The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) proudly announces the 10th Annual Athens MLK Jr. Parade & Music Fest. On Monday, January 19, 2026, downtown Athens will come alive with one of the largest celebrations of unity, culture, and social justice in Athens Georgia.

This year’s theme, “A Decade of Justice” reflects ten years of AADM’s organizing, advocacy, and community impact. Come celebrate 10 years of the Athens MLK Jr. Parade & Music Fest and the collective accomplishments of AADM and its community partners. Together, we’ll walk, sing, march, and rise.

Event Day Schedule – Monday, January 19, 2026

Location: Downtown Athens, Georgia (Cross section of Hull Street & Washington Street)

12:00 PM – Festivities Begin
Vendors, family activities, warm zones, and live performances open to the public.
1:00 PM – Special Film Screening
Flicker Theatre & Bar presentation and discussion panel featuring AADM’s work over the last decade.
3:00 PM – MLK Jr. Unity Parade Begins
Parade starting point: Corner of Hull Street & Hancock Avenue. Near Creatures Comfort.

Hybrid Indoor/Outdoor Experience

Warm Zones – Heated tents and enclosed areas for vendors, performers, and attendees.
Indoor Activity Spaces – Additional program elements will take place indoors at Flickr Bar and Theatre.
Outdoor Marketplace – Food, art, merchandise, and community vendors.

Parade Participation Guidelines

Groups of five or more can participate: floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, civic groups, church groups, youth organizations, dance teams, and nonprofits are welcome.
Parade line-up begins promptly at 2pm and departs 3pm. Parade route 20 minutes. Parade route will be released at a later date.
Parade signage should align with the theme or promote positive, community-centered messages.

Join Us

Together, we’ll walk, sing, march, and rise—continuing the work Dr. King began and ensuring that justice remains a living legacy.

Because the work of justice is far from finished, and the time is always right to do what is right.

Athens MLK Jr. Parade and Music Fest 2026

Theme: “A Decade of Justice, Unity, and Legacy” – Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.