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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events in Atlanta

Martin Luther King Jr. memorial and events

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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

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Dave Matthews Band

Friday May 15, 2026 12:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 12:00 AM
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Cost: $49.50 – $149.50
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::Concerts
No description provided [click here for more]
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Elmiene - Sounds For Someone Tour

Friday May 15, 2026 12:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 12:00 AM
Coca-Cola Roxy Cost: $25.00 – $40.00
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]
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Abolition and Slavery in 18c Philosophy

Friday May 15, 2026 12:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 12:00 AM
Emory University Center for Ethics 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::Lectures
Recent studies of eighteenth-century philosophy have generated incisive questions about the limitations of the moral and political insight of British and European philosophers who were invested in (or silent about) transatlantic slavery. During this period, the rapidly expanding traffic and enslavem... [click here for more]
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Exhibitions at Schatten Gallery at Emory (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 04:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 4:00 AM
Schatten Gallery at Emory 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::Visual Arts

CRITIC'S PICK:
Through Sat., Dec. 20
Striking Characters: Typewriters, Literary Worlds & the Art...

[click here for more]
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Exhibitions at Reeves House Visual Arts (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 04:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 4:00 AM
Reeves House Visual Arts Center 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Reeves House Visual Arts Center.

Current exhibitions: - All the Fixins: Artists From the South 2026 at Reeves House Visual Arts Center

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
Zoo Atlanta Magnum

Zoo Atlanta Daily Admission / Animal Encounters (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 05:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 5:00 AM
Zoo Atlanta Cost: Daytime general admission $29.95 - $38.20, Kids (3-11) $23.95 - $30.45
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::Nature/Outdoors
Explore current exhibitions on view at Zoo Atlanta.

Current exhibitions: - Boon the Clouded Leopard - Giant Pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
Spalding Nix Gallery

Exhibitions at Spalding Nix Gallery (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 06:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 6:00 AM
Spalding Nix Fine Art 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Spalding Nix Fine Art.

Current exhibitions: - Déjà Vu

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
ArtsXchange

Exhibitions at ArtsXchange (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 06:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 6:00 AM
ArtsXchange - Southeast Community Cultural Center 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at ArtsXchange.

Current exhibitions: - Toxic Beauty

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
Zuckerman Museum Of Art Magnum

Exhibitions at Zuckerman Museum of Art (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 06:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 6:00 AM
Zuckerman Museum of Art 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Zuckerman Museum of Art.

Current exhibitions: - Ruth V. Zuckerman Collection: Inside Out at Zuckerman Museum of Art - Project Wall North: Stephanie Smith at Zuckerman Museum of Art - Project Wall West: Vadis Turner at Zuckerman Museum of Art

- Project Wall Ea... [click here for more]
Johnson Lowe Gallery Interior

Exhibitions at Johnson Lowe Gallery (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 06:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 6:00 AM
Johnson Lowe Gallery 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Johnson Lowe Gallery.

Current exhibitions: - Sky Atlas (Critic’s Pick) - American Idols (Critic’s Pick)

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
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Exhibitions at SCADFash (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 06:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 6:00 AM
SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film Cost: $10 general 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.
Nightlife::Fashion
Explore current exhibitions on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film.

Current exhibitions: - Dior: Crafting Fashion

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
Marietta Cobb Museum Of Art Magnum

Exhibitions at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 07:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 7:00 AM
Marietta Cobb Museum of Art Cost: $10, members 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.

Current exhibitions: - Jess Self

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
Hammonds House Magnum

Exhibitions at Hammonds House Museum (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 07:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 7:00 AM
Hammonds House Museum Cost: $5 students, $10 general 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.
Arts::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Hammonds House Museum.

Current exhibitions: - Beau McCall - Rhoden Garden

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
The Sun ATL

Exhibitions at The Sun ATL (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 07:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 7:00 AM
The Sun ATL 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at The Sun ATL.

