Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day to honor the civil rights crusader and is also a great time to teach kids what the Nobel Peace Prize winner stood for. The annual holiday has also been designated as a national day of service for families to work to better their communities.
There are plenty of family-friendly events now to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy on and around Jan. 19, 2026.
This article was updated on Dec. 26, 2026, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update includes adding family friendly MLK Jr. Day events to the ChicagoParent.com calendar and highlighted included the best MLK Jr. Day events to check out with your family. For questions, contact Kari at kari@chicagoparent.com.
Open Mic and Poetry Contest: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. at Woodson Regional Branch
Jan. 15, 2026
- Address: 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 10-18 can take part in an open mic and poetry contest to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. through songs, poems, raps and speeches.
Black Creativity Family Day at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Jan. 19, 2026
- Address: 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free w/general admission
Families can participate in a day of community art experience, engage in creative activities and explore a juried art exhibition. For all ages.
Family Event | Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Chicago History Museum
Jan. 19, 2026
- Address: 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free w/museum admission
Enjoy this annual family-friendly event at the Chicago History Museum. There will be activities and performances for all ages.
“The Fierce Urgency of Now” Opening Reception at IMAN
Jan. 19, 2026
- Address: 2745 West 63rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
“The Fierce Urgency of Now” Opening Reception invites the community to celebrate the launch of an inspiring art exhibition centered on Dr. King’s call to confront, “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” The exhibit explores themes of justice, identity and social change. Join artists, organizers and attendees for an evening of creative expression, conversation, and connection as the show kicks off with a reception full of compelling work and meaningful dialogue.
Chicago Sinfonietta’s Annual MLK Tribute Concert at Auditorium Theater
Jan. 19, 2026
- Address: 50 E. Ida B Wells Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $30-$50
“Open Heart” with the Chicago Sinfonietta is a vibrant concert experience celebrating community and connection through music. Featuring dynamic performances that blend classical and contemporary sounds, this event invites audiences to feel, reflect and come together through the power of inclusive orchestral art.
MLK Day: Protest Art and R&B
Jan. 20, 2026
- Address: 929 W. Buena Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a guided exploration of the Chicago Public Library’s online archives, accompanied by the sounds of rhythm and blues from the period.
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