Tag Archives: Dr. Martin Luther King

January 11, 2018 · 7:44 am

Where to Celebrate MLK Day 2018

Whether you’re looking for ways to teach kiddos about MLK, want to give back on the Day of Service, enjoy live entertainment that pays tribute to his legacy, or join a special event to observe the occasion, these recommendations will have you covered.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: January 15
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 here to find opportunities that suit your family.

ConSERVE DC
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: January 15, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Just your time
Join the Student Conservation Association as they gather to ConSERVE DC this MLK Day by mobilizing the next generation of community stewards to help restore our public lands. Join hundreds of volunteers for a massive cleanup of the Anacostia River and to honor the legacy of Dr. King and connect the issues of social and environmental justice as we help to improve the health of DC’s urban waterfront. We joined this event last year, and it was a great experience for all of us! And Monday’s event will kick-off the Year of the Anacostia, celebrating Anacostia Park’s 100th anniversary on the waterfront.

More Family Volunteer Ops
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Just your time
For more places to volunteer as a family that aren’t included in the official MLK Day of Service database, this KFDC post has suggestions. All of the organizations listed welcome kids to help out, though some have age requirements, so be sure to note them.

MLK Day Celebration
Where: Woodridge Library | Woodridge, DC
When: January 15
Admission: Free
Children aged 2-12 are and families are invited to join DC Public Libraries for a day-long celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and lasting work. They’ll be showing Our Friend, Martin at 10:30am and Separate Is Never Equal at 2:30pm in the Children’s Nook. Guests will also receive a seed starting kit (supplies limited).

Artsy MLK Days
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Gardens | Dowell, MD
When: January 13-15, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with community art activities. Each year on this weekend, Annmarie invites guests of all ages to help create a community art installation in honor of a dream. The 2018 MLK Days project is a mixed media painting led by visiting artist Dawn Tree based off the image of Martin Luther King Jr. Inspiration will come from Dr. King as well as the children’s book “Walking with the King,” written by Tree’s mother Jocelyn Scales, who marched with King while attending college in the 60’s. There will also be coloring and more art activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Visit Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: January 15 (and ongoing)
Admission: Free
Pay tribute to Dr. King at places that honor his legacy. Visit the MLK Memorial, a powerful and poignant site along the Tidal Basin. From there, you can head to the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and see if you can find his words etched in the stone there. For a guided walking tour that includes those locations, check out DC by Foot, which offers name-your-own-price tour options.

I Have a Dream Weekend Celebration
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: January 13-15
Admission: $15.95/ages 2 & up
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy through hands-on educational activities exploring African-American history and heritage during Port Discovery’s “I Have a Dream Weekend.” Join in a variety of interactive programs designed to educate, inspire and help children of all ages to understand the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. made on America and the world. Learn about the history of Afircan Amrican in baseball with the Negro League Baseball, create quilt squares with the Baltimore African-American Quilters Guild, make a birthday card, enjoy a birthday tribute by The Kindersinger, and more fun festivities. See the website for a schedule of activities.

MLK Dare to Dream Day
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: January 15, 10am -6pm
Admission: Free
It’s a celebration in honor of the life and dreams of one of the greatest visionaries in America’s history. Join for guided tours, birthday cake, music, workshops, and special performances at this FREE, fun-filled day! See the latest exhibition, The Great Mystery Show and tour the entire wonderland campus. Read more about the wonderful AVAM here.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Tribute & Celebration
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: January 16, 3:30pm
Admission: Free, but tickets are required
Montgomery County celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s life through dramatic readings, music, and dance performances. This will be the first time in many years the holiday falls on his actual birthday, making this program particularly significant, with very special entertainment including a choral performance by the civil rights iconic Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir from Birmingham, Alabama. Free tickets are required for this event, and will be distributed onsite the day of the performance. Limit four tickets per household.

