Updated for 2026
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.
Wednesday, January 7th:
Dreamers and Doers: MLK History and Craft Day
Sunkist Library
840 Puente Ave., La Puente, CA 91746
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Sunkist Library on Wednesday, January 7th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Children (ages 5-12) will “look at the history and meaning of his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech followed by a fun craft. Learn about kindness, equality, and how we can all work together to make the world better!”
Thursday, January 8th:
Big Words
Lake Los Angeles Library
16921 East Avenue O #A, Palmdale, CA 93591
Children (ages 5-12) are invited to Lake Los Angeles Library on Thursday, January 8th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm for a special event in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants will read Martin’s Big Words and use “big words” in an art activity.
Friday, January 9th:
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 9th at 6:00 pm. The free event will feature live entertainment, essay contest winners, and refreshments.
Sunday, January 11th:
Zine Workshop: Martin Luther King Jr.
California African American Museum
Exposition Park
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
Educators from Able ARTS Work, a nonprofit offering opportunities in the creative arts for people of all abilities, will be leading a Zine Workshop at the California African American Museum on Sunday, January 11th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Participants will create a zine to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. RSVP online for this free event.
Tuesday, January 13th:
Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Clouds
Florence Library
7807 Compton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90001
Florence Library invites children (ages 3-12) to participate in a special activity inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. happening on Tuesday, January 13th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. “Join us in remembering the strides Martin Luther King, Jr. made towards justice for all and his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Make a paper cloud and add the dreams you have for a better future and world!”
Wednesday, January 14th:
Martin Luther King Jr. Craft for Kids
Jefferson – Vassie D. Wright Memorial Branch Library
2211 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018
Jefferson – Vassie D. Wright Memorial Branch Library is honoring Dr. King’s legacy with a special activity for kids (ages 5-12) on Wednesday, January 14th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Children will create a craft that celebrates peace, love, and friendship. All materials will be provided.
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Lennox Library
4359 Lennox Blvd., Lennox, CA 90304
Lennox Library is celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a special event on Wednesday, January 14th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. “Join us as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s granddaughter Yolanda Renee King. A young activist, writer, and public speaker who continues her grandfather’s legacy.” Children (ages 5-12) will also participate in an art activity. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.
Create a Dream Journal
Lomita Library
24200 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, CA 90717
Children (ages 6-12) are invited to the Lomita Library on Wednesday, January 14th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm for a special Dr. King-inspired activity. Children will learn about, and be inspired by, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Children will then decorate their own journals and write about their goals and dreams. Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.
Thursday, January 15th:
Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Dove Craft
Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library
803 Spence St., Los Angeles, CA 90023
Robert Louis Stevenson Branch Library invites children (ages 3-12) to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Thursday, January 15th at 4:00 pm. “Kids will create their own peace doves while learning about kindness, equality, and the power of peaceful actions.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Collaborative Poster
Graham Library
1900 E. Firestone Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90001
Visit Graham Library on Thursday, January 15th from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm to remember “the strides Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made towards justice for all by reading about his life and the famous ‘I Have a Dream Speech.’” Children (ages 5-12) will then work on a related poster.
Friday, January 16th:
MLK Freedom Celebration and Breakfast
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
1343 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
The Santa Monica Interfaith Council is hosting its annual MLK Freedom Celebration and Breakfast on Friday, January 16th from 7:30 am to 9:00 am. This special event includes speakers, performances, and more. Alisa Osunfunke Orduna, Ph.D. is this year’s keynote speaker. “Come for the food that nourishes; stay for the spirit that uplifts, as reflections, prayer, music, and story are woven together into a powerful hour of brilliance and prophetic vision in the spirit of Dr. King’s dream.” All are welcome. The suggested donation is $20 per ticket; no one will be turned away. Seats are limited; early RSVP is recommended.
Friday, January 16th, Saturday, January 17th, and Sunday, January 18th:
Experiencing The Dream: MLK – The Musical
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, CA 90703
Experiencing The Dream: MLK – The Musical tells the love story of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The production gives audiences a new perspective on Dr. King, portraying the Civic Rights leader in his other important life roles as husband, father, and businessman. The production opens on Friday, January 16th at 7:30 pm, with additional performances scheduled for Saturday, January 17th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Details and tickets are available online.
