MLK Day is a National holiday that honors and celebrates the legacy and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These celebrations take place in the form of community events, a day of service, or through cultural experiences. The commemorative day off in Chicago offers a chance for locals and visitors alike to experience the impact of the incredible civil rights leader in a way that suits them best.
Celebrate MLK Day in Chicago by exploring a multitude of events and activities, from museum visits to special community events, there is plenty to do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the city of Chicago.
MLK Day Events and Activities
King: A Life Panel with Jonathan Eig
Saturday, January 20th // 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago for a special celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Jonathan Eig, author of the 2023 bestselling biography, KING: A Life.
Jonathan will join a panel including community and Nonviolence Chicago staff members to broaden and deepen our understanding of and commitment to Dr. King’s principles of nonviolence. The panel will also cover how his philosophy guides Nonviolence Chicago’s community violence interventions. In addition to the panel, the Institute will assemble toiletry bags to be donated to members of the Austin community and ask attendees to bring any size to contribute to the toiletry bags.
DreamFest 2024: An MLK Celebration
Monday, January 15th // 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate MLK Day at the Kroc Center Chicago on Monday, January 15th. Dream Fest is a free community event featuring activities for the whole family. Participate in an open swim, gym, ongoing movies, arts and crafts, fitness demos, and more during this all-day event.
Special MLK Day Events at Chicago Museums
Monday, January 16th // Time Varies
Cost: $0 – $30
Chicago Museums make it easy to enjoy MLK Day in Chicago with family-friendly activities and events. Visit the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, and The Field Museum as they host special events to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to explore the Chicago History Museum which will offer free admission to to Illinois residents on this celebratory day.
2023 PUSH Excel Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast
Monday, January 15th // 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Cost: $150
The 34th Annual Martin Luther King Scholarship Breakfast with PUSH for Excellence is returning in person after two years bringing together leaders, businesses, and the community across the country. The annual scholarship breakfast recognizes and awards scholarships to hundreds of students across the nation.
2024 MLK Remembrance with DePaul University
Tuesday, January 16th // 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join DePaul University for an MLK Day community remembrance event, one that remembers the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a champion for equal rights and dignity for all. This year’s featured speaker will be Justice Bertina E. Lampkin (JD ’74), Illinois Appellate Court, First District. Lunch will be served to all in-person registrants during this event.
Chicago Sinfonietta Annual MLK Tribute Concert: Pulse
Monday, January 15th // 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $27 – $67
Join the Chicago Sinfonietta for their annual MLK Tribute Concert, as they pay homage to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a captivating lineup of works that celebrate the power of perseverance, triumph, and hope. Experience an inspiring program full of power and intensity. Performances take place at the Auditorium Theater.
MLK Day of Service with My Block, My Hood, My City
Monday, January 16th // 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Join My Block, My Hood, My City for their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day community event. On this special day, the local non-profit is coming together to help prepare for the M3 March on Madison to End Gun Violence. They are seeking volunteers to create picket signs, make phone calls, and take various actions to support the cause.
Healing House with Rhythm Nation: MLK Weekend
Saturday, January 13th // 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Cost: $10
Dance, release, and celebrate MLK Day with Healing House by Rhythm Factory at Heaven Gallery. Healing House is an event that uses the power of the sounds and vibrations of House music for mind, body, and soul healing. This dance session aims to create a safe space for fellowship and wellness outside of late-night drinking.
The Go Hub Presents: The North Lawndale Racial Justice Ride
Tuesday, January 15th // 10:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate MLK Day with Equiticity for their annual North Lawndale Racial Justice Ride. Celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Day while pedaling towards justice and equity.
Forest Preserves of Cook County MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 15th // 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service at the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Spend the afternoon at various preserve locations for litter clean-up, crafts, and cocoa!
MLK DAY 2024: Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows at Hyde Park Art Center
Tuesday, January 30th // 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Visit the Hyde Park Art Center for their free annual event celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! MLK DAY 2024: Yesterdays, Todays, and Tomorrows, explores the ways that history, leadership, and creativity influence our present day, futures, and beyond. From folklore to music, and conversations rooted in Afro-futurism, we honor the many ways in which Dr. King’s legacy has influenced culture through time.
I.C Stars Hack the Dream
Monday, January 15th // 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by bringing together technology and community at Hack the Dream with I.C. Stars.
This engaging event will feature a spoken word performance, a panel diving into community health and the economic and social conditions that influence inequities in health status, as well as a hack-a-thon helping to solve challenges that our community organizations are currently facing. Children 5 years of age and older are welcome at no additional charge.
