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

Fernbank Secretsofgreatsaltlake Subpagemarquee

Secrets of Great Salt Lake

Monday January 5, 2026 10:15 AM EST 01/05/2026 10:15 AM
Fernbank Museum of Natural History Cost: $0-$25.95 - includes daytime access to all museum exhibits, outdoor experiences, a film in the Giant Screen Theater, and free parking.* Add an additional film for $5 each at Admissions.
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::Film
Playing Daily at 10:15 a.m., Noon, 1:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Travel back in time to when mammoths, camels, and saber-toothed cats roamed the ancient shores of Lake Bonneville and witness its dramatic transformation into today’s Great Salt Lake in Utah, formed by one of the largest floods in Earth’s hi... [click here for more]
Gardenlights

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

Monday January 5, 2026 05:00 PM EST 01/05/2026 5:00 PM
Atlanta Botanical Garden Cost: From $26.95+
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::Family, Holidays and Special Events
Back for its 15th year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights presented by Invesco QQQ shines with new music and choreography for “Nature’s Wonders,” the world’s largest curtain of synchronized light and sound. New! The dazzling tree sculptures from this summer’s Enchanted Trees by Poetic Kinetics will li... [click here for more]
Illum

IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Lantern Festival

Monday January 5, 2026 05:30 PM EST 01/05/2026 5:30 PM
Zoo Atlanta Cost: From $17.99+
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::Family
Atlanta’s cherished holiday tradition is back, showcasing vistas of brilliantly illuminated wildlife and captivating sights that celebrate the wonders of nature. This year, we’re introducing new lanterns and experiences, transforming the Zoo into a nighttime wonderland. [click here for more]
Rahim

20 Lessons of Love Tour ft. Raheem DeVaughn

Monday January 5, 2026 06:00 PM EST 01/05/2026 6:00 PM
City Winery Atlanta Cost: From $96
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
Raheem DeVaughn, a masterful architect of soul music, has continuously ascended the ranks of artistic brilliance. This Grammy Award Winning phenomenon isn't just a singer; he's a platinum songwriter, host of the Original Quiet Storm on WHUR FM, a passionate health and human rights activist, and a lu... [click here for more]
C6598810 9942 44e8 Bd8b 8fe1d885a5bd

Eddie's Attic Songwriters Open Mic Night

Monday January 5, 2026 07:30 PM EST 01/05/2026 7:30 PM
Eddie's Attic Cost: From $11.12
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
The Eddie's Attic Songwriters Open Mic Night! For over 20 years, we’ve hosted Atlanta’s premiere SONGWRITERS OPEN MIC for the performing songwriter. National and local acts perform 2 songs each, with 3 finalists returning for a third song at the end of the evening for a chance to win a cash prize ... [click here for more]
Img 6266 Edit Med 1200

Northside Tavern Lola’s Jam

Monday January 5, 2026 08:00 PM EST 01/05/2026 8:00 PM
Northside Tavern Cost: No Cover
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, Music::Live-Music
Featuring: Lola's Jam Band
Weekly performance by Northside Tavern Lola’s Jam [click here for more]
Seangaskillkora

Musical Booking: West African Kora at the Decatur Library

Tuesday January 6, 2026 06:30 PM EST 01/06/2026 6:30 PM
Decatur Library 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.
Free Events, Music, Music::Live-Music
Experience the sounds of West Africa at Decatur Library! Musician Sean Gaskell will perform on the Kora, a traditional 21-string harp. Gaskell studied the Kora in Gambia under master musicians. During this event, he will play traditional songs and explain the instrument’s 800-year history. The Kor... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
2024 Kate Dramiscredit Nicole Tyler Photography

Kate Dramis & Julian Winters- The Odds of You

Tuesday January 6, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/06/2026 7:00 PM
Eagle Eye Book Shop Cost: Free with Book Purchase
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.
Kate Dramis & Julian Winters- The Odds of You

We are so excited to celebrate the release of Kate Dramis' first contemporary romance, The Odds of You! A purchase of The Odds of You from us is your ticket to attend the event.

