National Martin Luther King Jr. Day events and parades in metro Atlanta | January 2025

ATLANTA - Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January, is a federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a key leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King dedicated his life to fighting for racial equality, justice, and nonviolent social change. The holiday celebrates his significant contributions, including his work to end segregation and secure voting rights through peaceful protests and memorable speeches like his iconic "I Have a Dream." It’s also a National Day of Service, inspiring people to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.
Note: Frigid weather is expected early next week. If planning to attned any events on Monday, please check with the venue before you attend. Latest weather info
RELATED STORIES
- Annual MLK Day Parade in Gwinnett County canceled due to inclement weather
- MARTA bus honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King
- Atlanta's busiest day: MLK Day, College Football Playoff coincide with Inauguration Day
- MLK Day 2025: King Center shares 40th holiday observance schedule
Here is a comprehensive list of events and activities taking place across the metro Atlanta area to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy:
ATLANTA
The King Center Events
Beloved Community Virtual Children’s Book Reading
- Date: Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. and noon
- Details: A virtual book reading celebrating community values.
Beloved Community Global Summit
- Date: Jan. 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Location: Microsoft, 200 17th St., Atlanta
- Details: Explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.
Beloved Community Empowerment Fair
- Date: Jan. 20, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Location: The King Center
- Details: Programs on career development, financial literacy, and health and wellness resources.
- More Info: Visit the King Center Website
Hands On Atlanta 10 Days of Service
- Dates: Through Jan. 20
- Details: Features 400 volunteer projects supporting more than 75 nonprofits and schools. This initiative aims to engage 5,000 people in service to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
- Sign-Up and Info: Hands On Atlanta
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
- Dates: Jan. 18–20
- Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta
- Details:Interactive exhibits include 39 footprints symbolizing Dr. King’s life, activities, and historical footage.Collaborations with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.Performances: MLK Birthday Parade & Dance Party (11 a.m. & 3 p.m.), "I Have a Dream" speech by Markell Williams (1 p.m.).Art Studio Activities: Sketch portraits inspired by Boris Chaliapin or paint quotes by Dr. King.More Info: Children’s Museum Website
- Interactive exhibits include 39 footprints symbolizing Dr. King’s life, activities, and historical footage.
- Collaborations with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
- Performances: MLK Birthday Parade & Dance Party (11 a.m. & 3 p.m.), "I Have a Dream" speech by Markell Williams (1 p.m.).
- Art Studio Activities: Sketch portraits inspired by Boris Chaliapin or paint quotes by Dr. King.
- More Info: Children’s Museum Website
Emory Law School MLK Day Lecture
- Date: Jan. 15, 12:15 p.m.
- Location: Emory University School of Law, Tull Auditorium, 1301 Clifton Road, Atlanta
- Theme: "The Injustice of Poverty: King’s Fight for Economic Equality"
- Details: This free event will feature Crystal McElrath from the Southern Poverty Law Center as the keynote speaker. The lecture explores Dr. King’s efforts to address poverty and economic inequality.
- More Info: Emory Law Events
Morehouse College Events
- MLK Crown Forum: Jan. 16, 11 a.m., MLK International Chapel with Dr. David Wall Rice
- MLK Day of Service: Jan. 20, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Massey Conference Center
- MLK Crown Forum: Jan. 23, 11 a.m., MLK International Chapel with Rev. Dr. Keyon Payton
- Viewing of Documents: Jan. 27, 4–6 p.m., Robert W. Woodruff Library
- MLK Lecture & Conversation Series: Jan. 29, 5–7:30 p.m., Families First, 80 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW
- Human Rights Film Festival: Jan. 30, 6 p.m.More Info: Morehouse Events
- More Info: Morehouse Events
Westside Future Fund MLK Day of Service
- Date: Jan. 20
- Details: Volunteer opportunities include park cleanups, property restoration, and school beautification projects in Atlanta’s historic Westside.
- Info: Westside Future Fund
Atlanta History Center Events
- Date: Jan. 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Theme: "She Shall Not Be Moved"Details: Celebrate women who shaped the civil rights movement through panel discussions, exhibits, trivia, and kids’ activities. Free admission.More Info: Atlanta History Center
- Details: Celebrate women who shaped the civil rights movement through panel discussions, exhibits, trivia, and kids’ activities. Free admission.
- More Info: Atlanta History Center
High Museum of Art
- Dates: Jan. 18–19
- Details: Extended hours for "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys," featuring works by Gordon Parks, Kehinde Wiley, and others.
Soul Cinema Sundays: "The Last Black Man in San Francisco"
- Date: Jan. 19, 4 p.m.
