Martin Luther King Day we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with celebrations, art, conversations, marches, music and more. Martin Luther King Day is January 19, 2026, but the events take place on other days as well.
We are highlighting a few of the major events, but you might find the day by day list useful too. Jump to the day by day list!
Also, please check this list of what’s open and closed in Charlotte on Martin Luther King Day.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade
The MLK Day Parade returns to Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Its route is on Tryon Street, from 9th Street to Brooklyn Village Avenue.
United Way’s MLK Call to Service
United Way’s Call to Service this year will focus on packing back to school supply kits and snack packs. It takes place Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at The Park Expo, 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. Follow above link for more information and to register.
MLK Day at Gantt Center: Instrument for Change
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture is presenting an event for MLK Day on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It takes place at the Gantt Center, 511 South Tryon Street, Charlotte.
The theme this year is Instrument for Change.
This free event for all ages include story time sessions, hands-on crafts, screen-printing, film, panel discussions and more.
MLK Day Family Day Celebration with Levine Museum of the New South
Levine Museum for the New South is celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a free Family Day Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event takes place at One Independence Center, 101 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. Enjoy story time and MLK inspired arts and crafts activities.
MLK Day in Cabarrus County
The Concord-Cabarrus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Celebration includes several events:
- Wreath Laying Ceremony on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 58 Chestnut Drive SW, Concord, NC. Free event.
- MLK Keeper of the Dream Awards Banquet, Friday, January 16, 2026, Laureate Center, 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC. Ticketed event. $50.
- MLK Dream Day Parade, Monday, January 19, 2026, 11 a.m., 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis. Free event.
- MLK Dream Day, Monday, January 19, 2026, at 12 p.m., at the Laureate Center, at Kannapolis City Hall, 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis. This event includes a health fair, a minority business fair and more. Free event.
MLK Jr. Day in Huntersville
Huntersville Parks & Recreation is presenting a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., at David B. Waymer Recreation Center, 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, North Carolina.
The celebration includes speakers, performances, and a mobile museum.
This event is free to attend, and for all ages.
MLK Jr. Day Celebration in Davidson
The Town of Davidson is holding a MLK Jr. Day event on Monday, January 19, 2026, in the Davidson Town Hall and Community Center auditorium, at 251 South Street, Davidson, North Carolina, at 10 a.m. The event typically includes music and speakers.
MLK Day in Mooresville: Peace Walk, Program and Breakfast
Mission Possible: Dream Bigger takes place on January 19, 2026, at Charles Mack Center, 215 N Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina. The event starts at 9 a.m. with Peace Walk, followed by a program and breakfast at 9:30 a.m. It’s free to attend, but you need a ticket.
