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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events in Atlanta, 2026

CL's guide to honoring this city's most famous citizen

Browse MLK Day events and recommendations for what Atlanta has to offer on this federal holiday.
 

About MLK Day

The celebration of Civil Rights hero and Atlanta native, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., takes place annually on the Monday following King's birthday. The day starts with a commemorative service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, followed by a march through downtown Atlanta that starts at the corner of Baker & Peachtree Streets continues to Auburn Avenue, ending at The King Center.

MLK Day Events

List of MLK Day Events:

The King Center’s 2026 Beloved Community Global Summit (Day 1)

01/15/2026 9:00 AM

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Join world leaders, changemakers, and visionaries—including Keynote Speaker Dr. Bernice A. King (The King Center), Paige Alexander (The Carter Center), Jill Savitt (National Center for Civil and Human Rights), Howard Wright (NVIDIA), and distinguished civic, corporate, and community partners—for a t...

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The King Center’s 2026 Beloved Community Global Summit (Day 2)

01/16/2026 9:00 AM

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Join world leaders, changemakers, and visionaries—including Keynote Speaker Dr. Bernice A. King (The King Center), Paige Alexander (The Carter Center), Jill Savitt (National Center for Civil and Human Rights), Howard Wright (NVIDIA), and distinguished civic, corporate, and community partners—for a t...

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Beloved Community Teach-in

01/17/2026 8:00 AM

Virtual

Join The King Center’s Beloved Community Teach-In, a global learning movement! This global event ignites the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King through inspirational learning journeys.

Transform your classroom into a launchpad for values-based learning!

Educators, register ...

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MLK Jr. Beloved Community Awards

01/17/2026 7:30 PM

Hyatt Regency Atlanta

The MLK,Jr. Beloved Community Awards honor individuals and organizations whose leadership and impact reflect Dr. King’s vision of justice and unity. This signature event features a pre-reception, an inspiring awards program, and performances by renowned artists and will take place at the Hyatt Regen...

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2026 Clayton County MLK Day Parade & Celebration

01/19/2026 10:00 AM

Tracey Wyatt Recreation Complex

Join the community on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the Clayton County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade & Celebration, presented by the City of College Park Recreation & Cultural Arts Department. The MLK Day Parade takes place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, featuring marching groups, music, an...

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The Sun ATL Artists Talk with Kosmo Vinyl and Vyvyan Hughes

01/19/2026 11:00 AM

The Sun ATL

Brilliant!

The Sun ATL one year anniversary show
16 January - 21 March 2026

Twenty-one artists, four generations, three continents - over 100 original works celebrating a year of art, community, and defiant optimism in Sweet Auburn.

Exhibition Opening Weekend Schedule:

Friday, January 16, 6-...

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Atlanta Festivals

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