Kate will be joined in conversation by Julian Winters and we can't wait!... [click here for more]
Oddsofyoufb

Kate Dramis & Julian Winters - The Odds of You

Tuesday January 6, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/06/2026 7:00 PM
Eagle Eye Book Shop Cost: $19
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
We are so excited to celebrate the release of Kate Dramis' first contemporary romance, The Odds of You! A purchase of The Odds of You from us is your ticket to attend the event.

Kate will be joined in conversation by Julian Winters and we can't wait!

[click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
0df8b276 2fd2 4c2d Bf94 D0557e753b6a

Jarvis Taylor

Tuesday January 6, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/06/2026 7:00 PM
Eddie's Attic Cost: From $26.70
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.
Music::Live-Music
Jarvis Taylor live at Eddie's Attic! Atlanta’s Jarvis Taylor spins heartfelt songwriting into a harmony-soaked mix of indie, classic and country rock. Led by Adam Pressman and Julie Etzel, the band’s sound is all hooks, harmonies and heart; think the Laurel Canyon sound meets The Jayhawks. The ban... [click here for more]
HellsKitchen 1180x664 F2d3a44a08

Broadway in Atlanta presents Hell's Kitchen (Opening Night)

Tuesday January 6, 2026 07:30 PM EST 01/06/2026 7:30 PM
Fox Theatre Cost: $49-$197.50
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.
Arts::Theater

CRITIC'S PICK:
Tue., Jan. 6 - Sun., Jan. 11
Hell's Kitchen by Alicia Keys, Fox Theatre - Not to...

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
25.26 SP2 760x500 43f7f42546

The Four Seasons

Tuesday January 6, 2026 08:00 PM EST 01/06/2026 8:00 PM
Atlanta Symphony Hall Cost: $70-$140
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
Hear the irresistible music that made Antonio Vivaldi a household name. The Four Seasons captures the elation of springtime and deep winter chill bundled in violinistic fireworks. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra opens with the perfect pairing to Vivaldi, the fierce and driving Symphony No. 25 by the ... [click here for more]
Nathalie Rose25 2392

Nathalie Rose

Tuesday January 6, 2026 08:00 PM EST 01/06/2026 8:00 PM
Northside Tavern Cost: No Cover
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, Music::Live-Music
Featuring: Nathalie Rose
Weekly performance by Nathalie Rose [click here for more]
Unnamed

Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics present "Olde Soul"

Tuesday January 6, 2026 08:00 PM EST 01/06/2026 8:00 PM
Smith's Olde Bar Cost: $15.62 ($12 + $3.62 fee)+
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

CRITIC'S PICK:
Tues., Jan. 6
Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics, Smith's Olde Bar - Local soul diva...

[click here for more]
CL RECOMMENDS
1ce39f72 E16c 428d 910e 05d527448377

Tanner Laws Band And Joe Bryson

Tuesday January 6, 2026 09:00 PM EST 01/06/2026 9:00 PM
Eddie's Attic Cost: From $16.68
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
Tanner Laws Band and Joe Bryson live at Eddie's Attic! Born and raised in the mountains of Western Montana is a country artist named Tanner Laws. His love for authentic storytelling guided Tanner to be influenced by artists like Marty Robbins, Keith Whitley, and Turnpike Troubadours. His admiratio... [click here for more]

Vic Bowee Experience

Wednesday January 7, 2026 12:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 12:00 PM
Pink Lion Jazz Club Cost: $25.00
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::Live-Music
Celebrate The New Year As We Welcome You To The Pink Lemonade Series 

Vic Bowie And His Awesome Band Will Surely Get You Out Of Your Seats To Dance! We'Re Celebrating Birthdays - See Your Picture On The Big Screen Wall On Your Birthday Or Anniversary!

