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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, nonviolence 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. 22, 2026
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration With King County
Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 15, 5–7 p.m
King County is hosting a Martin Luther King Jr. community celebration, honoring its namesake with a program around the theme: Mentorship. All are welcome to join at Seattle University’s Pigott Auditorium.
MLK Beloved Community Celebration
Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 15, 6–8 p.m.
Remember the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate the holiday with the community at Lakewood’s celebration event with performances, workshops and activities for the kids like face painting and creating dream boards.
53rd Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Date and time: Friday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Seattle Colleges welcomes the community to their 53rd annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King, which features the voices of DaNell Daymon and Greater Works and student keynote speakers who share their vision for a better world. This year SCCtv will livestream 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. 17–19, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Kids can take part in activities at Imagine Children’s Museum in Everett, including a march for dreams and building a kindness chain, that celebrate Dr. King and his legacy to promote equality and advance civil rights. Included with admission.
Federal Way MLK Day Celebration
Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 17, 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. 17, 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 Community Celebration at BIMA
Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 18, 12:30–5 p.m.
Artists’ performances, from poetry and music to dance and song, and sharing camaraderie and resources are at the forefront of this festival at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) celebrating the impact of Dr. King’s legacy. Note that some activities require registration.
The Greater Everett MLK Community Sunday Celebration
Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 18, 4–6 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.
Washington State Parks Free Entrance
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, dawn to dusk
Embark on an outdoor adventure with the whole family. Visitors can park their cars at Washington state parks without a Discover Pass in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
MLK Day of Service 2026
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 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.
MLK Day at KiDiMu
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Join a peace parade, make collaborative art projects, learn about black women in STEAM and more at Bainbridge Island’s Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) on MLK Day. Included with admission.
Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — Children’s Program
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
This free children’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Edmonds Waterfront Center features local performers and fun activities especially for families.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at HOCM
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 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. Craft a “quilt” with popsicle sticks, silkscreen a peace print, contribute to a community collage garden with seeds of kindness and more. Included with admission.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Enjoy free admission to the Washington State History Museum and experience its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration, where you can catch live performances of the story of Dr. King’s life and legacy, “11 Days in the Life of Dr. King,” at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
NAAM King Day
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 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 giveaways, activities for the whole family and free museum admission.
The Young People’s March for Peace and Kindness
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.–noon
March with other kids to share your voice and be heard at this annual MLK gathering to promote peace and kindness. Start at the Bainbridge Island Public Library to write letters to leaders and heroes, then walk with signs and messages to the post office to mail your letters.
The Greater Everett MLK Community Celebration — March & Rally
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 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. 19, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join the City of Bellevue for a family-friendly 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. 19, 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 “Community in Service: A Path to Action.” Community service awards will be handed out. The 1 p.m. program is preceded by a community outreach fair that starts at 11 a.m.
MLK Day Rally and March
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 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.
Film Screening of ‘Selma’
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 4–6 p.m.
Gather at the Vashon Center for the Arts for its annual MLK Day celebration. This year the Center presents a free screening of the Oscar-nominated film “Selma” about the struggle for voting rights by Black Americans during the Civil Rights Movement.
‘Painting the Town Red’: An MLK Day Tribute to Billie Holiday
Date and time: Monday, Jan. 19, 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 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Date and time: Thursday, Jan. 22, 7–9 p.m.
All are invited to the University of Puget Sound’s annual MLK Day celebration where resident bishop of the Greater Northwest Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, Cedrick D. Bridgeforth, will be the keynote speaker.
More activities for Seattle-area families: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was updated most recently on Jan. 9, 2026, by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, to include this year’s MLK Day events.