KanKouran West African Dance Company
Where: Dance Place | Brookland, DC
When: January 13, 8pm & January 14, 4pm
Admission: $15-30 (1 child free with adult paid ticket)
KanKouran West African Dance Company returns to Dance Place for their annual celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., presenting its new work BOLO, which means “Bridge of Togetherness” in Wolof. The performance will take audiences on a breathtaking journey into the influence that African dance and culture has had on contemporary dance styles and how today’s choreographers are now reaching back to bring an African influence into their work.

MLK Parade, Peace Walk, & Fair
Where: Throughout SE & SW DC
When: January 15
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. on a peace walk and parade along Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. The Peace Walk begins at 10am at 2500 MLK Ave SE and ends at the Barry Farm Recreation Center. The MLK Parade will commence at noon from Good Hope Road near the Anacostia Park entrance and continue up MLK Avenue to the Barry Farm Recreation Center, where the MLK Holiday DC Health & Community Fair will be underway will be underway. All ages are welcome to join.

Let Freedom Ring!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: January 15, 6pm
Admission: Free
At this annual performance in honor of MLK Day, the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will feature a special concert by Vanessa Williams and the Let Freedom Ring Choir. Free tickets will be given away up to two per person in line in the Hall of Nations starting at 4:30pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Celebrate MLK Day 2017

Special events and activities to honor and celebrate MLK have started this week and even more will be happening throughout the coming weekend. Whether you’re looking for ways to teach kiddos about MLK, want to give back on the Day of Service, enjoy live entertainment that pays tribute to his legacy, or join a special event to observe the occasion, these recommendations will have you covered.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations
When: January 16
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 here to find opportunities that suit your family.

ConSERVE DC
Where: Anacostia Park
When: January 16, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Admission: Just your time
Join the Student Conservation Association as they gather to ConSERVE DC this MLK Day by mobilizing the next generation of community stewards to help restore our public lands. With the support of American Express, they will be bringing together hundreds of volunteers for a massive cleanup of the Anacostia River. Join them to honor the legacy of Dr. King and connect the issues of social and environmental justice and help improve the health of DC’s urban waterfront.

More Family Volunteer Ops
Where: Various locations
When: Ongoing
Admission: Just your time
For more places to volunteer as a family that aren’t included in the official MLK Day of Service database, this KFDC post has suggestions. All of the organizations listed welcome kids to help out, though some have age requirements, so be sure to note them.

Learn about MLK
Where: Local libraries
When: MLK Week, now through January 16
Admission: Free
DC Public Libraries are hosting many events 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.

Artsy MLK Days
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Gardens
When: January 14-16
Admission: Free
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King with a community art activity! Each year, Annmarie invites guests of all ages to help create a community art installation in honor of a dream. This year’s big MLK Days project is a collective mural titled “#WDUS4 – What Do You Stand For?”. There will also be coloring and poetry activities, and the whole family can enjoy them.

Visit Memorials
Where: MLK & Lincoln Memorials
When: January 16
Admission: Free
Pay tribute to Dr. King at sites that honor his legacy. Visit the MLK Memorial, a powerful and poignant memorial along the Tidal Basin. From there, you can head to the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and see if you can find his words etched in the stone there.

I Have a Dream Weekend Celebration
Where: Port Discovery
When: January 14-16
Admission: $14.95/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, making a birthday card, a birthday tribute by The Kindersinger (Saturday), and more fun festivities.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Tribute & Celebration
Where: Strathmore
When: January 16, 3:30pm
Admission: Free
This multi-cultural program engages diverse, talented performers and award honorees who serve their communities unselfishly. Approximately 2,000 young people, including county officials and local press, participate in the commemoration in the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Limit four tickets per household.

KanKouran West African Dance Company
Where: Dance Place
When: January 15, 4-6pm
Admission: $15-30 (1 child free with adult paid ticket)
KanKouran, an integral part of the DC dance community for nearly 30 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.

