MLK Day 2026

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.

Learn more here.

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.

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.

Register here.

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.

Register here.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more.

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.

Learn more here.

On Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service, join Wild Rivers Conservancy, the National Park Service, and other organizations from throughout the St. Croix Watershed for this community service focused event highlighting volunteer opportunities throughout the watershed. This event will feature a presentation from Alex Bouthilet, Seed Farm Manager, and family-friendly activities open to all. The Conservancy will also be collecting donations for our local food shelf, The Open Cupboard in Osceola.

This is a free event open to anyone in the community to:

• Get out of the cold & enjoy a warm beverage

• Explore the St. Croix River Visitor Center (that is otherwise closed for the season)

• Visit with local organizations and fellow community members

• Learn how you can give back to the community in a variety of ways

• Serve your community by bringing a donation if able

• Participate in family-friendly indoor activities and/or try out snowshoeing

Warm beverages provided. Please wear/bring appropriate outdoor clothing and boots for the weather if you plan to participate in snowshoeing (snowshoes provided).

Learn more.

On January 19th from 9:00 am - 11am, Two Rivers High School Key Club will be hosting a Day of Service in honor of MLK at Two Rivers High School South Gym (1897 Delaware Ave, Mendota Heights, MN 55118). The event is free and open to the public, and most projects/activities will be accessible to all ages and abilities.

Two Rivers Key Club is a high school, student-led service organization. Members do a variety of service project throughout the year. This event is free and open to the public. Volunteers can help build dressers and nightstands for Bridging, assemble care packages for Neighbors Inc, make doy toys out of old t-shirts, write letters for the Letters of Love organization, make tie blankets for Make-a-Wish Minnesota Wish Boosts, and many more.

Contact (including how to sign up): No pre-registration or sign up is required. All are welcome!

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.

Learn more here.