Tag Archives: Family Volunteering in DC

January 14, 2026 · 12:53 pm

Where to Celebrate MLK Day Around DC (2026)

Day of Service: Park Clean-Ups
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
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. A good option for the whole gang is an outdoor volunteer clean-up at a local park, and there are a lot of them happening throughout the weekend. Potomac Concervancy is hosting river clean-ups at a few locations around the area. You can also check here, here, here, and here for other clean-ups.

Day of Service: City Year
Where: DC Elementary Schools | H Street Corridor, DC
When: January 19
Admission: Your time
Join City Year to hnr MLK as they mobilize 3,300 AmeriCorps members and thousands of volunteers for a day of service in communities across the nation. In coordination with local partners, City Year AmeriCorps members and volunteers engage in service projects that include painting schools, beautifying neighborhoods and parks, and assembling community resource kits. This year, they’ll be serving at three DC Public Schools along the H Street Corridor. Register by Thursday, January 16 at 12pm.

More Family Volunteer Ops
Where: Various locations around the DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Just your time
For more places to volunteer as a family, this KFDC post has suggestions — whether on the actual day or at a later time inspired by the holiday. All of the organizations listed welcome kids to help out, though some have age requirements, so be sure to note them.

MLK at the Library
Where: Libraries around the DC area
When: MLK week through January 19
Admission: Free
Many public libraries are hosting MLK-inspired events and activities for both kids and adults. There are crafts, story times, open mic poetry, take home reading challenges, and more. The above link take you to DC Public Library website where you can find details. And for quick links to see what’s happening at public libraries outside of the district, see this very early KFDC post (scroll all the way down for links).

Not Just Another Day Off
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: January 16, 7:30pm
Admission: Free with tickets
The Folger is celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with a free, family-friendly event featuring contemporary poets reading historic speeches from Dr. King and others. The event is free, but registration is required.

Remembering the Dream: A Day Honoring MLK
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: January 19
Admission: Free, but be sure to RSVP
The National Museum of African American History & Culture is hosting a day of special activities throughout the museum. Families can celebrate at Dr. King’s birthday party on the 4th Floor Overlook with creative crafts, balloon art, and a sing-along to Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday.” You can also explore the significance of HBCUs in the new exhibition, At the Vanguard; visit the Typewriter Poets for a personalized poem; and participate in a service project and a floral art presentation. Plus, experience live musical performances at 11am and 1:15pm, honoring Dr. King’s legacy through music. Be sure to read the KFDC Guide to visiting the museum with kids before you go.

Celebrate MLK with Clay Art
Where: MLK Library | Penn Quarter, DC
When: January 19
Admission: Free
The Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the National Mall is the first memorial in DC dedicated to an African American leader. In the children’s room, kids (and adults) have the chance to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy in a fun and creative way! Using clay, mold your very own version of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial – a wonderful way to learn, imagine, and create while honoring Dr. King. While you’re there, plan to see a musical performance in honor of MLK!

MLK Larger than Life: A Community Event
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: January 17-19, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but RSVP required
Join Annmarie Sculpture Garden for an uplifting community art event and exhibit inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year on this weekend, Annmarie Sculpture Garden invites guests of all ages to help create a community art installation in honor of a dream. This weekend, join visiting artist Felicia Reed for a three-day, hands-on community art experience and help craft a felted flower for A Bouquet for MLK. Be sure to RSVP! Read more about the wonderful Annmarie Sculpture Garden here.

MLK Holiday Peace Walk and Parade
Where: Barry Farm Rec Center| Southeast DC
When: January 19, 11am
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. at the annual Peace Walk, this year themed “The Struggle is Real! The Fight is Still.” Join the Bowser Administration and residents from all eight wards — residents interested in walking with the administration are encouraged to arrive by 10 am for check-in and lineup. The walk officially kicks off at 11am at at Barry Farm Recreation Center (1230 Sumner Road SE) and ends at Anacostia Park.

MLK Dare to Dream Day
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: January 19, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Get out of DC on Inauguration Day and head up to Baltimore to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at one of the neatest art museums around. Along with the exhibits, art-making, music, dance, and more. And for this special day of remembrance, the museum will be open on a Monday, and all festivities (including museum admission) will be FREE! Be sure to RSVP!

Visit Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free, registration required
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 look for his words etched in the stone at the top of the steps.

Let Freedom Ring Concert
Where: Howard Theatre | Shaw, DC
When: January 19, 6pm
Admission: Free, but ticketed
The annual concert presented by Georgetown University in celebration of MLK is relocating after over 20 years at the Kennedy Center. This year, it will take place at Howard theatre, headlined by actor and rapper Common. During the event, Georgetown will present the John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award to Kowshara Thomas of Joseph’s House. Established in honor of former Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson Jr., the award is presented to a local leader who embodies the spirit and courage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Note: It looks like tickets are sold out rigt now, but more might become available.