Saturday, January 17th:
MLK Day of Service: Saturday Restoration at Cheeseboro Canyon
5792 Chesebro Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301
The Santa Monica Mountains Fund invites families to participate in its Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event on Saturday, January 17th from 9:00 am to 12:00 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 staff-led interpretive walk, with staff explaining the significance of the area as well as the work currently being done there. Volunteers who work for the entire duration will receive a free native plant. No experience required; all are welcome. Gloves, tools, and training will be provided. Register 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 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration happening on Saturday, January 17th. The annual event “celebrates the diverse community of Central Long Beach. This festival serves to honor and keep alive the ideals of Dr. King through arts, remembrance and meaningful perspectives.” The parade begins at 10:00 am (at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. & Anaheim St.), followed by the celebration in the park (noon to 5:00 pm). Enjoy live performances, a kid zone, food and merchandise vendors, and more. Check the website for more details.
MLK Peace Walk and Breakfast
Duarte Teen Center
1400 Buena Vista St., Duarte, CA 91010
The City of Duarte is hosting their 23rd Annual Peace Walk and Breakfast event on Saturday, January 17th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The morning begins with a community walk from the Teen Center to the Community Center. Then, participants will enjoy a “delicious breakfast while being inspired by our keynote speaker. Join us as we walk together for peace, unity, and community.”
Culver City’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration
Veterans Memorial Building
4117 Overland Ave., Culver City, CA 90230
Honor the “legacy, message, and enduring spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” at Culver City’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration happening on Saturday, January 17th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. “MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service.” The celebration will include live entertainment, exhibits, a resource fair, and more. Additional details (including the performance schedule for the day) will be announced soon. RSVP online for this free event.
Santa Monica Symphony presents Scenes from Life: Unity (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 17th 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. Doors open at 2:00 pm. (Note – the ticket doesn’t guarantee late entry. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.)
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 17th at 7:30 pm. (Doors open 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.
Family Craft Party: I Have a Dream
Diamond Bar Library
21800 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Diamond Bar Library is celebrating Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. with a special activity for families on Saturday, January 17th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Families will learn about the life and legacy of Dr. King while working on their craft. The craft will “act as a community service project and be donated to a local organization in honor of Dr. King’s dream of helping others.”
Sunday, January 18th:
44th Annual Pomona Inland Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration
Pilgrim Congregational Church
600 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, CA 91767
The 44th Annual Pomona Inland Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration will take place on Sunday, January 18th from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The Pomona Inland Valley Martin Luther King Jr. Project (PIVMLK) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. King. Scholarships and awards are provided to local students, aged 15-19, to help “them achieve their educational goals while recognizing their contributions to social justice efforts. Details and tickets are available online.
CAAM Scavenger Hunt: King Day
California African American Museum
Exposition Park
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
Families are invited to explore the California African American Museum with a special Scavenger Hunt in honor of King Day. Families will “follow prompts through the galleries that spark close looking, conversation, and unexpected connections. Each scavenger hunt is inspired by current exhibitions and timely themes.” The first teams to complete the scavenger hunt will receive a small prize. RSVP online for this free event.
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 18th at 4:00 pm. The event will feature “a play put on by Just Us Arts Initiative and AV High School District students, that honors local legends and their impact, sparking creativity, building teamwork, and celebrating Black History.” Check the website for all the details.
Monday, January 19th:
14th Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive & Community Breakfast
South Park Elementary School
8510 Towne Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90003
Big Sunday will be hosting its Annual MLK Day Clothing Drive & Community Breakfast on Monday, January 19th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. This year, Big Sunday is collecting gently-used and new clothing (all kinds — work, casual, costumes, fancy) and footwear. Additionally, Big Sunday is seeking donations of non-perishable food to help stock their new, year-round food pantry. There are many ways to help including sorting the clothing, assisting with gardening and other school beautification projects, arts and crafts projects to benefit local nonprofits, sort and pack the nonperishable food items, and more. The goal is 2,026 pieces of underwear, 2, 026 pairs of socks, and 2,026 pairs of kids’ pajamas. 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.” And, volunteers will enjoy live music and a delicious community breakfast. There are many ways to get involved including volunteering on-site, donating clothes, shopping for the clothing and/or food registry, leading a food drive, and more. Details and registration information are available online.
Official Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Los Angeles, CA
The Los Angeles Official Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will take place on Monday, January 19th. The Parade will feature marching bands, community groups, local and national leaders, youth groups, floats, entertainers, and more. “As we march, dance, and celebrate, we also recommit to Dr. King’s vision of unity, peace, and progress — a vision that calls on each of us to build bridges of understanding and opportunity. In an era where diversity, equity, and inclusion matter more than ever, this parade reminds us that we are stronger together when we lift one another up and work for justice for all.” Check the website for more information as it becomes available.
