MLK Day 2026: Celebrate & Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Day is dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a young preacher who devoted his life to “freedom and justice for all.”
On the third Monday of every year, we take time to honor his legacy. This year, the holiday will be observed on Monday, January 19th, 2026.
Honor Dr. King with your family on MLK Day 2026. Take a look…
MLK Day Events 2026: Volunteering & Learning
Many people consider MLK Day a holiday to be “A Day On, Not A Day Off. As such, many people set this day aside to participate in community service projects.
Harvesters MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 19th
Come volunteer at Harvester’s to celebrate MLK Day!
Bring your kids along to this special event to teach them about Martin Luther King Jr. and the value of giving back to your community! You must register for the event, so visit them online! Continue to volunteer after MLK Day with their continuous events.
2026 MLK Interfaith Service of Celebration
4601 Main St. Kansas City, MO
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City (SCLC-GKC) will this year present the SCLC-GKC Annual 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration in a community forum and mass celebration.
Check out their Facebook Page Here.
You don’t want to miss this celebration!
Take a Walk
January 19th, 9:30 am-12:00 pm
Join the Heartland Conservation Alliance and KC Parks on a restorative walk along the banks of beautiful Brush Creek. Enjoy the company of others and the stillness of nature as we reflect on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dogs on leashes are welcome on the walk but not inside BRW Center. The 2.5-mile guided walk begins at Martin Luther King Jr. Square Park, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Woodland Ave. and ends at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Refreshments will be served, and a program will take place at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center.
Celebrate MLK Day 2026 with the Community
Celebrate MLK Day in the community- Tuesday, January 20th at the MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe.
2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS
The event starts at 9:30 am
MNU is hosting an MLK Day Community Celebration. There will be speakers and presentations of the Martin Luther King Jr. Living Legacy Award. This free event starts at 9:30 am. A great educational event for older kids.
Day of Service with Metropolitan Community College
2026 Chancellor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon
January 16th, 2026, 11:00 am at Union Station.
Join Metropolitan Community College at the 2026 luncheon for a discussion on Social Justice FOR ALL. All proceeds from the event provide scholarships for MCC students. The event features a thought-provoking program that focuses on current events through the lens of Dr. King’s teachings.
Resurrection United Methodist Church MLK Serve Day
January 17th and 19th
Choose from a variety of shifts, and consider bringing friends and family to experience the impact of God’s work alongside welcoming community agencies. Registration is open.
What’s Closed on MLK Day?
MLK Day has been a national holiday for over 30 years.
As with national holidays, most banks and post offices around the country are closed. Markets are closed for trading. Many of your children will not have school this Monday either. Most stores will be open. MLK Day = Family Time!
Stores and places to eat throughout KC will be open though.
..use this as a FAMILY DAY!
Spend some quality time with your kiddos if you are lucky enough to have the day off work…
No matter how your family chooses to celebrate, we hope you find time to learn with your family and celebrate a man who dedicated his life to a better future for our country.
Know of an event we should add? EMAIL us the details and we’ll get it added!
Be sure to also check out our Guide to Indoor Play Places, our Best Sledding Hills in KC, and Ideas for your next Snow Day! We’ve got your family resources for these cold winter days,
From our family to yours,
iFamilyKC.