Where to Celebrate MLK Day Around the DC Area (2025)

Whether you’re looking for ways to teach kids about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., want to give back to the community to honor him, or hope to partake in another special activity to observe MLK Day, these ideas will have you covered. And note that Inauguration Day is on Monday, so you may want to get out of dodge to celebrate MLK…there are several good recommendations to do that.

Day of Service
Where: Various locations around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
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. A good option for the whole gang is an outdoor volunteer clean-up at a local park, and there are a lot of them happening throughout the weekend. Check here, here, here, and here.

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 — whether on the actual day or at a later time inspired by the holiday. All of the organizations listed welcome kids to help out, though some have age requirements, so be sure to note them.

MLK Peace Walk, Parade & Fair
Where: Entertainment & Sports Arena| SE, DC
When: January 18, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. with a Peace Fair and Parade that take place indoors this year. Participants will march into the arena from Cypress Street, leading into a day full of activities, including “parade” performances; a Health & Wellness Fair to support community well-being; and free groceries, local merchandise, and more!

Messages to Dr. King: Plate Art with Rain Young
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: January 18, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
Get creative with the Anacostia Community Museum to celebrate MLK. Join local artist and arts educator Rain Young for a hands-on workshop dedicated to expressing personal messages to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through art. Using oversized plastic plates as a canvas, explore ways to share messages of unity, hope, and dreams for a better world. All ages and skill levels welcome.

MLK Larger than Life: A Community Event
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: January 18-30, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but RSVP required
Join Annmarie Sculpture Garden for an uplifting community art event and exhibit inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year on this weekend, Annmarie Sculpture Garden invites guests of all ages to help create a community art installation in honor of a dream. This weekend, join visiting artist Zsudayka Nzinga and contribute mixed media work to an ever-growing display — learn how to make a collage using a Japanese technique known as chigiri. These collaged works will come together to create several larger than life human silhouettes. Be sure to RSVP! Read more about the wonderful Annmarie Sculpture Garden here.

Let Freedom Ring!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: January 19, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
This annual performance in honor of MLK Day is a DC tradition. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host this musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will be hosted by Taye Diggs, featuring performances by Christopher Jackson, esperanza spalding, and the Let Freedom Ring Choir, led by Music Producer Nolan Williams, Jr. 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.

MLK at the Library
Where: Libraries around the DC area
When: Through January 20
Admission: Free
Many public libraries are hosting MLK-inspired events and activities for both kids and adults. There are crafts, story times, open mic poetry, take home reading challenges, and more. The above link take you to DC Public Library website where you can find details. And for quick links to see what’s happening at public libraries outside of the district, see this very early KFDC post (scroll all the way down for links).

MLK Dare to Dream Day
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: January 20, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Get out of DC on Inauguration Day and head up to Baltimore to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at one of the neatest art museums around. Along with the exhibits, enjoy open mic, art-making, music, dance, and more. And for this special day of remembrance, the museum will be open on a Monday, and all festivities (including museum admission) will be FREE! Be sure to RSVP!

MLK Service and Learning Day
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: January 20, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Introduce your young ones to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as we gather at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center to learn about Martin Luther King and the importance of giving back to our community. Rotate through stations to hear about the Civil Rights Movement, participate in a service project, and reflect on the power of community cooperation. All participants must be registered.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tribute
Where: City Hall | College Park, MD
When: January 20, 1pm, 2pm & 4pm
Admission: Free
Blast into the past and honor the incredible contributions of African Americans to our nation’s history. Enjoy a dazzling 40-minute program that combines an enchanting laser light show with an inspiring soundtrack, transporting students through time and highlighting the profound impact of African Americans on our culture and history.

Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: January 20
Admission: Free
In honor of MLK Day, it’s the first fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no cost for entry where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and the day off from school. Some ideas: Hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, explore Prince William Forest Park, go to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, or enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry. Find even more national parks around the area and beyond. (PS: You can do your own trash cleanup while you’re there!)

The People’s Holiday: A Love of Literacy
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: January 26 (or anytime)
Admission: Free, but be sure to RSVP
The National Museum of African American History & Culture is celebrating a week later because of the inauguration. At this special Community Day, there will be a service project to make literacy packets for pre-readers across DC. Inspired by grassroots organizer, Ella Baker, visitors will learn about the power of the thank you note — and be encouraged to write one with a fountain pen. Using the prose of Dr. King and others, people can create a poetry collage. And note that a visit to the museum is insightful and enriching anytime, so consider it for another day over MLK weekend. Be sure to read the KFDC Guide to visiting the museum with kids before you go.

