Throughout the long weekend of January 18 to 20, there are several events to celebrate prominent Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in NoVA and DC. Bring family and friends to honor the legacy of MLK and his activism for freedom, equality, and justice.
40th Annual MLK Oratorical Competition and Program
January 18, 11 a.m.
Prince William County Alumnae of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority hosts “My Voice, My Choice, My Future” to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Participate in a Day of Service by donating ready-to-eat items to the Virginia Food Rescue. Also, consider joining the MLK Youth Community Choir to sing joyful tunes alongside students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Mt. Zion Baptist Church: 18410 Chapel St., Triangle, free
MLK Day of Service
January 18, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join a multitude of family-friendly service projects to celebrate MLK Day at Washington-Liberty High School and other locations around Arlington. Help clean up Four Mile Run and a local Arlington park to maintain a clean and beautiful community. The first 750 people to check in will receive a free MLK Day of Service t-shirt. Washington-Liberty High School: 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington, free
Reston Community Orchestra Annual Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
January 18, 4 p.m.
Delight in this annual musical salute, performed by the Reston Community Orchestra. The concert features selections by Duke Ellington, George Walker, Scott Joplin, and William Grant Still. Reston Community Center: 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, $18–$25
MLK Celebration: Especially for Youth
January 19, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Children can rotate through several activities, crafts, and a performance to learn about the history of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. Lunch will be provided. This event is designed for children 6 to 12 years old, and attendants should be registered in advance. Reston Community Center: 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston, free
MLK Day and Ethiopian Holidays
January 20, 12–9 p.m.
Enjoy a day of culture, community, and celebration at Negus Winery to celebrate MLK Day and Ethiopian Holidays. Hear joyous live music and taste free tibs, a popular Ethiopian dish of sliced beef or lamb, to enjoy with your wine. Negus Winery: 5509 Vine St., Alexandria, free
MLK Service and Learning Day
January 20, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by learning about this American activist and the importance of community service. Rotate through stations to collaborate in a service project and hear about the Civil Rights Movement. Children must be at least 4 years old to attend. Frying Pan Farm Park: 2739 West Ox Rd., free
Wreath Laying Service at the MLK Memorial
January 20, 8–9 a.m.
Visit the Nation’s Capital to honor the legacy of Dr. King with a wreath laying service and prayer at his memorial on the National Mall, organized by The Memorial Foundation. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial: 1964 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC, free
Feature image by Sergii Figurnyi/stock.adobe.com
