Popular Latest
Original Atlanta
LOGIN SUBSCRIBE



  1. >> events
  2. >> holiday

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events in Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr. memorial and events

Photo credit: stock.adobe.com/automazul

HONORING A LEGACY: MLK DAY EVENTS AND COMMUNITY GATHERINGS IN ATLANTA.


2026 MLK Day Events



Looking for Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in Atlanta? Browse commemorative services, marches, community gatherings, and educational events honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

As the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Atlanta plays a central role in the national observance of MLK Day. The holiday honors his life and work through a mix of reflection, service, and celebration, with events taking place across the city.

This page highlights upcoming MLK Day events in Atlanta, with listings that update as the holiday approaches. Events are listed by date below and expand as organizations finalize programming in early January.

Looking for a full guide? View our MLK Day in Atlanta guide.

Major MLK Day Events in Atlanta


Atlanta hosts several major MLK Day traditions each year, drawing visitors from across the country. While details are confirmed closer to the holiday, these events typically appear in the listings below:

  • The annual MLK Day march through Downtown Atlanta
  • Commemorative services at Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Events and programming at The King Center
  • Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
  • Educational programs, talks, and cultural events across the city

MLK Day Events in Atlanta

Event listings begin appearing in early January as organizations finalize schedules.

MLK Day Events in Atlanta | Marches, Services & Community Events

  • Today
  • Tomorrow
  • This Week
  • This Weekend
  • This Month

08f6dd47 7e05 419a 8e8c 39492752b446 TABLET LANDSCAPE LARGE 16 9

Dinastia Tour By Peso Pluma, Tito Double P & Friends

Friday April 24, 2026 12:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 12:00 AM
Lakewood Amphitheatre Cost: $55.00 – $195.00
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Concerts
No description provided [click here for more]
08f6dd47 7e05 419a 8e8c 39492752b446 TABLET LANDSCAPE LARGE 16 9

Dinastia Tour By Peso Pluma & Tito Double P With Friends

Friday April 24, 2026 12:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 12:00 AM
Lakewood Amphitheatre Cost: $55.00 – $195.00
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Concerts
No description provided [click here for more]
F7ae122a D597 B94b F012283f98fe7609 600x400

Georgia State Fair (day one) at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Friday April 24, 2026 12:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 12:00 AM
Atlanta Motor Speedway Cost: $5+
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Festivals
The Georgia State Fair returns with rides, games, food vendors, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions at Atlanta Motor Speedway. [click here for more]
Stinky Cheese Man 1600x600 Cropped

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Friday April 24, 2026 10:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 10:00 AM
Center For Puppetry Arts Cost: 20.00 for non-members
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Arts::Theater, Community::Family
Puppet Shows | Ages 4+

A Stinky, Hilarious Folktale Adventure

Based on the book by Jon Scieszka & illustrated by Lane Smith Adapted by Jason Hines

Join us for the world premiere of the Center’s adaptation of this bestselling fan favorite!

Run dates: April 7–May 17, 2026

[click here for more]
Creators Large 860x645 1

Creator's Market at Atlantic Station (fridays)

Friday April 24, 2026 10:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 10:00 AM
Atlantic Station Cost: Free
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Community::Community Markets, Free Events, Arts
Dive into the Universe of Unique Artistry with Creator's Market…. where every weekend is

a vibrant symphony of art and commerce.

Unearth an eclectic trove of artists, crafters, and dynamic local businesses, all handpicked

just for you! Satisfy your cravings for the unconventional and let your sens... [click here for more]
Olmsted Plein Air Invitational V2 Scaled

12th Annual Olmsted Plein Air Invitational

Friday April 24, 2026 10:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 10:00 AM
Atlantic Station Cost: Free
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Festivals::Art Festivals, Free Events
Atlanta’s Olmsted Plein Air Invitational has grown into one of the nation’s top art events over the past decade. Now in its 12th year, it continues to showcase some of the finest plein air artists while growing Atlanta’s art scene. Our strong reputation for excellence consistently attracts top artis... [click here for more]
TaiChi3

Tai Chi at City Springs

Friday April 24, 2026 10:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 10:00 AM
City Springs Cost: $25
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Community::Health and Fitness
Experience the Power of Tai Chi on the City Green! Join us every Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 a.m. for Tai Chi, brought to you by the City of Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department in partnership with Florin Szondi of the USA Chen Taiji Center. [click here for more]
The Lake Lanier Boat Show Returns To Margaritaville At Lanier Islands April 24 26