- Location: The Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta
- Details: This critically acclaimed film, produced and directed by Joe Talbot, stars Danny Glover, Tichina Arnold, Mike Epps, Jonathan Majors, and Jimmie Fails. Monica Johnson from the Housing Justice League will join Kalonji Changa of Black Power Media for a conversation on fair housing in Atlanta before the screening.
- Tickets and Info: Plaza Theatre Website
Ebenezer Baptist Church Commemorative Service
- Date: Jan. 20, 9 a.m.
- Location: Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sweet Auburn, Atlanta
- Details: The annual commemorative service features keynote speaker Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II. The event can also be streamed live on Fox5 Atlanta.
- More Info: Visit the King Center Website
Annual Bayard Rustin/Audre Lorde Community Breakfast
- Date: Jan. 20, 9 a.m.
- Location: Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland St. NE, Atlanta
- Details: This event honors the legacies of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights architect, and Audre Lorde, a feminist poet and activist. Hosted by the Southern Unity Movement, the breakfast is followed by participation in The King Day March & Rally.
- More Info: Event Details
The King Day March & Rally
- Date: Jan. 20, 1:15 p.m.
- Starting Location: Intersection of John Portman Boulevard NW and Peachtree Street
- Details: Organized by the Interfaith Children’s Movement, the march spans approximately one mile and concludes at the King Center, where a rally will begin at 3:30 p.m.
- More Info: March & Rally Information
"Dear Dr. King" at the Alliance Theatre
- Date: Jan. 20, 2 p.m.
- Location: Woodruff Arts Center, Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta
- Details: Part of the Alliance Theatre’s Palefsky Collision Project, this performance features a group of teenagers interpreting Dr. King’s legacy. Directed by Sam Provenzano, with collaboration from playwright Maya Lawrence, Director of Artistic Mentorship Rodney L. Williams, and Music Director David Koté.
- Tickets: Free, but reservations are required. Reserve Here
Marcus Bar & Grille MLK Week Specials
- Dates: Jan. 14–20
- Location: Marcus Bar & Grille, 525 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta
- Details: Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant will honor Dr. King’s legacy with a special dinner dish and holiday brunch service.Dinner Special (Jan. 14–19): King’s jambalaya ($85, serves 2-4), featuring BBQ fried chicken, Jollof rice, fish curry, collards, cornbread, and peanut chimichurri.Weekend Brunch Buffet: Special brunch offerings in tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
- Dinner Special (Jan. 14–19): King’s jambalaya ($85, serves 2-4), featuring BBQ fried chicken, Jollof rice, fish curry, collards, cornbread, and peanut chimichurri.
- Weekend Brunch Buffet: Special brunch offerings in tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
- More Info: Marcus Bar & Grille Website
R&B Brunch After Dark
- Date: Jan. 20, 8 p.m.
- Location: City Winery, Ponce City Market, Atlanta
- Details: Hosted by Kristina Webb and Saundae Rowe, this special event honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with live performances by Desmond Champion, K. Terry, and surprise guests.
- Tickets: Purchase Here
Brookhaven
Lynwood Trailblazers MLK Day Celebration
- Date: Jan. 20
- Location: Lynwood Recreation Center, 3360 Osborne Road, Brookhaven
- Details: Brookhaven’s ninth annual MLK Day dinner and celebration will honor the Lynwood Trailblazers, highlighting the history of one of the first integrated schools in the area. The event features keynote speaker and newscaster Monica Kaufman Pearson, live performances, and special guests.
- Tickets: $10
- More Info: Call 404-637-0542
Decatur
Agnes Scott College MLK Day Events
MLK Jr. Service Project Weekend
- Dates: Jan. 18–20
- Times: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. | 1–4 p.m.
- Location: Community Center of South Decatur, 319 W Hill St, Decatur, GA 30030
- Details: Volunteers will assist senior homeowners with house maintenance and repairs. Agnes Scott participants will focus on invasive plant removal and sorting materials for recycling or donation.
- Sign-Up: Visit Scotties Serve
National Day of Racial Healing Keynote: "Bending the Moral Arc of the Universe"
- Date: Jan. 21
- Time: 1–1:50 p.m.
- Location: Julia Smith Chapel, Agnes Scott College
- Details: Attorney Gerald Griggs, President of the Georgia NAACP, will deliver a keynote address exploring resistance, hope, and education.
MLK's Speech Audio Reflection
- Date: Jan. 22
- Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Location: Julia Smith Chapel, Agnes Scott College
- Details: Attendees can listen to Dr. King’s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech and reflect on his vision for justice.
