Updated for 2025
In the United States, the third Monday of January is known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – a day to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. (Dr. King was born on January 15th, 1929.) This federal holiday is also the only national holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer in their communities.
Here are a number of ways to celebrate MLK Day, and incorporate Dr. King’s lessons and legacy, into every day.
Things to do to Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.
13th Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive & Community Breakfast
Cienega Elementary School
2611 S. Orange Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90016
Big Sunday will be hosting its Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive & Community Breakfast on Monday, January 20th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. “January 20 is Inauguration day, and whether you’re delighted or despondent about the election, we think it will be the perfect time to gather together in the name of unity, compassion, community and kindness.” There are many ways to help including assembling brand new clothing kits (with a goal to put together “2,025 winter clothing kits of warm, new clothing”), sorting new and gently used clothing, helping with the new Passion’s Prom Project (collecting prom attire for underserved teens), and more. Other activities include a Civil Rights exhibit as well as the Something in Common Project, “where everyone is asked to meet a total stranger, find something that they have in common, and have their picture taken together.” There are many ways to get involved including volunteering on-site, donating new clothes, sponsoring a new clothing bag, and more. Details and registration information are available online.
King Day 2025 – POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY 17TH
California African American Museum
Exposition Park
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
The California African American Museum invites families to its King Day 2025 special event happening on Monday, January 20th from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. The day will include a performance by the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, family-friendly activities, discussions with the King Study Group, on-site food trucks, and more. Additionally, families are encouraged to participate in a community service book donation drive supporting the Little Free Library at the Crenshaw Family YMCA. Families may donate both new and gently used children’s books (picture books, early readers, and chapter books are all gratefully accepted). Details are available online.
40th Annual Kingdom Day Parade – POSTPONED UNTIL FEBRUARY 17TH
Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
The 40th Annual Kingdom Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year, the parade’s theme is “Peace and Unity, Let it Start with Us.” The parade is a televised event and is described as “the world’s largest and longest running life celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King.” The parade features marching bands, community groups, local politicians, and more. A map of the parade route is available online. Volunteer opportunities are available, and information can be found on the website.
DIY Dream Board
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
17906 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson, CA 90746
Visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on Tuesday, January 14th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm to learn about Dr. King and his “I Have a Dream” speech. Children will then create their own “I Have a Dream” board. For ages 5-12. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.
2025 MLK Day of Service
Multiple Locations throughout Long Beach
The City of Long Beach invites families to participate in the 16th Annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 20th. “This year, we’re partnering with California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, a statewide agency that engages Californians in service, volunteering, and civic action to tackle our State’s most pressing challenges while mobilizing all Californians to volunteer and serve in their communities.” A number of volunteer opportunities are listed on the website including writing letters to older adults, assisting a food pantry, urban farming, and a beach clean up, among others. Check the website for more details.
MLK 2025 Volunteer Festival : Take Action to Support Our Beloved Community
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
3911 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90037
“At the Coliseum in 1964, Dr. King passionately and persuasively addressed 15,000 Angelenos on the issues of race relations and human dignity.” And on Monday, January 20th, 2025, families are invited to join the MLK 2025 Volunteer Festival: Take Action to Support Our Beloved Community. This special event will feature hands-on activities for volunteers to address needs within the areas of health equity, food insecurity, STEAM education, and others. The Festival will also feature a Family Zone for volunteer activities specifically for kiddos, special guest speakers, live music, food and drink for purchase, and more. Details, including free tickets, are available online. Advance ticket reservations are recommended.
Santa Monica Symphony: Annual MLK Concert
Barnum Hall
600 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
The Santa Monica Symphony is performing their Annual MLK Concert on Saturday, January 18th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with this special annual concert which will also include the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles. Free tickets are available online. Note – the ticket doesn’t guarantee late entry. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 2:00 pm.
2025 City of West Hollywood Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
West Hollywood Elementary School
970 N. Hammond St., West Hollywood, CA 90069
The 2025 City of West Hollywood Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is happening on Saturday, January 18th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. “Volunteers are needed to help perform various landscaping, clean-up, painting, and other beautifying tasks at the school.” Advance registration is required and available online.