2026 Lake Lanier Boat Show (Day 1)

Friday April 24, 2026 11:00 AM EDT 04/24/2026 11:00 AM
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Cost: $8 for kids 10 & under; $15 for adults; Free for kids 2 & under
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
The Marine Trade Association of Metro Atlanta (MTAMA) invites boaters and lake life enthusiasts to kick off the season at the 2026 Lake Lanier Boat Show. The 3-day event returns to the Margaritaville at Lanier Islands docks  Friday, 4/24, through Sunday, 4/26. Set against Lake Lanier’s scenic backdr... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
Stinky Cheese Man 1600x600 Cropped

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Friday April 24, 2026 11:45 AM EDT 04/24/2026 11:45 AM
Center For Puppetry Arts Cost: 20.00 for non-members
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Arts::Theater, Community::Family
Puppet Shows | Ages 4+

A Stinky, Hilarious Folktale Adventure

Based on the book by Jon Scieszka & illustrated by Lane Smith Adapted by Jason Hines

Join us for the world premiere of the Center’s adaptation of this bestselling fan favorite!

Run dates: April 7–May 17, 2026

[click here for more]
Digital Invite Image For Email Content

Tommy Nobis Center's Galaxy of Stars Luncheon

Friday April 24, 2026 12:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 12:00 PM
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Cost: Individual Ticket - $125, Tickets and Sponsorships Available at https://tommynobiscenter.org/galaxy
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Community, Community::Benefits
We invite you to join us at Cobb Energy Centre for Tommy Nobis Center's premier awards ceremony and fundraising luncheon. We will celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the people we serve and honor the community champions who help turn dreams into reality. [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
Festival Art 2026 Scaled

Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes 2026 (Day One)

Friday April 24, 2026 12:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 12:00 PM
Inman Park Cost: $35 presale / $40 event weekend
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Festivals::Neighborhood Festivals, Festivals::Music-Festivals, Festivals::Art Festivals, Festivals::Food & Drink Festivals, Festivals::Dance Festivals, Festivals::Cultural Festivals, Music, Arts, Food and Drink, Arts::Dance
Friday Tour of Homes kickoff for Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes. Ticketed self-guided tour of historic homes. [click here for more]
658223039 1469446924641060 3229888759006774108 N

Atlanta Film Festival 2026 (Day Two)

Friday April 24, 2026 12:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 12:00 PM
Atlanta Area Theaters Cost: $240+ for all access, see individual events for specific pricing
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Festivals
Daily Atlanta Film Festival programming including screenings, shorts blocks, and special events. [click here for more]
0328 BreezeFest 26 Banner 1K

BreezeFest 2026 (day one)

Friday April 24, 2026 12:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 12:00 PM
Northside Tavern Cost: Check site
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music, Festivals::Music-Festivals

CRITIC'S PICK:
Fri., April 24
BreezeFest, Northside Tavern - This annual two-day tribute and...

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
Concert Banner 2564x784 Thee Coronation 2026 Music Scaled

Thee Coronation 2026 (Day 1: Panels and Mixer) at Vinyl

Friday April 24, 2026 12:30 PM EDT 04/24/2026 12:30 PM
Vinyl Cost: $15–$25
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Live-Music
Thee Coronation 2026 (Day 1: Panels and Mixer) Thee Coronation is a two-day conference for the independent music industry. We connect emerging talent with music professionals through industry panels, live showcases, and networking opportunities. Past performers include Buku Abi, Cvlii, Twiggy Will... [click here for more]
Drop In Tour Tout

Drop-In Garden Tours

Friday April 24, 2026 01:30 PM EDT 04/24/2026 1:30 PM
Atlanta Botanical Garden Cost: Free with Garden admission
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of the Garden with one of our docents, free with Garden admission.

Schedule: Tuesday – Friday Location: Meet inside the Hardin Visitor Center. Time: Feb. 17 – May 29, 1:30 p.m. | June 2 – Aug. 28, 10:30 a.m. | Sept. 1 – Dec. 18, 1:30 p.m.