MLK Parade, Peace Walk, & Festival
Where: Throughout SE & SW DC
When: January 16
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. on a peace walk and parade along Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. The Peace Walk begins at 10am at 2500 MLK Ave SE and ends at the R.I.S.E Center at 2730 MLK Ave SE. The MLK Parade will commence at noon from 2700 MLK Ave SE and continue up MLK Avenue to Anacostia Park, where the MLK Holiday Festival and Health Fair will be underway. All ages are welcome to join.

Let Freedom Ring at Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 16, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s the annual special Millennium Stage performance in honor of MLK Day. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will feature a special performance with Gladys Knight and the Let Freedom Ring Choir. 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.

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Tagged as Activities with Children, DC Events, DC Kids, Dr. Martin Luther King, Family Activities, MLK Day 2017, MLK Jr. Day of Service, Things to do on MLK Day in DC, Volunteer Opportunities for Kids, Winter 2017

January 13, 2015 · 2:04 pm

Ways to Celebrate MLK Day 2015

mlk_mem

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.

Where to Celebrate MLK Day

MLK Day may be on Monday, but there are events and activities to honor and celebrate it throughout the weekend. If you’re looking for ways to observe the holiday, here are a few ideas.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations
When: Monday
Admission: Just your time
If you want to volunteer on the MLK Day of Service, there are many ways and places you can do so around the area. Start with the MLKDay website to find opportunities that suit your family.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Kids Tour
Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday 11-11:45am & 2-2:45pm
Admission: Free
Get the scoop on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial from a park ranger on a tour geared especially toward kids. Participants can also earn a Junior Ranger Badge!

MLK at the NCM
Where: National Children’s Museum
When: Monday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $10
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by contributing to the NCM’s very special peace quilt. Add your creative flair to a square or a dove to hang on the quilt. We’ll unveil the finished quilt in February.

Portrait Story Days: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: National Portrait Gallery
When: Saturday, 1-4pm & Sunday 2-5pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery for their weekly program, where you can listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, the focus is on American clergyman and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.

I Have a Dream Weekend
Where: Port Discovery
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $13.95/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, African-American Inventors matching game, and a birthday tribute by The Kindersingers.

Let Freedom Ring Choir
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Monday, 6pm
Admission: Free
It’s a 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. The concert will feature Dionne Warwick 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.

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Tagged as 2014 MLK Day, Dr. Martin Luther King, January 20 2014, Jr. Birthday, MLK, MLK Birthday, MLK events, Washington DC Kids Activities

January 15, 2012 · 9:56 pm

Celebrate MLK on Monday Off

The MLK Memorial

Kids and many parents have the day off tomorrow in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. If you’re looking for activities to observe the holiday, here are a few ideas.

Visit Memorials – 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 Deam” speech.

To the Mountaintops – The National Museum of American History is honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. with a stirring and inspirational tribute. Actor Xavier Carnegie presents selections from some of Dr. King’s most powerful and compelling speeches and sermons in a combination of live performance, historic photographs, and audio recordings. Free presentations will take place at 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm, and 4pm in the museum’s Flag Hall, 2nd floor.

NCM Honors MLK– In recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone is hosting a program honoring his life and accomplishments. Make your own I Have A Dream…Catcher and participate in their “Valentines for Veterans” service project in recognition of Dr. King’s commitment to service. Drop in from 11am – 2pm for this free event.

I Have a Dream at Port Discovery – Usually closed on Mondays, the popular interactive children’s museum in Baltimore is open for a day full of special activities to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King. All of the regular exhibits will be available to visitors, too. Hours are 9:30am – 5pm. Admission is $13.95/ages 2 and up, children under 2 are free.

Let Freedom Ring! – The Kennedy Center and Georgetown present this free concert featuring Bobby McFerrin (of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” fame) as part of the Millennium Stage series. Free tickets are required and will be distributed two (2) per person in line in the Hall of Nations beginning at 4pm. Tickets are reserved seats. The concert begins at 6pm.