In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, this year’s federal holiday will once again be a day of service, love, and social change. Embrace peace and solidarity with these free activities that celebrate the civil rights icon the weekend of January 13–15. This year the holiday falls on King’s actual birthday, January 15.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tour
January 13 and 14, 2–2:30 p.m.; January 15, 4–4:30 p.m.
Pay a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at West Potomac Park with a guided tour from a ranger on Saturday or Sunday. On Monday, listen to a special talk about King’s impact on civil rights and the Voting Rights Act. 1964 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Arlington’s Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute
January 14, 5–6:30 p.m.; January 15, 8:30 a.m.–noon
Catch creative performances from students highlighting themes of social justice at Wakefield High School. The next day, volunteer at the MLK Day of Service event to help the community. Wakefield High School: 1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington; Washington-Liberty High School: 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, free
National Parks Free Entrance
January 15, 7 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Dive into nature with free entry to national parks nationwide on Monday. Take this as a sign to discover the natural beauty of Virginia, including Shenandoah National Park and Great Falls Park. Shenandoah National Park: 3655 U.S. Hwy. 211 E., Luray; Great Falls Park: 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, free
33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King March and Celebration at Leesburg
January 15, 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
March from the Loudoun Courthouse to the Douglass Community Center for Loudoun County’s MLK Celebration, followed by refreshments, music, and presentations. Drop off donations of nonperishable food, gloves, scarves, coats, and hats at Frederick Douglass Elementary. Loudoun County Courthouse: 18 E. Market St., Leesburg; Frederick Douglass Elementary: 100 Cedarmeade Ave., Winchester, free
MLK Holiday Peace Walk
January 15, 9:45 a.m.–2 p.m.
Join the annual two-mile walk along MLK Ave in Southeast DC together with a thousand ‘Peace Walkers’ calling for an end to all forms of violence. Sheperd Parkway: 5000 Overlook Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
The People’s Holiday: The Many Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 15, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture will host original works made by students from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts inspired by King’s life. The museum also houses the original “I Have a Dream Speech” from the 1963 March on Washington. 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free, timed entry passes required
51st Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Program at Alexandria
January 15, 4–5:30 p.m.
Enjoy inspiring music, delicious food, and a panel of experts discussing the lasting significance of King’s life and message. “Shifting the Cultural Climate: Violence Ceases and Love Prevails” is the theme for this year’s program. George Washington Masonic National Memorial: 101 Callahan Dr., Alexandria, free, registration required
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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