Photo:
Skeeze/Pixabay
Civil Rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, six decades ago. We still have much work to do — and it’s more urgent than ever — for our country to honor, value and protect Black lives.
Learn more about Dr. King’s legacy of social justice work, non-violence and service — with your kids — by participating in Seattle-area ceremonies and events. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted; some require advance registration.
Top MLK Day events through Jan. 23, 2025
MLK Welcome Walk
Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 11, noon–3 p.m.
Remember the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate the holiday with the community at Lakewood’s Welcome Walk along a 1-mile paved trail at Steilacoom Park. Connect with others during the walk and enjoy live music, giveaways and food trucks.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration With King County
Date and time: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6–7 p.m.
King County is hosting an Martin Luther King Jr. community celebration, honoring its namesake with a discussion around the theme: “Looking Forward as a Community.” RSVP to attend in person at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center or view the event live on King County TV.
52nd Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Date and time: Friday, Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Seattle Colleges welcomes the community to their 52nd annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King, which features the voices of DaNell Daymon and Greater Works and keynote speaker Time Wise, a leading anti-racist writer and educator. This year SCCtv will live stream the program from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
We Have a Dream Weekend at Imagine Children’s Museum
Date and time: Saturday–Monday, Jan. 18–20, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Kids can take part in activities including a parade and friendship bracelet exchange that celebrate Dr. King and his legacy to promote equality and advance civil rights at Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett. Included with admission.
Federal Way MLK Day Celebration
Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Gather with the community at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with inspiring speakers and powerful performances.
Youth-Led MLK March
Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Seattle Parks and Recreation invites teens, families and community members to take part in the annual youth-organized march to honor Dr. King. Gather at 11 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park to listen to speeches and music. Then, teens will lead the crowd to Rainier Community Center where there will be live performances and food.
MLK Celebration: With Liberty & Justice, For Whom?
Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2:30–5 p.m.
Artists’ performances, from poetry and music to dance and song, are at the forefront of this youth-led and youth-developed festival at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) celebrating the impacts of Dr. King’s legacy on a new generation of leaders.
The Greater Everett MLK Community Sunday Celebration
Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 19, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
The community is invited to attend the Sunday Celebration honoring the life, legacy and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the First Presbyterian Church of Everett featuring music and speakers.
National and Washington State Parks Free Entrance
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, dawn to dusk
Both national parks and Washington State Parks offer free entrance on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
MLK Day of Service 2025
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, times vary by event
In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s service to the community, sign up for a volunteer opportunity and give back by using Monday as a day on instead of off. Children are welcome; check for more details and preregister in advance.
Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — Children’s Program
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
There is a free children’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Edmonds Waterfront Center featuring local performers and fun activities especially for families.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at HOCM
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Hands On Children’s Museum in Olympia is celebrating the spirit of kindness and community of Martin Luther King Jr. through special art activities and collaborative projects. Walk through a timeline of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, make a melting heart art piece, plant veggies or wildflowers, learn about Black artists and musicians and more. Included with admission.
NAAM King Day
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stop by the Northwest African American Museum to celebrate the life, legacy and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will include a resource expo, storytelling, giveaways and activities for the whole family. The museum is offering free admission and will also debut two new art exhibits during the event.
The Greater Everett MLK Community Celebration — March & Rally
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee (SCBHC) encourages all to gather at Everett Memorial Stadium for an MLK Day march and rally ending at the Carl Gibson Center, where a community celebration featuring guest speakers, food and other presentations will take place.
Health Fair MLK Celebration
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join the City of Bellevue for a celebration and health fair at Crossroads honoring Dr. King and promoting health, well-being and equity. Enjoy live performances by local musicians and connect with Bellevue leaders.
City of Tacoma Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Gather at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday at a celebratory program highlighting Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact on the present and future of our communities under the theme “Building Bridges.” Community service awards will be handed out. The 1 p.m. program is preceded by a community outreach fair in the lobby starting at 11 a.m.
MLK Day Rally and March
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Lend your voice to the Seattle MLK Coalition’s annual rally and march for justice and equality. The rally takes place at the Garfield High School gym starting at 11 a.m.; the march begins at 12:30 p.m. A young leaders event and workshops are also in the works — stay tuned for details.
Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 1–3 p.m.
Gather at Vashon Center for the Arts for its annual MLK Day celebration. This year’s entertainment features live dance and music performances and storytelling.
‘Painting the Town Red’: An MLK Day Tribute to Billie Holiday
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m.
Attend a community celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Royal Room in Seattle with a concert featuring the music of civil rights icon, Billie Holiday. Admission is by donation and seating is first come, first served.
University of Puget Sound’s 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 23, 7–9 p.m.
All are invited to the University of Puget Sound’s annual MLK Day celebration where Senior Pastor at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, Reverend Dr. Leslie Braxton, will be the keynote speaker. Reserve your free ticket in advance.
More activities for Seattle-area families: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was updated most recently in January 2025 by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, to include this year’s MLK Day events.
