MLK Parade/March

2026 Annual MLK Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration

Friday, June 19, 2026

Join us for the vibrant 2026 MLK March/Parade and Juneteenth Celebration, celebrating freedom, heritage, and community! Last year’s event drew over 1,000 attendees and featured more than 50 vendors.

Parade registration and lineup begin at 8:30 AM at Chilhowee Park, with step-off at 10:00 AM. Festivities continue at Dr. Walter Hardy Park from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM, featuring entertainment, music, vendors, and family-friendly activities.

For further information or questions please be sure to contact us at Parade@MLKKnoxville.com.

Vendor Registration is Closed:

Vendor registration for the Juneteenth Celebration is now closed. All available vendor spots have been filled. Registered vendors can find event details and updates using the button below.

Juneteenth Celebration Vendor Map & Information

Locations

Parade Line Up:
Chilhowee Park – Gate #13
301 N Beaman St, Knoxville, TN 37914

Line Up begins 8:30am
Step-Off at 10:00am

Juneteenth Celebration:
Dr. Walter Hardy Park
2020 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915

Shuttle Service

2 Bus Pick Up locations

  • The Bus stop at the Family Justice Center on MLK Jr Avenue.
  • At the Tabernacle Baptist Church at Corner of Cruze St & MLK Jr Avenue.

  • The bus route begins at 8:00 AM.

  • Buses will continuously run, picking up participants from designated stops and dropping them off at Chilhowee Park entrance (Gate 13).

  • Buses will also take participants back to the park from their parked locations.

Juneteenth Celebration Highlights

The Juneteenth Celebration will feature a full day of family-friendly activities and community engagement, including:

  • Live music and entertainment

  • Food vendors

  • Retail vendors

  • Informational booths

  • Community organizations

  • Youth activities

  • Family-friendly attractions

  • Band and Drill Team Competition with a $1,000 prize

Each year, the celebration creates opportunities for residents to connect with local organizations, support small businesses, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of East Knoxville and the greater community.

Honoring History

A special feature of this year’s parade will include representation of the United States Colored Troops, with volunteers portraying Union soldiers connected to the First United States Colored Heavy Artillery, which was mustered in Knoxville during the Civil War.

Working in partnership with The Beck Cultural Center, the Commission is incorporating historical elements that help connect the MLK Jr. Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration to the broader story of emancipation, Black military service, local African American history, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and justice.

This tribute honors the Black Union soldiers whose service helped carry the message of freedom to Galveston, Texas, and whose legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Parade locations & pick ups

Juneteenth Celebration & Parade End
Dr. Walter Hardy Park 2020 Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Parade Line Up
Chilhowee Park Parade Lineup Gate #13 301 N Beaman St, Knoxville, TN 37914
Family Justice Center on MLK Jr Avenue.
Family Justice Center Bus Pick
MLK & Cruze Corner Bus Pickup
MLK & Cruze Corner Bus Pickup
Chilhowee Park Bus Pickup
Chilhowee Park Bus Pickup