MLK Parade/March

2025 Annual MLK Parade/March and Juneteenth Celebration

download the flyer pdf

Join us for the vibrant 2025 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. Vendor space is limited—reserve your spot today!

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

Event Locations

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

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

Juneteenth Celebration:
Dr. Walter Hardy Park
2089 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915

Parade Bus Information

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 & 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

The Elite Striders Drill Team

We’re honored to welcome the nationally recognized Elite Striders Drill Team to this year’s parade! Hailing from Lake County, Illinois, this award-winning youth performance group has earned back-to-back world titles in 2023 and 2024 and is known for their precision, discipline, and show-stopping routines. You won’t want to miss their dynamic performance!

Vendor Info

Following the MLK Jr. Parade, the celebration continues at Walter Hardy Park with a vibrant festival that features over 50 local vendors!

Our vendor village showcases a powerful mix of:

  • 🍗 Food Vendors serving up delicious cuisine from across cultures

  • 🛍️ Retail Vendors offering handmade goods, apparel, art & more

  • 💡 Informational Booths sharing vital community resources, voter registration, wellness services, and more

Vendor spaces are now closed for registration, and we are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic lineup representing East Tennessee’s creativity, passion, and purpose.

Thank You to the African American Equity Restoration Task Force

We are proud to announce that the African American Equity and Restoration Task Force (AAERTF) has joined us as a valued sponsor for the 2025 MLK Jr. Parade & Juneteenth Celebration!

Their support plays a key role in helping us create a powerful and inclusive experience that honors the legacy of freedom and the resilience of our community. From the morning parade to the vibrant celebration at Dr. Walter Hardy Park, this partnership helps us continue our mission of celebrating Black culture, uplifting local voices, and promoting unity through joy, music, and togetherness.

We are deeply grateful for AAERTF’s commitment to equity and restoration—and for standing with us as we reflect, celebrate, and move forward in solidarity.

Knoxville MLK Parade History

2023

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2022

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2021

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