Jan. 19 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the annual observance of the life and legacy of the civil rights icon best known for his commitment to non-violent action.
As the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and home to Dr. King’s church, birth home, and final resting place, Atlanta has a special relationship to the civil rights leader and will honor his life in the days leading up to the holiday through education, community service, and civic engagement for all ages.
Atlanta’s 2026 MLK Day Events
Beloved Community Global Summit
Jan. 15 and 16
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
This two-day immersive experience dedicated to advancing Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community will include discussions led by Dr. Bernice A. King, Dr. King’s daughter and the CEO of the King Center; Paige Alexander of the Carter Center; Jill Savitt of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights; and Howard Wright of NVIDIA. Learn more and register here.
Martin Luther King Day Lecture
Jan. 15, 12:15 p.m.
Tull Auditorium, Emory Law School
Panelists James Roland of the Center for Civic and Community Engagement and Careshia Moore, former President and CEO of Usher’s New Look Foundation and keynote speaker Jasmine Burton, founder of Wish for Wash and Founding Executive Director of America’s Promise Alliance Atlanta, will discuss Beyond Service Hours: From Transactional to Transformative Engagement at this free lecture. Registration is required.
Nothing to See Here: Watts Screening
Jan. 15, 6 p.m.
College Football Hall of Fame
T.I. moderates this screening and discussion of Nothing to See Here: Watts, which documents an unprecedented social experiment in Los Angeles and presents a community-based model rooted in relationship-building, truth-telling, and nonviolence. The red carpet begins at 6 p.m. before the screening at 7 p.m.
Funny Bus MLK Weekend Tour
Jan. 16-18
945 Crescent Ave
This special MLK weekend edition of the Funny Bus Atlanta tour keeps the same high energy, comedy-filled experience while thoughtfully weaving in moments highlighting the significance of Dr. King. Stops include Historic Sweet Auburn Avenue, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, Dr. King’s birth home, Fire Station No. 6, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and Ebenzer Baptist Church. Book your seat here.
Celebration of Service
Jan. 16, 10 a.m.
North Wing Steps of the Georgia State Capitol
Keynote speaker John Hope Bryant will honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Bryant is the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the nonprofit, Operation HOPE, chief executive officer of Bryant Group Ventures and the Promise Homes Company.
“AIM HIGH: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen” Exhibit Debut
Jan. 17
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
In alignment with MLK Day, the Children’s Museum debuts this exhibit highlighting the achievements of the first Black military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces. The interactive experience, which will include a life-sized cockpit, a “land the plane” maze inspired by air traffic control radar, pressure-activated imagination mirrors, wearable wings, and more, will be featured at the museum through May 18. Learn more here.
Beloved Community Awards
Jan. 17, 5 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
This formal reception and award ceremony will recorndice national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, pursue social justice, and work to create the Beloved Community, as envisioned by Dr. King. Performers include Chance the Rapper, October London, and Goapele, and presenters include Rockmond Dunbar, Karine Jean-Pierre, Ian Armitage, and Keish Knight Pulliam. Purchase tickets here.
Atlanta Black History 365 + Civil Rights Experience Tour
Jan 18 and 19, noon to 4:30 p.m.
Atlanta Marriott Marquis
This premium, all-inclusive tour explores Atlanta’s pivotal role as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. The day includes admission to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, guided exploration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, and stops along Sweet Auburn Avenue, the Atlanta University Center of HBCUs, and Castleberry Hill. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
MLK Day 5k Drum Run
Jan. 19, 8 a.m.
First Baptist Church of Doraville
A 3.1-mile-long drumline will accompany the race with a beat while runners’ feet hit the street! Registration starts at $40, register here.
Cascade Springs Day of Service
Jan. 19, 9 a.m.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Join the Cascade Springs team for forest restoration, the launch of the Community Advisory Green Team supporting the future Nature Center and amphitheater, and a free meal, all honoring MLK Day! Learn more and sign up here.
Influence the Dream MLK Day Programming
Jan. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Atlanta History Museum
The day’s programming invites visitors to trace the arc of Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement with exhibits, expert talks, a mainstage panel, interactive trivia, music, crafts, and more. Learn more and RSVP here.
Westside Future Fund Day of Service
Jan. 19, 9 a.m. to noon
Various locations
This day of service includes multiple volunteering opportunities across west Atlanta, including landscaping at Truly Living Well, Katherine Johnston Park cleanup, tree planting at Rodney Cook Park, painting and cleaning at Omenala Griot Museum, and more. Learn more and sign up here.
Beloved Community Commemorative Service
Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
New Horizon Sanctuary at Ebenezer Baptist Church
This service, held at Dr. King’s own church, will honor his work and legacy and recommit to the unfinished work he left behind. The service will be live streamed on Fox 5.
MLK Day Parade
Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
Stonecrest
The DeKalb County Branch of the NAACP invites the community to come out for this parade, beginning at New Black Wall Street and ending at PRIVI at the Mall of Stonecrest. Learn more here.
More MLK Day events:
• Brookhaven to host MLK Dinner on Jan. 19 with host Karyn Greer
• Sandy Springs to hold MLK Day celebration
• Dunwoody schedules MLK day of service for Jan. 19
• Tucker residents called to unite for MLK Day volunteer projects
