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 that will have you covered.
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.