Free Entrance Day – National Park System
Multiple locations
To commemorate the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the National Park Service will waive entrance fees on Monday, January 20th. In addition, “it is also a day of service when thousands of volunteers participate in service projects at parks across the country.” You can check the website to find volunteer opportunities.
MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend
Oxnard PAL Teen Center
350 S. K Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend is happening on Saturday January 11th and Sunday, January 12th. This two-day intergenerational event brings together “hundreds of young people, families, and community leaders for a weekend of inspiration, connection, and empowerment.” Activities include speakers, panels, workshops, performances, mural-painting, a commUNITY basketball game, and more. This is a free event, open to the public. Registration is available online.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
1950 Lemon Ave., Long Beach, CA
The City of Long Beach invites families to the 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration happening on Saturday, January 18th. The festivities include a parade (starting at 10:00 am) as well as a celebration in the park. Enjoy live performances, a children’s zone, food and merchandise vendors, and more. Check the website for more details as they become available.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
White Point Nature Preserve
1600 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731
Families are invited to come out to the White Point Nature Preserve on Monday, January 20th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for MLK Jr. Day of Service. Participants will “help care for the White Point Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more!” Sign up online.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event
Duarte Performing Arts Center
1401 Highland Ave., Duarte, CA 91010
The City of Duarte is hosting their Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event on Thursday, January 16th at 10:00 am. This special event features guest speakers, live performances, and the announcement of this year’s MLK Essay Contest winners.
Justice Sunday
Lancaster Performing Arts Center
750 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93534
Each year, the city of Lancaster honors Dr. King’s legacy on Justice Sunday. This year’s event is happening on Sunday, January 19th and features a festival including live entertainment, food vendors, artisans, community resource vendors, and more. The Festival takes place from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. At 5:00 pm, a student play, Presenting Conception, will be performed. The play showcases “the Untold Stories of Black Innovators and their significant impact.” Check the website for all the details.
40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Performing Arts Center
2425 16th St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
The 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is happening on Monday, January 20th at 11:00 am. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women of the Civil Rights Movement: Let’s Make Real the Promise of Liberty and Justice For All.” The event’s keynote speaker is Sonya Young Aadam, CEO of California Black Women’s Health Project. A Community Involvement Fair is also planned and visitors will “have the opportunity to meet with representatives from a variety of nonprofit organizations and enjoy light refreshments.” Details are available online.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA
Visit Pretend City Children’s Museum on Monday, January 20th to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There will be a special story time at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. Special activities are planned including a celebration of “Black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of MLK Day.” Tickets are available online.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Concert
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
The Skirball Cultural Center invites families to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Concert featuring the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles happening on Saturday, January 11th at 7:00 pm. The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA) is the “largest Black majority orchestra in the nation.” During this special concert, “over one hundred musicians and choir singers will raise their instruments and voices in song to honor the memory of MLK’s commitment to delivering civil rights for Black America.” Tickets are free and may be reserved online. (Doors open at 6:00 pm.)
Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Necklaces
Florence Library
7807 Compton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001
Stop by the Florence Library on Tuesday, January 14th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Children will then make a “paper people necklace that includes your dreams for a better future.” For ages 3-12.
10th Anniversary of the film Selma
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
On Saturday, January 18th at 2:00 pm, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures presents the 10th Anniversary of the film Selma. Filmmaker and Academy Directors Branch Governor Ava DuVernay, actor Omar Dorsey, actor Carmen Ejogo, actor Andre Holland, actor David Oyelowo, actor Wendell Pierce, actor LaKeith Stanfield, actor Lorraine Toussaint, and actor and producer Oprah Winfrey are all scheduled to be at the event. After the screening, there will be a special conversation that will “dive into the craft of the filmmakers, DuVernay’s approach to biographical filmmaking, and a detailed history of the film’s production.” Tickets are available online.
Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Carson Event Center
801 E. Carson St., Carson, CA 90745
The City of Carson is hosting a Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Friday, January 10th at 6:00 pm. The free event will feature live entertainment, essay contest winners, and refreshments.
