Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for racial equality, human rights, and justice for all. Participate in these local service projects around your neighborhood, learn more about the Civil Rights movement, and watch a parade celebrating his life and legacy.
Reston MLK Birthday Celebration
January 17 to 19
Reston is hosting a variety of community events in honor of Martin Luther King Day, including community service projects, the Reston Community Orchestra’s tribute concert to MLK, jazz vocalist Akua Allrich’s presentation of New Moon Rising, and more. Various locations in Reston
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute 2026
January 18, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The annual celebration invites the area to enjoy an evening of performances and reflections on MLK’s legacy. The event will continue to work toward Arlington’s continued dedication to building a more inclusive and understanding community. 1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
2026 MLK Day of Service
January 19, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Volunteer Arlington is hosting service projects throughout the morning that hope to bring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s teachings into individual and community action. All ages are invited to partake in service projects like cleaning up along Columbia Pike and packaging meals to fight local food insecurity. The opening program for the event is at Washington-Liberty High School. 1301 N. Stafford St., Arlington
MLK Birthday Celebration Especially for Youth
January 19, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Parents can register children for activities designed for young people based on the history of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. The event is for kids ages 6 to 12 and lunch will be included. RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd., Reston
MLK Service and Learning Day at Frying Pan Farm Park
January 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring your littles to Frying Pan Farm Park Visitor Center to learn about MLK and the importance of giving back to the community at large. Children can rotate through stations to do a service project, learn about the Civil Rights Movement, and more. This program is for children ages 4 to adult, and all participants must be registered. 2709 West Ox Rd., Herndon
21st Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk and Parade
January 19, 11 a.m.
The theme of this year’s peace walk and parade is “The Struggle is Real! THE FIGHT IS STILL!” The parade was first conceived nearly 50 years ago by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, founder of The Washington Informer and the United Black Fund, Wilhelmina J. Rolark, former Ward 8 councilmember, and community activist and radio personality Ralph “Petey” Greene. Parade begins at Firth Sterling Avenue and Sumner Road, SE, Washington DC
3rd Annual Martin Luther King Day March for Social Justice, Unity and Racial Healing
January 19, noon to 3:30 p.m.
The Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity will hold its annual march followed by a program at Falls Church Episcopal Church. The march will start at the Tinner Hill Civil Rights Monument at the corner of Lee Highway and Tinner Hill Road and move east along Lee Highway. The program at Falls Church Episcopal will include songs and tributes to MLK and a yet-to-be-announced keynote speaker. Lee Highway and Tinner Hill Road, Falls Church
Feature image courtesy Leadership Center of Arlington