Live Band/Dancing/Lots Of Fun....We'Ve Got It Al... [click here for more]
The Hoodie In Hip Hop Wine & Design 2

Wine & Design: The Hoodie in Hip Hop

Wednesday January 7, 2026 05:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 5:00 PM
MODA (Museum of Design Atlanta) Cost: $10-$20
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
MODA opens the new year with an immersive Wine & Design program that digs into one of Hip Hop’s most enduring symbols: the hoodie. Co-curator and cultural critic Regina N. Bradley, Ph.D., joins the museum for an evening that traces how this familiar garment grew into a marker of identity, resistance... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
C2

Jazz & Martini Night ($10 Espresso Martinis)

Wednesday January 7, 2026 06:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 6:00 PM
Buena Vida Tapas Bar 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
Martinis, live jazz from local musicians, and the perfect ambiance. Music starts at 6 PM paired with $10 espresso martinis and half off all wine bottles at Buena Vida Tapas !

The perfect unwind for date night, girls night out or a solo evening of vibes.

Every Wednesday from 6-9 PM

Featuring:

... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
Event Image 1

Bona Fide Deluxe/ Vin ATL Trivia Night Dog Adoption Event

Wednesday January 7, 2026 06:30 PM EST 01/07/2026 6:30 PM
Bona Fide Deluxe 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::Pets
Stop by as we collaborate with Bona Fide Deluxe and Vin ATL for a Dog Adoption Event! All family members are welcome to join, including any four-legged ones. We are offering dog adoptions with different adoptable pets present throughout the event from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM onsite at Bona Fide Deluxe/ Vi... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
Karaoke+night+FT+size

Karaoke Night W/ Music Mike

Wednesday January 7, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 7:00 PM
Boggs Social & Supply Cost: No Cover
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.
Join us (almost) every Wednesday night at Boggs Social & Supply for Karaoke Night with Music Mike! [click here for more]
Banner

Jazz Legacy Project: A Tribute to Pat Metheny

Wednesday January 7, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 7:00 PM
Eddie Owen presents: Red Clay Music Foundry 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.
Music
Our monthly Jazz Residency - each installment is a tribute to a different jazz legend!

    What is the Jazz Legacy Project?

Created in 2015 after an epiphany Justin Varnes had while teaching Jazz History at Georgia State University, the JLP has an ongoing residency at the Velvet Note jazz club in ... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
JLP 2025

Jazz Legacy Project: A Tribute to Pat Metheny

Wednesday January 7, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 7:00 PM
Eddie Owen presents: Red Clay Music Foundry Cost: $25 advance ($30 day of show)
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
General Admission: $25 advance ($30 day of show)

  Our monthly Jazz Residency - each installment is a tribute to a different jazz legend!    

What is the Jazz Legacy Project?Created in 2015 after an epiphany Justin Varnes had while teaching Jazz History at Georgia State University, the JLP has an on... [click here for more]
January Open Mic Night (2160 X 1080 Px)

Literary Open Mic

Wednesday January 7, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 7:00 PM
Wild Aster Books Cost: $5.40
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, Arts::Books, Arts::Spoken Word, Arts::Theater, Community, Nightlife::Open Mic
Join us for a night of creativity and community at Wild Asters' Literary Open Mic. Share your fiction, nonfiction, poetry, plays, spoken word, and more! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 PM. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity t... [click here for more]
USER SUBMITTED
Fbbcfab3 7704 426b A447 7eefa1cf05fe

Whitney Bjerken, Ellakate, And Cece Benz

Wednesday January 7, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 7:00 PM
Eddie's Attic Cost: From $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
Whitney Bjerken, ellakate, and Cece Benz live at Eddie's Attic! Whitney Bjerken is a 20 year old alternative pop singer-songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia, known for her emotive sound and introspective lyrics. A former nationally ranked gymnast, she transitioned to music after years of success in th... [click here for more]
69504ec48c08c5c5f72592a0 Image (4)

Deconstruct and Reassemble ~ Literary Open Mic

Wednesday January 7, 2026 07:00 PM EST 01/07/2026 7:00 PM
The Supermarket Cost: Prices start from: $0
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::Community Markets
Calling all writers and performers! Please join us for Deconstruct & Reassemble, a literary open mic hosted by Hunter Hall. This is the perfect space to share your poems, stories, jokes, raps, scripts, and more - finished or not. The final 15 minutes will be dedicated to feedback, workshopping, and ... [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