Please note: Tours begin earlier... [click here for more]
(4.24:4.26)StillfireSmyrna

Smyrna Spring Fling Market @ Stillfire Brewing

Friday April 24, 2026 05:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 5:00 PM
StillFire Brewing Cost: Free
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Arts, Community, Festivals, Food and Drink, Free Events, Holidays and Special Events, Music, Nightlife
Smyrna Spring Fling Market @ Stillfire Brewing

Join us for a Smyrna Spring Fling weekend at the new @stillfirebrewingsmyrna Friday, April 24th & Sunday, April 26th for a local artist market! 

Shop a wide variety of local artisans Live music

15+ beers on tap plus cocktails & wine by @stillfirebre... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
Return To Ashes 363x230

Return To Dust

Friday April 24, 2026 06:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 6:00 PM
The Masquerade Cost: $30.55 - $61.1
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Concerts
Every ending sparks a new beginning. Return to Dust embodies the sound of shedding the weight of the past while embracing the promise of tomorrow. The Los Angeles-based quartet—Matty Bielawski guitar, vocals, Graham Stanush bass, vocals, Sebastian Gonzalez guitar, and London Hudson drums— brings a f... [click here for more]
042426 Gatlin ForSite

Gatlin

Friday April 24, 2026 07:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 7:00 PM
The Masquerade Cost: $28-$74
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Concerts
Even when you try to outrun it, the past has a way of slithering out of the shadows and coiling up over your shoulders. Gatlin Thornton had long since left behind the conservative, religious upbringing in the American south and was living her life on her own terms as a young queer woman—but then the... [click here for more]
Https://cdn.evbuc.com/images/1174231094/2042939436883/1/original

New Sensation - The Inxs Tribute

Friday April 24, 2026 07:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 7:00 PM
MadLife Stage & Studios Cost: From $39.50
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Live-Music
No description provided [click here for more]
Event Default 1457 2

Willy Vlautin – The Left and the Lucky

Friday April 24, 2026 07:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 7:00 PM
A Cappella Books Cost: Free
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Arts::Books
Willy Vlautin – The Left and the Lucky [click here for more]
Event Default 1457 2

Willy Vlautin in conversation with Peter McDade – The Left and the Lucky

Friday April 24, 2026 07:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 7:00 PM
A Cappella Books Cost: Free
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Arts::Books, Free Events
Willy Vlautin in conversation with Peter McDade – The Left and the Lucky [click here for more]
2b6cf6a4 Ffec 4f09 946d 2bfe7219cc8e

Cece Coakley W/ Special Appearance From Horsepower at Eddie's Attic

Friday April 24, 2026 07:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 7:00 PM
Eddie's Attic Cost: $20.03
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Live-Music
Featuring: Cece Coakley
Cece Coakley live at Eddie's Attic w/ special appearance from Horsepower! Cece Coakley is a rising singer-songwriter living in Nashville, whose music blends indie pop, folk, and country influences into a heartfelt, melodic sound. With introspective songwriting and a laid-back vocal delivery, Coakl... [click here for more]
Chamberchoir

Pitch-a-Piece Concert

Friday April 24, 2026 07:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 7:00 PM
Ferst Center For The Arts Cost: Free
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Concerts
The Pitch-a-Piece Concert brings together Georgia Tech students for a vibrant spring performance. The program features a mix of choral classics and popular hits, highlighting the musical talents of student performers. [click here for more]
Image

Davide de Pierro at City Winery Atlanta

Friday April 24, 2026 07:00 PM EDT 04/24/2026 7:00 PM
City Winery Atlanta Cost: Sold Out
Disclaimer: All prices are current as of the posting date and are subject to change. Please check the venue or ticket sales site for the current pricing.
Music::Live-Music
City Winery Atlanta presents Davide de Pierro live on April 24th at 7pm! Davide De Pierro will be reading excerpts from his newly released novel, The Letters I Never Sent, along with an audience Q&A. Davide is a New Jersey native that has cultivated over 2.4M followers on TikTok and 1.7M f... [click here for more]

If you're in a band, an artist, run a venue, or keep your organization's calendar, we'd love to have your event on the site. Submit your event here and we'll get you on Atlanta's most comprehensive listing of events.


