2026 Atlanta MLK Day Events & Things To Do
Atlanta History Center
Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with these activities, events, and service projects planned throughout Atlanta.
King Holiday at The King Center
Honor King’s legacy with interactive experiences, a virtual book reading, community awards, a service project and more; reservation required. Jan. 12-19.
MLK Freedom Run 5K/10K/13.1 at South Peachtree Creek Trail
Celebrate community, social change and fitness with this run. Jan. 17.
Free Admission Day at National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Commemorate the life and legacy of MLK with free admission and family-friendly activities, including scavenger hunts, book readings and more; reservation required. Jan. 17.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend at Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Explore the life and legacy of MLK with special activities, including writing thank you cards, a birthday parade, watercolor portraits and more; reservation required. Jan. 17-19.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Days of Service 2026 with Trees Atlanta
Volunteer with Trees Atlanta at areas around metro Atlanta for a hands-on service project; reservation required. Jan. 17-19.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Day of Service at Acworth Community Center
Enjoy a welcome breakfast, walk the Unity Walk, honor Dr. King’s legacy, and participate in a service project. Jan. 19.
MLKDay5K Drum Run at First Baptist Church of Doraville
Celebrate the spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood with fellowship and fitness. Jan. 19.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade at Stonecrest
The NAACP DeKalb County branch presents this annual parade. Jan. 19.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 at Atlanta History Center
Trace the arc of Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement with exhibits, area experts and interactive experiences at this free admission day; reservation required. Jan. 19.
Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade at Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center
Watch the themed “Rise Up, Stand Up for the Dream” parade, and after, enjoy a community celebration. Jan. 19.
Palefsky Collision Project: Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families
Young artists from the Palefsky Collision Project reimagine their summer performance of “Blaze” through the lens of King’s legacy at this free performance; reservation required. Jan. 19.
City of Dunwoody’s MLK Jr. Day of Service in Dunwoody
Volunteer opportunities across Dunwoody. Jan. 19.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Life & Legacy at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
Learn about the teachings of MLK with an educational film screening and activity stations. Jan. 19.
MLK Day Game at State Farm Arena
Be a part of this annual tradition celebrating the legacy, influence and life of Dr. King, and watch the Atlanta Hawks take on the Milwaukee Bucks. Jan. 19.
Visit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site
See the life and legacy of this hometown hero at this national park. The Visitor Center is currently being renovated, so start at Fire Station No. 6, which explores the story of the desegregation of the Atlanta Fire Department and features a restored 1927 American LaFrance fire engine. Visit the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, and see the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized and served as a co-pastor. King’s boyhood home is located one block from the Visitor Center, where interpretive park rangers are glad to answer questions and tell stories of King’s childhood. Free, ranger-led Birth Home Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This educational and inspiring experience tells the story of a dreamer who became an instrument for social change.
Check with your local library for storytelling and special events to honor MLK.
