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.
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 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.
