Special events and activities to honor and celebrate MLK will be happening throughout the coming weekend. If you’re looking for ways to observe the holiday with the kids, here are some ideas.
Day of Service
Where: Various locations
When: Monday
Admission: Just your time
If you want to volunteer on the MLK, Jr. Day of Service, there are many ways and places you can do so around the area. Start with the here to find opportunities that suit your family. This Kids Post article also has some good suggestions.
Learn about MLK
Where: Local libraries
When: Through January 18
Admission: Free
DC Public Libraries are hosting events all week to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Storytime, arts & crafts, songs, and exhibits are just some of the ways you and the kids can take part.
Visit Memorials
Where: MLK & Lincoln Memorials
When: Monday
Admission: Free
If you’re up and at ‘em early enough, there will be a wreathing ceremony at the MLK Memorial at 8am that is free and open to the public. If you can’t wrangle the kids (and yourself) in time, visit the attraction on the Tidal Basin later in the day. From there, you can head to the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
Portrait Story Days: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and complete a hands-on activity. The story will be read at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm on Saturday, and at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. on Sunday.
I Have a Dream Weekend
Where: Port Discovery
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $14.50/ages 2 and up
Community comes to life at the Baltimore children’s museum over the three-day “I Have a Dream” weekend. Celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with special programs, including a meet and greet with the Negro League Baseball Museum, painting quilt squares for their community quilt with the Baltimore African-American Quilters Guild, a birthday tribute by The Kindersingers (Saturday), and more fun festivities.
“I Have A Dream”
Where: McClean Community Center
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $15 or $10/ McLean tax district residents
See a dramatization of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s phenomenal impact, from the arrest of Rosa Parks that inspired Dr. King to becoming the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement during its decade of greatest achievement. Theatre IV’s production aims to inspire the audience with the story of this great leader’s struggle and his dream of lifting “our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.” Reccomended for ages 8 and. After the performance, join a service project benefiting SHARE of McLean.
Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Where: Strathmore
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25
See the world’s first professional company dedicated to the percussive dance tradition of stepping for a special Martin Luther King Weekend performance. The show will feature six spectacular step teams.
KanKouran West African Dance Company
Where: Dance Place
When: Sunday, 4pm
Admission: $15-20 (1 child free with adult paid ticket)
KanKouran, an integral part of the DC dance community for over 28 years, presents their annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in an electrifying, athletic, and family-friendly performance of traditional West African dance and drumming. During this special Family Series show, reserve one free ticket for a child 12 & under with paying adult.
Parade & Peace Walk
Where: Throughout SE & SW DC
When: Monday
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. on a peace walk and parade along Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. The procession of international marchers starts at the United Black Fund and winds its way through the city and across the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge before ending at Shepherd Park. All ages are welcome t join.
Let Freedom Ring Choir
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Monday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s the annual special Millennium Stage performance in honor of MLK Day. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University are hosting a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will feature Grammy–winning artist Natalie Cole and the Let Freedom Ring Choir with Music Director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. Free tickets will be given away up to two per person in line in the Hall of Nations at 5pm on a first-come, first-served basis.