Atlanta Events

Arts

Art Gallery Opening Event

Community

Happenings Festival Atlanta

Food & Drink

Atlanta Food Events

Film

Movie Showing

Nightlife

NightClub Atlanta

Music

Live Music Atlanta







Creative
Loafing
FACEBOOK TWITTER INSTAGRAM NEWSLETTERS
ADVERTISE ABOUT US CONTACT SITE MAP CAREERS PRIVACY TERMS

© 2026 CREATIVE LOAFING, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Image

  • Popular
  • Latest
  • LOGIN
  • SUBSCRIBE
Departments
  • Events 
      • Atlanta Events
      • Today's Events
      • Tomorrow's Events
      • Weekend Events
      • Free Events
      • CL Critics' Recommendations
      • Submit an Event

      • Atlanta Festivals Guide
      • Food & Drink Festivals
      • Music Festivals
      • Art Festivals
      • Film & Anime Festivals
      • Book Festivals
      • Dance Festivals
      • Fantasy and Sci-Fi Festivals
      • Cultural Festivals
      • Neighborhood Festivals
      • FIFA World Cup 25™


      • All Upcoming Festivals
      • Festivals This Weekend
      • Spring Festivals
      • Summer Festivals
      • Fall Festivals

      • Holidays and Special Events

      • Popular Holidays
      • Valentine's Day
      • St. Patrick's Day
      • Fourth of July
      • Halloween
      • Christmas
      • New Year's Eve

      • MLK Day
      • Black History Month
      • Mardi Gras in Atlanta
      • Easter
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother's Day
      • Atlanta Streets Alive
      • Memorial Day
      • Pride Month - June
      • Father's Day
      • Juneteenth
      • Labor Day Weekend
      • Pride Events, Festival and Parade - October
      • Thanksgiving
  • City Guide 
      • Things to Do
      • 5 Things to Do Today
      • Atlanta Festivals
      • Attractions
      • College Guide
      • Dating Ideas
      • Historical
      • Neighborhood Events
      • Road Trips
      • Visitor's Guide
      • Weekend Getaways
      • Neighborhoods
      • Buckhead/Northside
      • College Park
      • Decatur
      • Downtown/O4W
      • East Atlanta
      • Little Five Points
      • Midtown
      • Virginia Highland
      • West End
      • Westside
      • City Guide
      • 24 Hour
      • Community
      • Landmarks
      • Lodging
      • Nightlife
      • Outdoors
      • People
      • Shops
      • Services
      • Sports
  • Restaurants 
      • Food/Reviews
      • Food Briefs
      • ATL Burger Week
      • ATL Chili Week
      • Beer
      • Breweries
      • Grazing: Cliff Bostock
      • Best Restaurants Guide
      • Barbecue
      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Cajun
      • Fine Dining
      • Hawaiian/Poke
      • Pizza
      • Sandwiches
      • Seafood
      • Southern
      • Soul Food
      • Steaks
      • Vegetarian/Vegan
      • International
      • Caribbean
      • Chinese
      • French
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Japanese
      • Korean
      • Malaysian
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • Spanish
      • Thai
      • Vietnamese
  • Arts & Culture 
      • Arts
      • Arts Briefs
      • Art Events
      • Art Classes
      • Art for Sale
      • Art Galleries
      • Art Museums
      • Atlanta Artists
      • High Museum
      • Visual Arts Events & Showings
      • List Your Event
      • Culture
      • Dance
      • Film/Movies
      • Performance Venues
      • Theater
      • Atlanta Creators
      • The Best of Atlanta
      • International
      • LGBTQ+
      • Say No to Hate
      • ATL According to...

       

  • Music & Nightlife 
      • Music
      • Music Briefs
      • Events/SoundBoard
      • New Atlanta Music
      • List Your Band

      • Music/Scenes
      • ATL Untrapped
      • Blues and Beyond
      • High Frequencies
      • Listening Post
      • The Vinyl Warhol
      • Resonance ATL

      • Atlanta Nightlife
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Comedy
      • Nightclub List
      • Late Night Food

  • News & Features 
      • News/Issues
      • News Briefs
      • Economic Issues
      • Education
      • environment
      • Government & Politics
      • Healthcare
      • Justice
      • religion
      • Race/Gender/Ethnicity
      • Urban Design
      • News/Features
      • The Blotter
      • Best of Atlanta
      • Digital Editions
      • Obituaries
      • Free Will Astrology
      • Community
      • Atlanta Metro Counties
      • Race Relations
        Resources
      • Black-owned
        Atlanta Businesses
      • COVID-19 Information
      • Atlanta Business
      • People
  • More... 
      • Advertising Information
      • Contact Us
      • Delivery Locations
      • Artists Gallery
      • Print Editions Digital Archive
      • Fun & Free
      • Add My Business
      • Privacy Policy