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  • 7 activities to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
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7 activities to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

From virtual celebrations to community service projects, here is how you can honor the civil rights activist this year.

By Michele Kettner January 13, 2021 at 11:20 am

It’s been over 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. died, but his legacy of activism and community service still resonates today. Whether you want to join a virtual celebration with others or volunteer for a day of service in your community, here are seven activities that are honoring Dr. King’s legacy this weekend.

VIRTUAL: Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Virtual Celebration

Friday, 7-11:45 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday with the Alexandria Black History Museum. The virtual event will include words from May Justin Wilson, entertainment from Grammy nominated singer Eric Roberson, music from the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church and much more. // free

MLK community Service Projects

Saturday & Monday, times vary
If you have the day off, take some time to give back to the community. Volunteers will be making bag lunches and sorting toiletries and cleaning supplies for local shelters and pantry programs. Registration is required. // Reston Community Center: 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston; free

2021 MLK Tribute (Virtual)

Sunday, 5-6 p.m.
Join the Encore Stage & Studio for a tribute to the civil rights activist. The theater will be performing music, spoken word, dances and dialogues for the community as a way to remember the legacy of Dr. King’s and the history of the Civil Rights Movement. // free 

Annual Dr. Martin Luther King March and Celebration

Monday, noon-1:30 p.m.
Celebrate the life of Dr. King with Leesburg’s annual celebration. The virtual event will include speeches from Reverend Al Sharpton, Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Mayor Kelly Burke. Registration is required. // free

MLK Day of Service

Monday, noon-8 p.m.
Honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. by giving back. This Monday, stop by Old Bust Head Brewery to donate eco-friendlySeventh Generation products like dish soap, dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent. All donations will be given to the Fauquier Family Shelter Services. // Old Bust Head Brewing Company: 7134 Farm Station Road, Warrenton; free

African Americans at Walney Walking tour

Monday, 2 p.m.
Spend the holiday learning about the African American families who lived at Walney. Take a tour of the estate and hear the stories of slavery, resistance and survival.  // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly; $7

National Park Service’s Fee-Free Day

Monday, times vary
Get outdoors on this special day by heading to a local National Park. National Parks across the country will be open to visitors free of admission. Here are six local parks that are partaking in the event. // Various National Parks around Virginia; free

For more events around NoVA, subscribe to our Things to do newsletter.

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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