MLK Freedom Celebration and Breakfast
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
1343 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
The Santa Monica Area Interfaith Council is hosting its annual MLK Freedom Celebration and Breakfast on Friday, January 17th from 8:00 am to 9:30 am. This special event “brings together community members to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy of love, equity, and social justice” and includes speakers, performances, and more. Register online for this free event. (Donations are appreciated.)
2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Veterans Memorial Park
4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
“Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service.” A number of community service opportunities will be available so families can find a way to volunteer and give back. In addition, the King Day Celebration takes place on Saturday, January 11th from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The Celebration includes live entertainment, special guests, a resource fair, and more. All details are available online.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2025
Potrero Road & Erinlea Ave., Newbury Park, CA 91361
The Santa Monica Mountains Fund invites families to participate in its Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event on Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers will join the National Park Service in planting native vegetation and restoring natural habitats. Volunteers will also have the chance to join a ranger-led interpretive walk and to “prepare seed bombs to improve wildlife habitats and help establish resilient, healthy ecosystems.” No experience required; all are welcome. Gloves and tools will be provided. Register online.
MLK Day Stencil Art
Angeles Mesa Branch Library
2700 W. 52nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90043
Visit Angeles Mesa Branch Library on Thursday, January 16th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for MLK Day Stencil Art. Teens will “explore the art technique of stenciling and put their creativity to work by creating stencil art inspired by Martin Luther King Jr Day.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Walk
Central Park
27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
The City of Santa Clarita invites families to participate in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Unity Walk happening on Monday, January 20th at 8:00 am. The walk begins with opening comments and musical performances. This year’s theme is “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365.”
To Listen in Honor of MLK
Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” Song
Many people may not know that musician Stevie Wonder worked tirelessly to help recognize Dr. King’s birthday as a national holiday. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. This upbeat song features lyrics written as a tribute to Dr. King.
To Watch to Celebrate MLK
Our Friend, Martin is “an adventure inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.” This time-traveling adventure takes two middle school friends back in time to learn about, and meet, Dr. King. The film is a mix of documentary footage and animation and is recommended for children 8 and older.
For older kids, watch the 2014 film Selma featuring David Oyelowo as Dr. King. The movie is a powerful depiction of Dr. King’s “campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965.”
Books To Read in Honor of MLK
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport. This popular picture book uses some of the words from Dr. King’s speeches to help tell his life story.
Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader. The popular “Who Was” series has a biography of Dr. King’s life, including his early years, his nonviolent protests, all accompanied by 80 black-and-white illustrations.
National Geographic Kids: Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kitson Jazynka. This book is often found in classroom libraries. In addition to text, the book features timetables, diagrams, sidebars all designed to keep readers interested and engaged.
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr: A Biography Book for New Readers by Christine Platt. This book features bold illustrations and tells the story of Dr. King’s life, explaining the steps he took to make his dream a reality.
A Picture Book of Martin Luther King Jr by David A. Adler. Many parents and teachers are familiar with this series of biographies which serve as great introductions to famous individuals throughout history.
Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You by Carole Boston Weatherford. This book is written as a “dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King’s life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him.”
I Have a Dream (Book and CD) by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Families can listen to Dr. King’s famous speech on an audio CD as they look at the book featuring realistic paintings.
Show Me History: Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! by James Buckley Jr. This book, part of the Show Me History series, tells the story of Dr. King’s life as a graphic novel. Full-color illustrations may entice more reluctant readers.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone. A young African-American boy begins writing a journal, as a series of letters to Dr. King. What would Dr. King do? How would Dr. King handle this situation? This book serves as a wonderful conversation starter for older readers.
To Learn More About Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The King Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (also known as The King Center) was established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King. The website has lots of information regarding days of special programming scheduled to commemorate The King Holiday Observance 2022. Virtual events begin on Monday, January 10th and continue through Monday, January 17th. In addition, the National Park Service offers resources to virtually explore the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta which you can access by clicking here.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC is a part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. Online, you’ll find photos and videos related to the memorial as well as more facts about the design and construction of the Memorial.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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