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The observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, offers many a welcome three-day weekend. But while the extra rest is nice, the holiday is best spent honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy of civil service and economic justice. Whether you’re looking to volunteer or visit one of the city’s cultural institutions, we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate Dr. King's life and the ongoing work of the civil rights movement.
Many civic leaders encourage treating the holiday as a “day on, not a day off.” To find ways to give back to your local community, you can browse volunteer opportunities through Chicago Cares or the City of Chicago’s volunteer hub.
RECOMMENDED: The best January 2026 events in Chicago
The best Martin Luther King Jr. Day programming
Chicago Sinfonietta: MLK Tribute Concert
Auditorium Theatre, 50 E Ida B. Wells Dr
Jan 19 at 4pm
Chicago Sinfonietta presents its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute concert, this year honoring the legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. A pioneering Chicago surgeon, Dr. Williams made history in 1893 by performing the first successful open-heart surgery and founding the first Black-owned hospital in America. The program celebrates Dr. Williams’s dual legacy of medical innovation and social progress.
King Day: Building Our Future
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave
Jan 19 at 11am
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Ryan Learning Center. The museum is hosting an afternoon of family-friendly activities and performances inspired by Dr. King’s moving “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint?” speech. Admission to the Ryan Learning Center is always free for everyone, though you’ll need a paid ticket for the rest of the museum and any in-gallery activities (but kids under 14 are always free). Plus, a special bonus for locals: Illinois residents enjoy free museum admission on King Day as part of the Art Institute’s Free Winter Weekdays program.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St
Jan 19 at 10am
The Chicago History Museum celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a family-friendly event that includes a production of The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights by Writers Theatre and a musical performance by the Chicago Chamber Choir, as well as crafts and storytelling that reflect Dr. King’s messages of peace and justice. Activities are included with museum admission (free for Illinois residents on MLK Day).
Black Creativity Family Day
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr
Jan 19 at 9am
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry invites families to a day of activities celebrating the power of creativity and innovation. This event is a featured part of the Black Creativity Program, a long-running initiative that honors the history of Black innovation while championing STE(A)M opportunities for today’s youth. During the celebration, guests can participate in a collaborative community art experience, engage in a variety of family-friendly activities and explore the prestigious Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition.
MLK Day 2026: Chaos or Community
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S Cornell Ave
Jan 19 at 11am
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Hyde Park Art Center presents a daylong tribute to Dr. King’s enduring legacy. Designed for all ages, the program blends live music, thought-provoking film, hands-on art making and meditation. This event highlights art as a vessel for collective memory, liberation and joy, while reflecting on Dr. King’s profound impact on social justice and cultural movements.