Looking for ways to celebrate MLK Day? Here are 7 Seattle area options

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January. This year, the national holiday falls on King’s actual birthday, Jan. 15.

King is known and remembered for his pivotal role as a spokesman and leader during the Civil Rights Movement. He protested against racial discrimination and supported federal civil rights legislation.

In November of 1961, King visited Washington state for the first and what is believed to be the only time. He gave a speech to 2,000 students in Meany Hall at the University of Washington, and he spoke at two assemblies at Garfield High School in the Central District.

King left a legacy that spans beyond the United States, but his visit to Seattle and his contributions to justice led to a special legacy in our region, where King County, originally named after William Rufus DeVane King, who was elected vice president in 1852, was officially changed to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 2005.

Here are seven events around the region celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King:

• King Day 2024, Northwest African American Museum

King Day at NAAM is an annual event celebrating the legacy of Dr. King with music, media, guest speakers, and activities for all ages. This year the family friendly event will include the debut of a new interactive and immersive exhibit, “Interrupting Privilege.”

King Day, at NAAM, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Jan. 15

• MLK Jr. Dream Unfinished, Seattle MLK Coalition

MLK Jr Dream Unfinished, is not just an event. It is a series of events, workshops, and lectures starting on Jan. 11, that lead up to a rally and march on MLK Day. For a full list of events click here.

MLK JR’s Dream Unfinished, Jan. 11-15, at various locations

• Painting the Town Red: The Music of Billie Holiday, The Royal Room

Painting the Town Red, presented by the South Hudson Music Project, is a MLK Day tribute to the music of Billie Holiday. This event is open to all ages. Jamming to the music of Holiday, who was also a civil rights icon, is a great way to reflect and enjoy the holiday.

Painting the Town Red, at the Royal Room, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15

• Dr. Martin Luther King Day Commemoration, Washington State Historical Society

Dr. Martin Luther King Day Commemoration at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma is a free event for all ages. The community is invited to celebrate the life of Dr. King through theatrical performances, following the story of Zhuli, a young artist who is visited by three prominent ancestors from the Civil Rights Movement that help her find her voice.

Dr. Martin Luther King Day Commemoration, at the Washington State History Museum, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 15

• The 6th Annual Tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Lift Every Voice Legacy

This year’s theme for is “Reclaim the Dream.” Through speeches, music, and performances this annual event highlights Dr. King’s legacy and reminds us of the importance of recognizing Dr. King’s dream in our everyday lives.

The 6th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at the Edmonds Waterfront Center, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 15

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, YMCA of Greater Seattle

If you are looking to take action on MLK Day, the YMCA’s Day of Service is a great place to be. The Y invites those interested to volunteer in service efforts, and they are partnering with the Seattle MLK Jr Coalition for the rally and march on Jan. 15. So, if you want to serve the community, participate in the rally, and march, reach out to the YMCA.

• MLK Celebration: Seeding the Dream, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

This is a youth-led event at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, featuring music, poetry, dance, lectures, community voices, and more. The festivities highlight not only the legacy of Dr. King, but also showcase youth leaders, activists, and artists who are inspired by Dr. King and actively working to make his dream a reality.

MLK Celebration: Seeding the Dream, at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 2:30-5 p.m. Jan. 14