MLK Day 2026
MLK Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and serves to encourage all to volunteer and serve others. Together, we can strengthen our communities and move closer to
Dr. King's vision of unity. Please use these tools and resources to engage throughout the week of
January 15 - 19 to make a difference in the ways you find most impactful.
Highlighted Activities
2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast
Monday, January 19 | 7:30 am - 9:30 am
The theme for the 36th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast is "Make a career of humanity." As we celebrate thirty-six years of coming together to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we reaffirm our goal of inspiring and serving our Twin Cities community.
2026 MLK Day Service Project!
Monday, January 19 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
MLK Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and serves to encourage all to volunteer and serve others. Make a difference on this powerful day by joining other community members in volunteerism. Your involvement will contribute to meaningful change and promote the values of service and compassion. This event is free but with limited capacity.
Other Community Events:
For more ways to commemorate the MLK Holiday, check out these events across the Twin Cities.
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Minnesota Humanities Center, 987 Ivy Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
You’re invited to join the first-ever Minnesota Historical Landmark Tour—an exploration of our state’s most powerful civil rights and unity sites. In partnership with the Minnesota Humanities Center and the Minnesota Historical Society, this inaugural experience will carry participants on a discovery of cultural and historical landmarks that have shaped Minnesota’s pursuit of justice.
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St. Paul College, 987 Ivy Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
Dr. King reminded us, “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well.” On January 17, join us for the Minnesota Career Fair—part of our 40th-anniversary MLK Holiday celebration—where over 30 state agencies and offices will be on hand to help you launch or advance your career in public service.
Event takes place from 10 am - 2 pm.
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St. Paul College, 987 Ivy Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
You’re invited to join faith communities and neighbors across Minnesota in fellowship and forward motion. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques will lift up Dr. King’s message of boundless hope and solidarity. This year’s Community March journeys from the Minnesota Historical Society to the State Capitol—symbolizing our shared commitment to systems change and One Minnesota. When we walk together, we carry our dreams forward into a more just, inclusive One Minnesota.
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The Club at Golden Valley: 7001 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55427
From 2 pm - 4:30 pm
This year’s theme, “Voices of Wisdom, Pathways to Peace,” calls us to come together across generations to listen, reflect, and celebrate as we continue to uphold Dr. King’s vision. Together, we will recognize educators, elders, and community members who guide us toward peace and justice.
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Chaska Event Center (3210 Chaska Blvd) from 7:45 - 9 am
This free event features a keynote speaker, performances by local musicians, and contributions from community members.
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Ordway Concert Hall (345 Washington Street, St. Paul, MN 55102)
Lobby opens at 9 am, Program begins at 10 am
Join on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the grand finale of Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary MLK Holiday celebration—a closing show that brings together artistry, storytelling, and community honor under one roof. Reserve your seat and be part of a historic moment—when we stand together, our shared rhythm becomes the heartbeat of a more just and inclusive One Minnesota." This year marks the 40th anniversary of our state’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday celebration—one of the longest-running and largest in the nation. From Rochester to Red Lake, communities across Minnesota will gather to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy and bring his vision to life in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
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Hosted by the City of Roseville. Event to kick off at Materion Park and then move to Cedarholm Golf Course.
Volunteers will meet at Materion Park for a dormant season seeding from 9:30-11:30, then proceed to the Community Building at Cedarholm for brunch and refreshments. Volunteers will meet Roseville staff at the entrance to Materion Park at the corner of Minnesota Ave and Marion St. Volunteers should dress in layers with warm boots and gloves. RSVP is required for this event. Please contact our Volunteer Manager at rachel.boggs@cityofroseville.com with questions or to RSVP.
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Hosted by Planting People Growing Justice, this writing competition is an opportunity for Minnesota’s young people to tell us how they will be a leader in their communities, their schools, or wherever they are.
We invite all youth to listen to Dr. King’s speech “The Drum Major Instinct,” become inspired to think about what’s in their hands to make a difference and then write about how you can be a drum major for justice.
