Virginia
2025 MLK Tribute
Sunday, January 19th. The annual tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be hosted at Wakefield High School. This year’s theme is Dreams, Faith, and Justice in Action, and will feature spoken word, music and movement to inspire and activate the community to embrace Rev. Dr. King’s legacy of social justice, unity and equality. Arlington, Va.
Little Free Library Volunteering
Monday, January 20th. Join Little Free Library as they connect with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a Beloved Community. MLK Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. It is an opportunity to act on Dr. King’s legacy of social justice and equity while engaging with your community to create constructive action. Sign up to be sent resources to find out how you can get involved. Alexandria, Va.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Monday, January 20th. Volunteers with the Shiloh Baptist Church will create prayer blankets for the Northern Va. Juvenile Detention Center and prepare hygiene, household and laundry kits for distribution to Bethany House, Friends of Guest House, David’s Place Day Shelter and the Alexandria Community Shelter. Alexandria, Va.
D.C.
MLK Peace Walk and Parade
Saturday, January 18th. For 40+ years, this historic event has honored Dr. King’s vision, This year’s celebration will take place indoors at the Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA) in Congress Heights, SE D.C. Participants will march into the arena from Cypress Street, leading into a day full of activities including Parade performances with a reviewing stage, student essay competition awards honoring young leaders, a Health & Wellness Fair to support community well-being, free groceries, local merchandise and more!
Pope Branch Park Day of Service
Saturday, January 18th. All equipment for this cleanup is provided, please wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Rain or Shine. This cleanup is in partnership with Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance and with support from Grace Capital City Church.
Let Freedom Ring!
Sunday, January 19th. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Georgetown University celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a free, ticketed musical tribute, the Let Freedom Ring Celebration.
The People’s Holiday: A Love of Literacy
Sunday, January 26th. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, there will be a service project to make literacy packets for prereaders across Washington, D.C. Inspired by grassroots organizer Ella Baker, visitors will learn about the power of the thank you note – and be encouraged to write one with a fountain pen. Literacy is not just practical but also poetical. Using the prose of Dr. King and others, people can create a poetry collage.
Maryland
MLK Day of Service & Volunteer Fair
Saturday, January 18th and Sunday, January 19th. Participate in service projects that will benefit people and communities in Montgomery County! Participants will also have the chance to engage with over 30 local nonprofit organizations to learn about opportunities to give back throughout the year. Montgomery County, Md.
Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Gathering
Sunday, January 19th. Teens and their parents can join the City of Rockville and local community and faith leaders for an engaging panel discussion. Explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and discuss ways to promote justice, equality and unity in our community. Participate in an open dialogue focused on creating positive change and fostering inclusion. Light refreshments served. Rockville, Md.
Metropolitan Ballet Theatre MLK Jr. Day of Service
Sunday, January 19th. Join the preprofessional dancers of Metropolitan Ballet Theatre on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and be inspired by Dr. King’s words through the art of dance. This contemporary ballet performance will have an interactive portion for young dancers in the audience to participate. Gaithersburg, Md.