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Martin Luther King Day Celebrations and Activities

The life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and leader in the American civil rights movement, is honored every January. The holiday encourages people to reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change that King espoused. The following Martin Luther King Day celebrations and activities are scheduled around Maryland. 

January 15 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
37th Annual MLK Jr. Awards Banquet
Live! Casino & Hotel, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover
This inspiring evening is the largest celebration of Dr. King’s birthday in Anne Arundel County. The evening will honor 12 local men and women. The banquet will feature a special performance by by well-known musical artist Scotti Preston. $100

January 17 & 18@ 8:00  
Say it Loud Play it Loud MLK Event
BlackRock Center for the Arts, 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
BlackRock’s annual Say it Loud Play it Loud MLK event will be held the weekend of January 17th 2025. This year’s event kicks off Friday night with an 8pm concert featuring renowned Hip Hop Artist SA-ROC. Saturday January 18 is a day filled with Commemoration & Celebration featuring “pay what you can” films by Spike Lee and others and a free screening of Leslie Shampaine’s award winning documentary ” Call Me Dancer”. The day long event will also feature gallery installations by Revecca Marimutu and Dunnie Onasanya, talk-backs, spoken word, workshops, a vinyl record fair and DJ’s throughout the building. Free – $35

January 18 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
MLK Holiday DC Annual Peace Walk & Parade
Entertainment and Sports Arena, 1100 Oak Dr SE, Washington, DC
Join us for the 20th Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with this year’s theme: “Commit to the Noble Struggle for Equal Rights.” Doors open at 10:30am / Note: this year’s event will be held indoors at ESA. For 40+ years, this historic event has honored Dr. King’s vision. Free. Activities Include:

  • 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!

January 18 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
MLK Program: Decolonize Your Dream
Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum, 84 Franklin Street, Annapolis
Join us for the MLK Program: Decolonize Your Dream, An inspirational program featuring anti-disciplinary artist, curator, and DJ, Muse Dodd. A native of Severn, MD, Muse’s work explores the profound questions: “How do you remember, and what do you choose to forget?” The program will include a live performance and sound bath by the artist under their MUSE(O)FIRE moniker, as well as an artist talk and Q&A followed by a hands-on workshop inviting participants to create a collectively sourced video collage. Free

January 19 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Tribute & Celebration
Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Ln, North Bethesda
Celebrate 30 years of Montgomery County MD’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration. An inspiring evening of storytelling, music, and theatrical performances from local and national artists. Free

January 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
MLK Grande Parade
Midtown Baltimore, San Jacinto Street & Elgin Street, Baltimore 
The parade’s theme is “Unity Through Diversity” and will feature culturally diverse performance groups from across the nation. Free

January 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
MLK Dare to Dream Day
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway, Baltimore
Join in a free celebration honoring one of history’s greatest visionaries, Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Slam, Artist Talk, African Dancers, Docent-led tours, and more. Free

January 20 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Day of Service Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons
Join us as we celebrate how we can give back to our communities. Discover ideas for small acts of kindness to pay it forward in your own community. Learn about local heroes making a difference while creating a mosaic craft, and explore volunteer opportunities with nearby organizations. $6 – $11

January 20 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Josiah Henson Museum and Park Special Opening – MLK DAY
Josiah Henson Museum and Park, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday, Josiah Henson Museum and Park will have special hours on January 20th! Learn more about Underground Railroad Conductor & Montgomery County resident Reverend Josiah Henson, and enjoy multimedia & hands-on activities. Free – $5

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