Courageous Conversations Community Dinner: Radical Hospitality
- Date: Jan. 22
- Time: 5–7 p.m.
- Location: Letitia Pate Evans - Conference Room ABC, Agnes Scott College
- Details: Join a facilitated discussion on inclusion and belonging over dinner.
- RSVP: Register Here
I Have a Dream Living Wall
- Date: Jan. 23
- Time: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Location: Letitia Pate Evans Hall - Main Floor, Agnes Scott College
- Details: Visitors can share their dreams on a living wall and contribute to a real-time digital collage.
Trip to The King Center
- Date: Jan. 24
- Time: 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Location: The King Center, 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Details: Explore Dr. and Mrs. King’s Crypt, The Eternal Flame, and Freedom Hall. Transportation and lunch are provided.
- RSVP Deadline: Jan. 17
- Register Here: RSVP Here
Interfaith Beloved Community Meditation Space
- Dates: All Week
- Location: Julia Smith Chapel, Agnes Scott College
- Details: Open during regular school hours for reflection. After 4:30 p.m., access is available with an ASC ID.
East Point and South Atlanta
East Point Day of Service
- Date: Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: Jefferson Park Recreation Center, 1431 Norman Berry Drive
- Details: Includes health screenings, CPR training, food bags, and personal care packs. Special guests include Rev. Dr. Skip Mason and Poet Laureate Hank Stewart. Lunch will be provided. Admission is free.
- Info: East Point Website
Shades of Green Permaculture Volunteer Day
- Date: Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location: ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan Street, East Point
- Details: As part of its Community Giveback Program, Shades of Green Permaculture will lead volunteers in implementing a regenerative landscape design at ArtsXchange, a fully integrated artist colony and community arts center.
- Registration: Sign Up Here
Forest Park and Fayetteville
Annual MLK Day Parade in Forest Park
- Date: Jan. 20, 12 p.m.
- Location: Starts at 1000 Main Street and ends at Starr Park Amphitheater.
- Details: Parade includes marching bands, community organizations, and local schools.
Fayette County MLK Day Celebration
- Date: Jan. 20, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Location: Fayette County High School, 1 Tiger Trail, Fayetteville
- Theme: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy
- Details: Begins with a parade followed by a rally in the gym featuring performances and reflective moments.
Brookhaven
Brookhaven’s Lynwood Trailblazers Event
- Date: Jan. 20
- Location: Lynwood Recreation Center, 3360 Osborne Road
- Details: Features keynote speaker Monica Kaufman Pearson, live performances, and a tribute to the Lynwood Trailblazers. Tickets cost $10.
- Info: Call 404-637-0542 for details.
Dunwoody and Doraville
Dunwoody Day of Service
Canceled and rescheduled to Feb. 1 due to weather
- Date: Jan. 20
- Location: Brook Run Park
- Details: Includes tree planting, park cleanups, and a food drive for Malachi’s Storehouse.
- More info
Doraville MLKDay5K Drum Run
- Date: Jan. 20, 9 a.m.
- Location: New Peachtree Road, gathering at First Baptist Church of Doraville
- Details: The USATF-certified course features a 3.1-mile drumline.
- More info
LaGrange
36th annual Martin Luther King Parade
- When: 1 p.m. Jan. 18
- Where: This year, the parade route will begin and end at the LaGrange High School parking lot, 100 Hunnicutt Place. The route will go through North Greenwood Street, West Haralson Street,
- Church Street, Broome Street, and then Ridley Avenue back to North Greenwood. It will be the same route as the annual Christmas Parade.
- More info
Sandy Springs
MLK Jr. Day Family Events in Sandy Springs
- Date: Jan. 20, 1–4 p.m.
- Location: Performing Arts Center’s Studio and Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
- Details: Celebrate "Martin Luther King Jr.: Life and Legacy" with free, family-friendly activities and a film screening.Film Screenings:"Our Friend, Martin" at 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.The animated film follows middle school friends who travel through time, meeting Dr. King at pivotal points in his life.Activity Stations: Located in the Studio Theatre with themes such as dream, justice, love, and liberty.
- Film Screenings:"Our Friend, Martin" at 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.The animated film follows middle school friends who travel through time, meeting Dr. King at pivotal points in his life.
- "Our Friend, Martin" at 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- The animated film follows middle school friends who travel through time, meeting Dr. King at pivotal points in his life.
- Activity Stations: Located in the Studio Theatre with themes such as dream, justice, love, and liberty.
- More Info: Visit Website
If you would like to submit an item for this list, please send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.