Current exhibitions: - Let’s Go Dancing: Paintings by Anna Jensen (Critic’s Pick) (Critic’s Pick)

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
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Exhibitions at Sandler Hudson Gallery (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 07:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 7:00 AM
Sandler Hudson Gallery 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::Visual Arts

CRITIC'S PICK:
Through Sat., Jan. 3
Betsy Cain: Primary, Sandler Hudson Gallery - An expansive...

[click here for more]
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Exhibitions at Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 08:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 8:00 AM
Atlanta Contemporary Cost: Free. Donations welcome.
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::Visual Arts, Free Events

CRITIC’S PICK
Sat., Jan. 31- Sun., May 17
Georgia Women to Watch 2026: A Book Arts Revolution,...

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
Kai Lin 007

Exhibitions at Kai Lin Art (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 08:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 8:00 AM
KAI LIN ART 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Kai Lin Art.

Current exhibitions: - ECHOES at Kai Lin Art

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
Spelman College Museum

Exhibitions at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 08:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 8:00 AM
Spelman College Museum of Fine Art Cost: Free. Suggested donation $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.
Arts::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Spelman College Museum of Fine Art.

Current exhibitions: - Away With The Tides: Calida Rawles (Critic’s Pick) (Critic’s Pick)

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
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Exhibitions at Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 08:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 8:00 AM
Atlanta Contemporary 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Atlanta Contemporary.

Current exhibitions: - Rejoice, Resist, Rest: Images of Black Liberation (Critic’s Pick) - Dokafleh - Bleed - A Litany for Shelter - Unbound Narratives: Embodied Language - A Book Arts Revolution

See exhibit pages for full details, ima... [click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
Atlanta Botanical Gardens Exterior2

Atlanta Botanical Gardens Exhibitions (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 09:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 9:00 AM
Atlanta Botanical Garden Cost: $26.95/weekdays, $29.95/weekend, members 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::Nature/Outdoors
Explore current exhibitions on view at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Current exhibitions: - Niki in the Garden

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
72b18 Swan House Magnum

Exhibitions at Atlanta History Center (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 09:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 9:00 AM
Atlanta History Center Cost: Free for Members, $27 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::Visual Arts

CRITIC’S PICK:
Tue., Oct. 14 - Mon., Aug. 31, 2026

Our War Too: Women in Service, Atlanta...

[click here for more]
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Truist Park Tour

Friday May 15, 2026 09:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 9:00 AM
Truist Park Cost: $37.70
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::Classes and Demos, Community
Tours begin based on the following schedule:

In-Season (April-September) Monday - Saturday : 10:00am, 11:00am, Noon, 1:00pm, 2:00pm Day Games: 9:00am Sundays: 1:00pm, 3:00pm

Off-Season (Oct-Mar) Monday - Saturday : 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm

Tours are 90 minutes in length.

[click here for more]
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Exhibitions at the Infinite at Pullman Yards (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 09:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 9:00 AM
The Infinite at Pullman Yards Cost: $32
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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at The Infinite at Pullman Yards.

Current exhibitions: - Space Explorers: The Infinite at The Infinite at Pullman Yards (Critic’s Pick)

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
High Museum

Exhibitions at High Museum (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 10:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 10:00 AM
High Museum of Art Cost: Members Free, $18.50 Not Yet 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::Visual Arts

CRITIC’S PICK:
Fri., Oct. 10 - Sun., Feb. 8
Fashion Statements: Viktor & Rolf, High Museum — This...

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
Oglethorpe

Exhibitions at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art (Fridays)

Friday May 15, 2026 10:00 AM EDT 05/15/2026 10:00 AM
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art 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::Visual Arts
Explore current exhibitions on view at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art.

Current exhibitions: - The Core Self - Yōkai Parade: Supernatural Monsters from Japan

See exhibit pages for full details, images, and critic’s picks where available.

[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.


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