10 meaningful ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. in metro Atlanta
Atlanta is doing it big for Martin Luther King Jr. Day! From pop-ups and film screenings to museum exhibits and parades, there are so many ways to celebrate. Here are 10 impactful things to do in honor of MLK.
2026 King Holiday
The King Center will honor MLK with a series of events throughout the week including exhibits, hands-on experiences, screenings, a book reading and ceremonies.
Location: Sweet Auburn - 449 Auburn Ave NE; Date: January 14-19; Admission: Prices vary, see website; Time: Times vary, see website; Website: thekingcenter.org
MLK Day 5K: Let Freedom Ring
Get your steps in during this MLK Day 5k at First Baptist Church of Doraville. Bring the kids, your family and friends for an exciting morning of fitness and community.
Location: Doraville - 5935 New Peachtree Rd; Date: January 16; Admission: $40 and up; Time: 8 a.m.; Website: mlkday5k.com
Free Museum Admission Day at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Thanks to FedEx, you can enjoy free admission at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Kids can enjoy family-friendly interactive displays, story time and so much more.
Location: Downtown Atlanta - 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW; Date: January 17; Admission: Free; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Website: civilandhumanrights.org
Palefsky Collision Project: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Enjoy a powerful performance from rising young artists at the Woodruff Arts Center as they come together to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1280 Peachtree St NE; Date: January 19; Admission: Free (advanced registration required); Time: Starts at 3 p.m.; Website: alliancetheatre.org
Martin Luther King, Jr. Art and Film Celebration
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center is throwing a family-friendly event featuring a film screening of “Our Friend, Martin” along with tons of children activity stations the whole family will enjoy.
Location: Sandy Springs - 1 Galambos Wy; Date: January 19; Admission: Free; Time: 1-4 p.m.; Website: sandyspringsga.gov
MLK Day Game
State Farm Arena is hosting their annual MLK day game as the Hawks and Bucks go head-to-head in an exciting matchup. Enjoy themed performances and more.
Location: Downtown Atlanta - 1 State Farm Dr; Date: January 19; Admission: $45 and up; Time: Starts at 1 p.m.; Website: statefarmarena.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026
Honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Atlanta History Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Must RSVP online for free tickets.
Location: Buckhead - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW; Date: January 19; Admission: Free; Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com
Acworth MLK Celebration
The city of Acworth is kicking off its free MLK Jr. celebration with a welcome breakfast, unity walk and ceremony at Roberts School Community and Education Center.
Location: Acworth - 4681 School St; Date: January 19; Admission: Free; Time: 8:30-11 a.m.; Website: acworth-ga.gov
MLK Day Parade
Join the Stonecrest community for their MLK Day parade on Jan. 19 beginning at 10 a.m. at New Black Wall Street Market.
Location: Stonecrest - 8109 Mall Pkwy; Date: January 19; Admission: Free; Time: Starts at 10 a.m.; Website: stonecrestga.gov
Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade
This powerful celebration and parade at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center is a free and fun event for all ages. March down the streets with pride and enjoy live music and performances along the way.
Location: Lawrenceville- 75 Langley Dr; Date: January 20; Admission: Free; Time: Noon to 3 p.m.; Website: unitedebonysociety.org
Your weekend starts here: 10 metro Atlanta events bringing the fun