King Day 2026
California African American Museum
Exposition Park
600 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037
The California African American Museum invites families to its King Day 2026 special event happening on Monday, January 19th from 10:00 am to 5:00 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. Details and RSVP information are available online.
MLK Day Volunteer Festival – 2026
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 19th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, families are invited to join the MLK Volunteer Festival. The MLK Volunteer Festival is the “largest MLK Day of Service event in Los Angeles.” This special event will feature hands-on service activities, interactive service-learning zones, raffles, on-site food trucks, and merchandise from Black-owned businesses. Details, including free tickets, are available online.
MLK Day of Service
Multiple Simi and Oak Park Locations
Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District is hosting their 4th Annual National Day of Service on Monday, January 19th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm “to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and commitment to citizenship through service to others.” A number of volunteer service projects are planned, including painting, graffiti removal, and trail work. Details and registration information are available online. (Note – If there is rain on Monday, January 19th the event will be rescheduled to Saturday, January 24th.)
41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Performing Arts Center
2425 16th St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
The 41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is happening on Monday, January 19th beginning at 9:00 am. This year’s theme is “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.” The event’s keynote speaker is Bonnie Boswell, Emmy Award-winning Broadcast Producer, Reporter, Editorialist, and Talk Show Host. A Community Involvement Fair is also planned and will take place at 10:30 am. Details are available online. And, if you can’t make it in-person, the celebration will be live-streamed through the website.
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 19th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm for MLK Jr. Day of Service. Participants will “help care for the Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more!” Sign up online.
2026 MLK Day of Service
Multiple Locations throughout Long Beach
The City of Long Beach invites families to participate in the Annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19th. A number of volunteer opportunities are listed on the website including beautifying a local public garden, packing food bags and stocking a local food pantry, preparing a warm clothing giveaway station, among many others. Check the website for more details and sign-up information.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA
Visit Pretend City Children’s Museum on Monday, January 19th to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Museum will be open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and will offer special activities and thoughtful discussions. “Join us as we honor and celebrate Black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of MLK Day.” Space is limited. Tickets are available online.
2026 MLK Parade Extravaganza
624 W. 4th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92407
The 2026 MLK Parade Extravaganza is happening on Monday, January 19th. The Parade starts at 12:00 pm and features marching bands, floats, classic cars, community organizations, and special guests. Check the website for more information as it becomes available.
40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance and Celebration
Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC)
800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030
Take a drive to Oxnard for the 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observance and Celebration happening on Monday, January 19th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The event includes a Freedom March (from Plaza Park at Fifth and C Streets) at 8:00 am to OPAC. The program begins at 9:00 am and will feature gospel musical selections by the MLK Celebration Choir, youth speakers, and more. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Gaye Theresa Johnson, a professor at UC Santa Barbara, and a “prominent historian and professor, who has made significant contributions to the study of freedom struggles and social movements, with a focus on Black Studies and Chicana/Chicano cultural expression.” Tickets are available online.
Thursday, January 22nd:
Book Adventures: Martin’s Big Words – The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
East Rancho Dominguez Library
4420 E. Rose Street, East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
East Rancho Dominguez Library invites families to attend a special event in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. happening on Thursday, January 22nd from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Children will listen to a reading of Martin’s Big Words and then watch his powerful “I Have a Dream” Speech. Children (ages 5-12) will then create their own “I Have a Dream Cloud Craft, filling their clouds with hopes for themselves, their community, and the world.” Advance registration is required as attendance is limited.
Saturday, January 24th:
MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend
Oxnard PAL Teen Center
350 South K Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
MLK Freedom and Unity Weekend is happening on Saturday, January 24th from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. This special event brings “together the city of Oxnard and the surrounding Ventura County communities to build solidarity and collective action.” The event features “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.
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 Los Angeles Public Library System offers a number of resources in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Online you’ll find photos from Dr. King’s visits to Los Angeles as well as book recommendations, information about the history of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, e-books, audiobooks, films and documentaries, and music.
The Los Angeles County Library System also offers a number of resources in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy. Online, families can access Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream Speech” and follow along as they listen to the powerful sound of Dr. King’s voice delivering this historic message. E-books, audio books, and visual recordings are also available.
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).
Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.
