Monday, January 20th is Martin Luther King Day, and since its first day of observation in 1986 we’ve been honoring Dr. King’s legacy to the civil rights movement, community service, and non-violent opposition.
How do we celebrate the national holiday dedicated to Dr. King though, especially in the city where he received his Medallion of Honor? There’s a lot going on throughout the city to celebrate Dr. King, and we did all the searching for you. Here are a few ways you can celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day this year in NYC.
1. MLK Weekend at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Brooklyn Children’s Museum this weekend, with two days of activities planned!
This year’s festival features interactive shadow puppet performances created by Nehprii Amenii, music and protest marching with Brooklyn-based musician Fyütch, Our Skin storytime with author Megan Madison, and community art-making projects. On Monday, January 20, Repair the World will also be organizing a volunteer service project to give back to the community.
When: Saturday, January 19 – Monday, January 20
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum – 145 Brooklyn Ave.
Price: $15. Tickets can be purchased on their website
2. Apollo Uptown Hall
The 18th annual Apollo Uptown Hall MLK celebration focuses on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s as the template for modern social and civil justice movements. This year, they’re welcoming powerful conversations with prominent public intellectuals, community and faith leaders, authors and artists that discuss democracy and civil rights under a second Trump administration.
When: Sunday, January 19, 2 pm
Where: Apollo’s Historic Theater and Digital Stage – 253 W 125th St.
Price: Free event with a ticket required. Tickets can be secured on their website
3. The 39th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
BAM’s annual tribute to Dr. King encourages us to continue in his radical spirit, relentlessly defending true justice for all, and repairing injustices. This year’s lineup includes an inspiring speech by Carlotta Walls LaNier of the Little Rock Nine, a very special solo presentation by Ailey II, vibrant music with The Fire Ensemble led by Troy Anthony, and more.
Plus, there will also be a a free screening of Ernest Cole: Lost and Found at 1 pm at BAM Rose Cinemas and family-friendly activities presented by BAMkids in The Adam Space! Learn more about the event here.
When: Monday, January 20, 10:30 am
Where: BAM Howard Gilman Opera House – 30 Lafayette Ave. / Virtual
Price: Free, tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis on Monday, January 20 at 8 am in the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House lobby
5. QC MLK Day Celebration at Kupferberg Center for the Arts
Every January since 2017, KCA and Queens College have held a special event in honor and memory of Dr. King’s legacy and connection to Queens College, where he delivered a powerful speech in 1965. This year’s program will feature a special performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalisis, a keynote address by the event’s honoree, Arva Rice, a recognition ceremony, and a post-show reception.
When: Sunday, January 119, 3 pm
Where: Colden Auditorium (153-49 Reeves Ave, Queens)
Price – $35+, Tickets can be purchased on their website
6. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Jackie Robinson Museum
Head to the Jackie Robinson Museum to honor the legacy of Dr. King and the fight for civil rights by learning about Jackie Robinson and Dr. King’s close friendship and their collaboration during landmark campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. There’s set to be guided museum tours, a Music of the Civil Rights Movement Interactive Workshop to learn about the significance of key songs and musical styles to the Robinson family and the Movement, hands-on craft activities, trivia games, a museum scavenger hunt, and more. Learn more about the events here!
When: Monday, January 20, 12 – 3 pm
Where: One Hudson Square Building – 75 Varick St
Price: Free with museum admission, purchase tickets here
7. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Queens Botanical Garden
Head to Queens Botanical Garden to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with your community through crafts and story time from 11 am – 1 pm and 2 – 4 pm. This event is recommended for age 5 and up. Learn more about the event here!
When: Monday, January 16, 11a.m. – 1p.m.
Where: Queens Botanical Garden – 43-50 Main St.
Price: $5 suggested donation, register here
8. MLK Day of Service with NYC Parks
Each year the NYC Parks Department honors Dr. King in different ways, hosting events for New Yorkers to take part in. This year, you can participate in a beach cleanup or a day of winter plant care, learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees, and more!
When: Multiple days
Where: Multiple locations
Price: Free, see their full calendar of events here
9. The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee
Founded in 1986, The Harlem Gospel Choir was started by Allen Bailey who got the idea while at a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Choir presents the finest musicians and singers from Harlem’s Black Churches and the surrounding New York area.
When: Monday, January 20, 1:30 pm
Where: Sony Hall – 235 West 46th St.
Price: $28-$42, Tickets can be purchased on their website