Next week will mark 40 years since the country began celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday. Signed into law in 1983 and first celebrated in 1986, the annual tribute to the famed civil rights leader on the third Monday in January is heralded as a time for people to advance social justice and celebrate the dream that changed the world.
The following is a roundup of events in Atlanta for you and your crew to enjoy, including a documentary screening, a 5K race, and community service projects.
2026 Beloved Community Youth Book Reading
The virtual event brings together Bernice A. King, Kimberly P. Johnson and Amora the Puppet for a fun reading experience about kindness, courage, and community for children of all ages.
Date: Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. and noon
Location: Virtual
Tickets: Free with registration
Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast
The Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council is hosting the event at Zoo Atlanta, continuing the group’s work supporting working families and job training programs.
Date: Jan. 16, 9-11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoo Atlanta (Martin and Thalia Carlos Ballroom), 800 Cherokee Ave. SE
Tickets: $150 per person
Documentary Screening: Nothing to See Here: Watts
Members of Southern California’s Watts community — including gang members, police officers, and crime victims — came together to make a film about the struggle for justice. Enjoy light refreshments and a conversation after the film with the filmmakers and community leaders, moderated by Atlanta’s own T.I.
Date: Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
Location: The King Center, 449 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta
Tickets: Free with registration
MLK, Jr Beloved Community Awards
The annual salute to people and organizations that exhibit excellence in leadership, pursue social justice, and help create Dr. King’s dream of a beloved community will honor the Lebron James Family Foundation, singer Billie Eilish, businessman Robert Smith, Viola Davis, Dorothy Jean Tillman, DuShun Scarbrough Sr., Cisco Systems, Sesame Workshop, Mónica Ramírez, and Cody Soodeen. The award-winning band Con Funk Shon will perform after the awards ceremony.
Date: Jan. 17, pre-reception begins at 5 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta
Tickets: General admission is $303.95
Wearing special tribute uniforms, the Atlanta Hawks take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the annual basketball game. There will also be three other games played on the holiday: Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons.
Date: Jan. 19 at 1 p.m.
Location: State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta
Tickets: Prices start at $55
A Committed Life: The Morehouse College Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Collection
View handwritten letters, correspondence, personal notes, and speeches from the famed civil rights leader during the National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ MLK Day programming. This year’s theme, “The Time is Right to Do What’s Right,” features a scavenger hunt, a DIY button-making station, and a collaborative mural.
Date: Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: National Center for Civil and Human Rights, 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. NW, Atlanta
Tickets: $20-$26
Martin Luther King Life & Legacy Family Experience
Perfect for families of all ages, the lineup of events features the animated movie Our Friend, Martin and activity stations.
Date: Jan 19, 1-4 p.m.
Location: Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
Tickets: Free admission
The walk/run along a flat route on New Peachtree Road will feature the sounds of a drumline along the racecourse.
Date: Jan. 19 at 9 a.m.
Location: First Baptist Church of Doraville, 5935 New Peachtree Road, Doraville
Tickets: $40 with advance registration
MLK Day at Lionel Hampton Park
Park Pride and volunteers gather for cleanup and walking trail maintenance projects at the Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Nature Preserve, named for the famed jazz musician.
Date: Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-noon
Location: Lionel Hampton Park SW Connector Trail, Atlanta
Tickets: Free; register to participate
At his program, a collaboration between the Atlanta History Center and Atlanta Influences Everything, families can explore Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement while walking through interactive exhibits and learning about King’s work during the 1950s and 1960s.
Date: Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta
Tickets: Free with registration
Beloved Community Commemorative Service
Date: Jan. 19 at 10 a.m.
Location: Ebenezer Baptist Church, New Horizon Sanctuary, 101 Jackson St. NE, Atlanta; or watch the livestream on FOX5
Tickets: Free to attend
MLK Day of Service at Browns Mill Community Garden
Hosted by the Browns Mill Community Garden Club; participants should bring their own gardening tools to help revitalize a community resource.
Date: Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Urban Food Forest at Browns Mill, 2217 Browns Mill Road SE, Atlanta
Tickets: Free with registration
Participants from anywhere can register their community service projects and show how they’re making a difference.
Date: Jan. 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
MLK Day of Service: Cascade Community Clean Up
The Cascade Business and Merchants Association and the Atlanta Black Chambers’ Community Services Committee host this community cleanup event.
Date: Jan. 19, 10-11 a.m.
Location: 3530 Cascade Road, Atlanta
Tickets: Free with registration
The United Ebony Society is hosting the annual parade. This year’s theme is “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.”
Date: Jan. 19, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville
Tickets: Free with registration
