This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the pillars of the Civil Rights Movement, participated in marches and protests for equality and rights for African Americans, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He famously made his “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington, with dreams for the United States of transformation to freedom and justice. Dr. King was assassinated on Apr. 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee when he was 39 years old.
To celebrate and ensure that his legacy lives on, here is a list of various MLK Day events that are taking place in New York:
Monday, Jan. 19
1p.m.
House of Justice
106 W. 145th Street
New York, NY 10030
Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), is hosting New York City and State elected officials to the House of Justice in Harlem for the King Day Public Policy Forum. Leaders will discuss how they will carry on Dr. King’s Dream of a just, fair nation.
Monday, Jan. 19
10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
The New York Society for Ethical Culture
Adler Hall
2 W 64th St
New York, NY 10023
The New York Society for Ethical Culture is hosting a 2026 MLK Day program with music, storytelling, dance, and workshops for all ages to participate. You have to register through Eventbrite.
Monday, Jan. 19
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Peter Jay Sharp Building – BAM
Howard Gilman Opera House
30 Lafayette Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is hosting its annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year marks the 40th year that BAM has annually celebrated the life of Dr. King. The tribute will feature appearances from Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, a solo performance by Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, A Dance Company, and more. The event is free, and you can RSVP here.
Monday, Jan. 19
10 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Address Will Be Provided After Registration
Repair the World is hosting a MLK Day with UJA: Deliver Dignity – Hygiene Kits in Manhattan project, where volunteers can learn about the importance of Dr. King’s legacy while also packing hygiene kits for community members in need. The project is designed for children between the ages of 0 and along with their families. The address for this project will be provided after registering.
Monday, Jan. 19
11 a.m.
Albany Office of Cultural Affairs
New York State Museum
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
The Albany Office of Cultural Affairs is hosting a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community March. The march will begin at the front of the New York State Museum on Madison Avenue and will conclude at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. statue at Lincoln Park with a wreath-laying ceremony. The event is free to attend.
Monday, Jan. 19
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
102 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10016
Global Kids will be hosting a special Career Panel and Mentorship event at their headquarters in Manhattan. This event is for young kids navigating college and their careers. Global Kids are also in need of volunteers as panelists to answer any questions about college and career paths. The event is free to attend.