Looking for the best events and activities for Martin Luther King Jr. Day? We are at your service! There are a variety of events and activities happening all over New York City, and it’s a great idea to spend a day in New York City on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. You can commemorate Dr. King’s legacy at many important community events and then go out into those communities to do the work that King himself championed.
What is Martin Luther King Day?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most active voices in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Before his assassination on April 4, 1968, he fought against apartheid and worked to achieve racial equality. To commemorate his life and legacy, including his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the Monday near Martin Luther King’s birthday, January 15.
A tireless advocate of nonviolence and the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, King’s work remains to this day. In honor of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday Designated as a National Day of Service. In New York City, Schools and federal buildings closedwhile commemorative events will take place throughout the weekend.
Martin Luther King Day is one of our favorite anniversaries New York January Events.
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026?
This year Martin Luther King Day falls on Monday. January 19, 2026. It’s a day to honor the legacy of civil rights leaders and activists.
Best Martin Luther King Day Events in New York City
Since today is a day of service, a natural way to honor King’s legacy is to follow suit and perform an act of service of your own. Whatever you decide to do, whether it’s cleaning up a park, mentoring youth in your area, lending a helping hand to those in need, or donating your time in other ways, you’re sure to make an impact.
This may also mean attending official events like this Hungry Free America hosts MLK Service Marathon in New Yorkwill be held from January 16 to 19, 2026.
Another way to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. is to visit New York during Martin Luther King Day to attend events that keep his work alive. In celebrating his ideals and joining the community, you can help ensure the legacy lives on. Events include the world-famous Harlem The gospel choir heads to the family-friendly Brooklyn Children’s Museum to celebrate King’s legacy through “interactive performances, protest marches, community arts projects and volunteer programs” — with meaningful events happening across the city.
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Apollo Theater Annual Celebration of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Harlem and Washington Heights
Harlem’s most famous attraction is probably the Apollo Theater at 253 West 125th Street: it is world-famous for its jazz, soul and blues concerts. The Apollo Theater is where the careers of many world stars began, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday. Later, it also became a big stage for many Motown artists such as Diana Ross, The Jackson Five Brothers, and The Supremes.
This year, Apollo Education invites everyone to participate MLK Young Changemakers Campaignhonoring Dr. King’s legacy in a modern context. As part of the National Youth Day of Service, the event included presentations from young local and national leaders discussing the importance of environmental and food justice to our lives and communities.
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Learn more about Harlem on the Gospel Multimedia Walking Tour
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Harlem and Washington Heights
Enjoy the sounds of one of New York City’s famous gospel choirs, learn about the history of gospel and explore beautiful Brooklyn on this unique tour. Tour starts at 104 Malcolm X Blvd. in Harlem.
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Celebrating Martin Luther King Day at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
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Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum was the first museum developed specifically for children. With many permanent exhibitions and attractions, there’s always something worth seeing or doing. Overall, this is a great place for a family trip with children.
Children are encouraged to play and experience the many activities and exhibitions.
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Brooklyn pays annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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greenfortThe largest public celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. is hosted by the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The 39th Brooklyn Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial will be held on January 20, 2025).
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Explore Harlem’s most vibrant neighborhoods with this walking tour
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Harlem and Washington Heights
This inside walking tour will introduce you to Harlem’s diverse cultural and social history. It will take you to the Mount Morris Historic District and be introduced to you by your New York City tour guide. You’ll be surprised how elegant the homes here are and how much history this area of New York City will tell you. How exciting!
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Enjoy Central Park in winter during MLK…
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midtown manhattanOur highlights
central park An event not to be missed in New York during the winter! During the cold season, the city’s green lung transforms into a true winter wonderland. Therefore, it is also a popular destination for New Yorkers. Stroll through the park under snow-covered trees and let yourself be mesmerized by the twinkling lights on the frozen water at night.
Walking through Central Park in the cold was amazing! It would be even more magical if there was snow.
If you want to be more adventurous, start in Harlem and walk along Central Park to Midtown. We often find ourselves starting at the Central Park Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue. There is much more to explore besides that part of Central Park.
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Activism: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Comfort Harbor
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Staten Island, New York: The pond at the New York Chinese Scholars Garden, a walled garden established in 1998 at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens.
Join the Snug Harbor Coastal Cleanup for Martin Luther King Jr. Day services at the Snug Harbor North Gate at Richmond Terrace at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island.
From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, become a member of the Stewardship Team’s team of volunteers and contribute to the protection of the Comfort Harbor coastal area. Your efforts will include removing debris from shorelines and cultivating healthier ecosystems in the process. Best of all, this is a free event!
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Prospect Park Martin Luther King Day School Holidays
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The Prospect Park Alliance invites you to participate in nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon center in the United States. Visitors can explore seasonal discovery stations, analyze water samples and learn more about the park’s flora and fauna. Highlights include animal encounters at 2 p.m. and a winter hiking program at 3 p.m. focusing on snow tracking and winter tree and insect survival techniques.
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