30 p.m. 
  • Community College of Aurora, 16000 E. Centretech Parkway 

Saturday, Jan. 17

Service Project

Help city staff pack 1,000 hygiene kits for community members in need.

  • 9 to 11 a.m.
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave.
  • Register in the Volunteer Portal at AuroraGov.org/Volunteer (event listing coming soon!)

Wreath-laying Ceremony 

Join city officials at this wreath-laying ceremony 
  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 9898 E. Colfax Ave. 

Monday, Jan. 19

2026 MLK Marade

Event hosted by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission
  • 10 a.m. 
  • Marade Route: Starts at City Park, travels down Colfax Avenue and ends at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park
  • More details found at drmartinlkingjrchc.org 

Donate to Spirit of Aurora

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work and legacy, consider making a donation to one of the many organizations and causes through the Spirit of Aurora website, AuroraGov.org/SpiritOfAurora.

Spirit of Aurora is a resident-founded, longtime nonprofit that funds various city and local community programs.


Thank you, partners 

  • National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Aurora Chapter (NAACP)  

  • Aurora Community of Faith (ACOF)

  • Aurora Human Relations Commission 

  • Aurora Mental Health & Recovery 

  • Aurora Library and Cultural Services

  • Justice Necessary

  • Racial equity and Aurora's Critical Topics (ReACT) 

And a special thanks to the Aurora MLK Commemoration Steering Committee  


Past Commemorations

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