In 2022 Martin Luther King Day falls on Monday, January 17th. Schools are out. Government offices and libraries are closed. We are collecting this year’s MLK day celebration opportunities as they are announced.
For more things to do over Martin Luther King, Jr weekend jump over to our Weekend Guide.
Events and Activities to Observe Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 17, 2022:
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. Register to attend in person or Zoom & Facebook live event. FREE event. 10am-12pm. Registration required.
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. The celebration will be emceed by Chad Jackson of the Minnesota Twins and the keynote speaker will be Adair Mosley, President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities. This year’s entertainment will be a musical performances by “VocalEssence Singers Of This Age.” 6:30-8pm, FREE. Tickets are Limited and Pre-Registration is Required. Learn more on the Minneapolis Parks website.
Martin Luther King Day At Your Own Pace:
MCTC Self-Guided Community Unity Vigil
A self-guided tour of Minneapolis building murals to reflect on the struggle for justice, change, equity and hope.
Did You Know?
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 Monday-Friday 10am-2pm and also allows self-guided tours during open hours. Sumner Library hours and information can be found here.
Other Ways to Observe During the Week:
Friday, January 14, 2022:
Paint for Peace
Zanewood Recreation Center, 7100 Zane Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55429
A painting event led by local artist, Flahn Manly, to encourage community healing and form a sense of peace through art and social engagement. Snacks and community resources will be provided. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Register online for Activity #643011-11 or call 763-315-8444.
Saturday, January 15, 2022:
KidX: MLK I have a Dream
Maplewood Mall, 3001 White Bear Ave N, Maplewood, MN 55109-1200
Kids can contribute to the Cloud wall with hopes, aspirations and dreams. Free. 11am-1pm. Learn more on the mall’s website.
Thursday, January 20, 2022:
MCTC Virtual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Online Event
Will showcase winning student essay from the scholarship contest. Essays focus on King’s work. The event will be led by Minneapolis College President Sharon Pierce and Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon. Read more at MCTC’s website.
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 Monday, January 17th.
- Joy has a few suggestions for serving with the smaller kids: Six Ways to Raise Socially Aware Preschoolers and Caring Toddlers
- 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.
Outdoor Fun for the Long Weekend
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend
Saturday, January 15, 2022 – January 17, 2022
During this weekend, Minnesotans can fish without licenses if they take children 15 or younger fishing. The DNR offers these ice thickness guidelines.
Enjoy the Snow & Ice
Find your nearest Twin Cities-area sledding hill or outdoor ice skating rink. We’ve listed the best of the bunch! Or head out snow tubing at some of our favorite hills.
Martin Luther King Day Indoor Fun – Workshops & Camps
Innovators Workshop
The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55416
Monday, January 17
This one-day workshop gives kids in grades 3-8 a chance to design, prototype, and build their own electronic musical instrument starting with a pencil. $45/Child. Register Here.
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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