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Martin Luther King Jr. Day is held every year—in 2026's case, on Monday, January 19—not only as a reflective observance honoring the life and legacy of the American civil right leader, but also as a rousing remind that the work is far from over. With racial equality, nonviolent resistance and freedom for all very much at the forefront of our minds (and in our headlines), we're taking MLK Weekend as a time to gather with our respective communities for volunteerism, education, activism and, of course, plenty of celebration.
Whether you're looking to personally lend a helping hand or simply want to take in a vibrant cultural performance, here are five things to do this Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend to honor Dr. King's enduring legacy of civil service and universal love. (To find even more ways to give back to your local community, you can browse volunteer opportunities through New York Cares or the NYC Service hub.)
RECOMMENDED: The best January 2026 events in NYC
The best Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend programming
MLK Jr. Day of Service Shoreline Cleanup
Shirley Chisholm State Park (950 Fountain Ave)
Jan 17, 1-3pm
Make like Martin and give back to the community around you with a local shoreline cleanup at Shirley Chisholm State Park (a very fitting setting, given Chisholm's own pivotal role in our country's civil rights movement, as the first Black woman in Congress). All materials, including hand sanitizer, gloves, and garbage pickers, will be provided as you help clean debris off Old Mill Creek's shoreline. Just bring weather-ready clothes and good vibes!
MLK26: The Pan-Africanist
The Apollo Theater (233 W 125th St)
Jan 18, 2pm
Taking over The Apollo's new stages at the Victoria Theater, WYNC is celebrating its 20th annual commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Through conversation, performance and reflection, MLK26: The Pan-Africanist — Restitution & Reconciliation in a Global State of Emergency will spotlight Dr. King's historic 1957 journey to Gana, tracing his commitment to global liberation to modern-day struggles against colonialism and segregation.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at BCM
Brooklyn Children's Museum (145 Brooklyn Ave)
Jan 18 and 19, 10am-5pm
Across both Sunday and Monday, you and the youngins can head over to the Brooklyn Children's Museum for a full day of service, storytelling and song. March with Grammy-nominated musician Fyütch, create shadow puppets, join community service projects, and hear Dr. King’s words come to life.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. at Studio Museum in Harlem
Studio Museum in Harlem (144 W 125th St)
Jan 19, 11am-6pm
The uptown institution is holding a full day of free, for-all-ages programming in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Honor the civil rights activist and community organizer with curator-led gallery tours, art-making workshops, kid-friendly story-telling sessions and more.
BAM's 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Ave)
Jan 19, 10:30am-5pm
Jan 19, 10:30am-5pm
Brooklyn's quintessential MLK Day tradition is back for its fourth decade bringing together thoughtful artists and civic leaders. This year's free festivities include powerful remarks by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II; a special solo performance from Grace by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company; and a musical number by The Fire Ensemble. The tribute continues throughout the day with a free screening of Just Mercy at 1pm at BAM Rose Cinemas, as well as a performance by the Brooklyn Music School’s intergenerational choir on the steps of the Peter Jay Sharp Building.