In 2024 Martin Luther King Day falls on Monday, January 15th. Schools are out. Many community organizations and community centers offer programs to honor this civil rights leader. Government offices and libraries are closed. We are collecting this year’s MLK day celebration opportunities as they are announced.
Events and activities to observe Martin Luther King Day
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 15th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55407
Powderhorn neighborhood’s family-friendly, 2-hour artist showcase featuring storytellers, visual artists and performing artists, art activities, lunch and giveaways. FREE event. 10am-2pm.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55409
The annual presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Living the Dream award. 6:30-8pm, FREE.
Unity in Colors: A MLK Commemoration
Sibley Park, 1900 40th St. East, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Drop-in to Sibley Rec Center and contribute to a collective masterpiece by coloring pieces of art to add to a commemorative board dedicated to Dr. King’s vision of a harmonious and inclusive society. All Ages. FREE. 1pm-4:30pm
MLK Day: Storyteller
Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Kids ages 5-13 can learn to tell their own stories – like Martin Luther King, Jr. FREE. 2-3pm. Unlimited Opening.
MLK Day Trivia
East Phillips Park, 2399 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Trivia for kids ages 5-12 relating to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and have a snack. FREE. 3-4pm. Call regarding registration: 612-370-4888.
MLK Day Storytime and Crafts
Brackett Park, 2728 S 39th Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55406
This story and craft time is aimed at school-age kids ages 7-12. FREE, but space is limited. 3-5pm. Pre-Register Here.
MLK Day: Storyteller
East Phillips Park, 2399 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Kids ages 5-16 can learn to tell their own stories – like Martin Luther King, Jr. FREE. 4-5pm. Unlimited Openings.
Youthline MLK Footsteps
Peavey Field Park, 730 22nd St East, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Kids ages 5-17 are invited to “walk the walk for a better future, fairer world” in a Footstep of Justice activity to learn about MLK history and the civil rights movement. FREE. 3-4pm. Call regarding registration: (612) 370-4772.
Youthline MLK Crack an Egg
Peavey Field Park, 730 22nd St East, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Crack a brown egg and a white egg to see how the outwardly different exteriors cover the same inside. This event is geared toward ages 5-17. FREE. 5-5:45pm. Call regarding registration: (612) 370-4772.
National Day of Racial Healing
Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 W. Franklin Ave., St. Louis Park
Children, teens and community members can gather to “get to know each other, cultivate trusting relationships and learn about diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.” 4-7pm, FREE. Registration required.
MLK Day: Use Your Voice
East Phillips Park, 2399 17th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Kids ages 10-17 will learn to speak up, share their stories and use their voice for change and activism. FREE. 4:30-6:30pm. Register here.
Two Brooklyns, One Vision – A Racial Healing Event Series!
North Hennepin Community College, Grand Room, 7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
A FREE community meal and screening of the final installment of director Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed Netlix series, “When They See Us“, and hear insights from Racial Healer and Justice Organizer Dr. Raj Sethuraju! Common Sense Media recommends this series for ages 15+. Tuesday, January 16, 2024, 5:30-8pm. Pre-Register Here!
Martin Luther King Day At Your Own Pace:
MCTC We Are All MLK Speech and Performance Contest
College and high school students are invited to submit speeches or performance pieces in the Racial Justice Oratorical Contest. Learn more on MCTC’s website.
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
1256 Penn Avenue N., Fourth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Regular Hours: Tues-Fri 1pm-5pm; Sat 10am–1pm
The permanent exhibit, UNBREAKABLE: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota explores African American history in Minnesota from the settlers and pioneers through the world wars. Stop by the Children’s Reading section for a story break.
Did You Know?
Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155
Sumner Library, 611 Van White Memorial Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55411
Minnesota Sculptor George Bassett has made two busts of Martin Luther King, Jr. that are on display in the Twin Cities? A smaller bust at Sumner Library and a larger one at the State Capitol. The Capitol offers free guided tours and also allows self-guided tours during open hours. Sumner Library hours and information can be found here.
MLK Day of Service
Many families like to use the MLK Holiday as an excellent way to focus on promoting social justice and fighting poverty through volunteer opportunities.
- Gianna has gathered a list of family-friendly volunteer opportunities here.
- Gather up non-perishable food donations for the 12th annual “Feeding the Dream” Food Drive. Families can drop off items at any MPRB Recreation Center through Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Our friends at Doing Good Together offered several ideas to Turn Family Movie Night into a Cozy Act of Kindness. You can find a list of family-friendly movies here.
At Home MLK Fun & Learning
Bigger Kids:
- Listen to the “I Have A Dream” Speech.
- Minnesota Historical Society: Black History, Black Voices – YouTube videos of last year’s event explore the legacy of Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement in our own community.
Younger Kids:
- Minnesota Children’s Museum has several suggestions for celebrating with kids here, including age-appropriate videos and reflection questions.
- Watch the animated digital reading of “Something Happened in our Town” that Children’s Theatre Company produced to help families discuss big issues like inequality, injustice and our goal of racial equity.
- Take advantage of your library card’s access to Bookflix and read/watch these pairings together:
- Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport and Martin Luther King Jr. by Kitson Jazynka.
- Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shang and Martin Luther King Jr Day by Kitson Jazynka.
Find Family Fun for the Long Weekend
For more things to do over Martin Luther King, Jr weekend jump over to our Weekend Guide.
Do you know of any other celebrations or fun activities that we missed? Leave us the information in the comments and we’ll share with the community.
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We need to bring back the march and music
Several of these events do feature music. We’ll keep adding events as they are announced.
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