Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026

Free NYC Events on January 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Check out this list for different events honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

• Multi-Borough:

  • MLK Day of Service at NYC Parks: Idlewild Park (Queens), Flushing Meadows Park (Queens), Pelham Bay Park (Bronx), Her-King Alagantic Community Garden (Brooklyn), Fred Samuel Playground (Manhattan) and more

  • Volunteer with Repair the World (various locations across boroughs): Kids volunteering at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Hygiene Kits Harlem, 14th St Y

  • Brooklyn:

    • BAM 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at this quintessential Brooklyn tradition with performances at 10:30am followed by kids activities all day

    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day School Holiday in Prospect Park: Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, 12-4pm

    • Stuart Cinema National Free Popcorn Day & Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Join for a FREE community celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day while celebrating National Popcorn Day with free popcorn and an on-screen DJ spinning smooth R&B vibes

    • Building the Beloved Community: An MLK Art Contest: Join at Brooklyn Sports Club for a creative celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr.! This fun art contest invites you to showcase your talents and explore the theme of building a beloved community.

    • Manhattan

      • Studio Museum in Harlem: Free day of programming for visitors of all ages in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

      • New York Society for Ethical Culture MLK Day Celebration: The Whole Human Family: This MLK Day program brings together music, storytelling, dance, and participatory workshops that invite all ages to listen deeply, move together, and imagine more just futures.

      • Black Gotham Experience: Selma - Film Screening MLK Day: Join "Elas Exitem" for a community screening of the film "Selma", directed by Ava DuVernay, at the BGX Gallery.

      • Harlem School of the Arts: The Many Dimensions of Martin Luther King Jr.: The Many Dimensions of Martin Luther King Jr. is a joyful birthday celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy of sharing, caring, peace, and community with interactive jazz performances, hands-on art making, and engaging activities

      • Celebrating Dr. King's Life & Legacy with the Washington Heights Community: Assemble care kits while celebrating the diversity of the community at the Washington Heights Y, then stick around for our celebration of culture in the afternoon.

      • Wollman Rink MLK Day - Teachers Community Day: Teachers and their families get free entrance. Bring your own skates for free or rent for $12 (830 5th Ave)

      • The Bronx

        • MLK Day Girls Empowerment Basketball Camp & Women's Wellness Event:Head to the Reverend T. Wendell Foster Recreation Center for a powerful gathering that celebrates confidence, leadership, and community for girls and women through sport and story telling.

        • NJ

          • Coretta Scott King Classic Free Tickets: The Coretta Scott King Classic returns for its second year on Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting women’s college basketball. Apply via Gotham Casting for free tickets + a $5 Food & Beverage Voucher