Martin Luther King. Jr. Day this year lands on Monday, Jan. 16. This gives us an entire weekend to celebrate the past, present, and future the civil rights leader left behind as part of his legacy.
Below are in-person and virtual events throughout New York City to celebrate at and reflect on the life of MLK.
Citywide
NYC Parks Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Join NYC Parks and volunteers to help clean up and care for parks across the five boroughs.
When: Saturday, Jan. 14 – Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. start
Where: Various parks across the city
Join Hunger Free America for their annual 2023 MLK-Serve-a-thon. There is a wide variety of meaningful opportunities to serve, both in person and virtually, through volunteer events, panels, and workshops.
When: Thursday, Jan. 12 – Monday, Jan. 16
Where: Various service locations across the city
Manhattan
The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir is the most renowned gospel choir in America and a preeminent gospel choir worldwide.
Apollo Theater’s Uptown Hall: MLK – Blueprint For The Culture
The 17th 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.
When: Sunday, Jan. 15, 3 p.m.
Where: Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Jackie Robinson Museum
Honor the legacy of Dr. King and the fight for civil rights at the Jackie Robinson Museum, where you can learn about Jackie Robinson and Dr. King’s close friendship and their collaboration during landmark campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement.
When: Monday, Jan. 16, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: One Hudson Square Building, 75 Varick St, New York, NY 10013
Brooklyn
BAM’s 37th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join BAM or via livestream for this beloved Brooklyn tradition, which rings in a new year with music, performances, and an urgent and timely call to action—Defending Democracy—led by keynote speaker Sherrilyn Ifill. The civil rights lawyer and former President and Director-Counsel of LDF (NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund) was one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world in 2021.
When: Monday, Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Brooklyn Children’s Museum MLK Day Celebration
Join the Brooklyn Children’s Museum to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interactive performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects.
When: Saturday, Jan. 14 – Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. start
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Queens
Queens College Annual Celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Come share the dream at KCA’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. 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 Grammy-nominated jazz songstress Samara Joy, a keynote address by the event’s honoree, Dr. Jelani Cobb, a recognition ceremony, and a post-show reception.
When: Sunday, Jan. 15, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Concert Hall, Queens College, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Queens, NY 11367-1597
Queens Botanical Garden MLK Day Celebration
Come for crafts, story time, and a guided winter walk centered on and promoting love, hope, and unity. Recommended for age 5 and up.
When: Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355
The Bronx
City Year New York’s MLK Day Of Service
Join over 500 volunteers to hear from inspiring speakers, build community, and work on school beautification projects. For those unable to join in person, there will be a virtual option.
When: Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Highbridge Green School, 200 W 167th St, Bronx, NY 10452
Wave Hill House Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend
Create your own fabric collage out of bountiful squares of fabric scraps to honor Dr. King’s Birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend.
When: Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Wave Hill, 4900 Independence Ave, The Bronx, NY 10471
Use your inner artist to create a MLK craft in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
When: Thursday, Jan. 12, 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Morrisania Library, 610 East 169th Street, Bronx, NY 10456
Staten Island
Staten Island Children’s Museum: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Music Programs with Walter Rutledge
A special program titled “It Is Only in Darkness Can You See The Stars.” will be hosted during the 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. sessions. It will feature live vocal and and keyboard accompaniment by Staten Island native Jeannine Otis. The two afternoon sessions, at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., will offer a special MLK Dance Party combining children’s music favorites and music from the Civil Rights movement.
When: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
Where: Staten Island Children’s Museum, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M, Staten Island, NY 10301
Have an event to share? Send your submissions to sarah.belle.lin@amny.com.