Where to Celebrate MLK Day Around the DC Area (2024)

Whether you’re looking for ways to teach kids about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., want to give back on the Day of Service, or hope to partake in another special activity to observe MLK Day, these ideas will have you covered.

MLK Peace Walk, Parade & Fair
Where: MLK Jr. Avenue | SE, DC
When: January 15
Admission: Free
Commemorate the life of MLK, Jr. with a Peace Walk and Parade along Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. A Peace Rally begins at 9am, then the Peace Walk steps off at 10:45am from Shepherd Park and the Parade will commence at 11am at St. Elizabeth’s East with a Health and Community Fair in the parking lot at 2006 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE. All ages are welcome to join.

The People’s Holiday: The Many Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: January 15, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but be sure to RSVP
A visit to the National Museum of African American History & Culture is insightful and enriching anytime, but perhaps a bit more poignant on MLK Weekend. And there will be special activities on Monday to celebrate MLK: the Student artists from the Cinematic Arts & Media Production Department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts will perform original work that reimagines and reinterprets the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There will also be hands-on activities and pecan pie (MLK’s favorite) available at the Sweet Home Cafe. Of course, plan to tour the exhibits, too, but be sure to read the KFDC Guide to visiting the museum with kids before you go.

Shaping the Dream: a Community Clay Event
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: January 13-15, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free, but RSVP required
Join Annmarie Sculpture Garden for an uplifting community art event and exhibit inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year on this weekend, Annmarie Sculpture Garden invites guests of all ages to help create a community art installation in honor of a dream. This weekend, join visiting artist Claudette Taylor lto earn how to make a bas relief tile in air-dry clay and sculpt their your own unique and uplifting motif to display on the wall. Be sure to RSVP! Read more about the wonderful Annmarie Sculpture Garden here.

MLK at the Library
Where: Libraries around the DC area
When: Through January 15
Admission: Free
Many public libraries are hosting MLK-inspired events and activities for both kids and adults. There are crafts, story times, open mic poetry, take home reading challenges, and more. The above link take you to DC Public Library website where you can find details. And for quick links to see what’s happening at public libraries outside of the district, see this very early KFDC post (scroll all the way down for links).

It Starts with Me!
Where: MLK Jr. Memorial Library | Penn Quarter, DC
When: January 15, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
If there’s a library event to single out, it’s one that takes place at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library. In honor of the day, join DC Public Library for a day of celebration and reflection. Musical performers, spoken word artists, and more activities will take place to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Read more about the MLK Jr. Memorial Library here.

MLK Dare to Dream Day
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: January 15, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at one of the neatest art museums around. Along with the exhibits, enjoy open mic, art-making, music, dance, and more. And for this special day of remembrance, the museum will be open on a Monday, and all festivities (including museum admission) will be FREE! Be sure to RSVP!

Not Just Another Day Off
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: January 15, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday with this annual free and family-friendly event that’s back in the Folger after being closed for a few yeas’ removation. The day will feature music, contemporary poet Alexa Patrick, and actors Sara Barker, Fatima Quander, Greg Reid, and others reading historic speeches from Dr. King as well as their own poems.

MLK Service and Learning Day
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: January 15
Admission: $8
Introduce your young ones to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as we gather at the Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center to learn about Martin Luther King and the importance of giving back to our community. Rotate through stations to hear about the Civil Rights Movement, participate in a service project, and reflect on the power of community cooperation. All participants must be registered.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Tribute
Where: City Hall | College Park, MD
When: January 15, 9am, 10am, 1pm, & 2pm
Admission: Free
Join the City of College Park at a performances of two children-focused educational shows! The “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” show, offered at 9am ad 10am, will focus on the life and works of the famed civil rights leader, while the “Spirit to Overcome” show, at 1pm and 2pm, highlights the many contributions of African American women. Be sure to reserve a spot!

Visit Memorials
Where: National Mall & Tidal Basin, DC
When: January 15 (and ongoing)
Admission: Free, registration required
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 look for his words etched in the stone at the top of the steps.

Free Parking
Where: National Parks
When: January 15
Admission: Free
In honor of MLK Day, it’s the first fee free day of the year for national parks, which means there’s no cost for entry where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and the day off from school. Some ideas: Hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, explore Prince William Forest Park, go to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, or enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry. Find even more national parks around the area and beyond. (PS: You can do your own trash cleanup while you’re there!)

Let Freedom Ring!
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: January 15, 6pm
Admission: Free
This annual performance in honor of MLK Day is a DC tradition. The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host this musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This year the concert will feature Jordin Sparks, Nolan Williams Jr., and Cécile McLorin Salvant. 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.