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Martin Luther King Jr Day

an event photo from 2019. (Seattle Martin Luther King Jr Organizing Coalition)

Martin Luther King Jr Day: Family-friendly events around Seattle

Plenty of places to attend a celebration

Martin Luther King Day in Seattle, 2025: Monday, Jan. 20, is the national holiday commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

Whether you decide to attend a march or honor Dr. King quietly in your own way, take the opportunity to explore and share his message of community, service, and equality.

Photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn

Photo by Lisa Hagen Glynn/Hardlyraining

Martin Luther King Day Seattle: March and rally

The marquee event in Seattle is the annual march and rally sponsored by the Seattle Area Martin Luther King Organizing Coalition. The rally takes place at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan 20th, at the Garfield High School front parking lot. The march is set to depart at 12:30 p.m.; however, the exact route is not being publicized.

There will be an opportunity fair and resume review from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the school and workshops will be held in classrooms starting at 9:15 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. See full list here.

Northwest African American Museum

The Northwest African American Museum’s Martin Luther King Day 2025 celebration returns to honor the life, legacy, and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This family-friendly event includes two new exhibitions by local talents, Myron Curry’s “Where Do We Go From Here?” and AshaAung Helmstetter’s “Recognition, Love, and Healing”, that delve into the diversity of the Black experience. There will be a resource expo, community conversations, interactive family activities, storytelling, book giveaways, and more. There will be a storytime presenting the children’s book “Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier, that brings to life the story of one of the most influential civil rights leaders of all time, and is a great educational opportunity for kids.

On January 18th, the MLKOC will host an event at NAAM from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will include a community gathering on gun violence and youth networking opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Food will be provided.

Martin Luther King Day Seattle: Do something good

The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of community service and volunteering, and the holiday often features large work parties and volunteer opportunities. Here is a compiled list of volunteer opportunities for the whole family to participate in on MLK Day.

The United Way of King County also has a searchable list of volunteer opportunities. (Tip: filter for “family-friendly” activities)

You don’t need to organize many people to do good in your community; you can easily pick up some tasks to do yourself that will greatly impact your community. Some ideas include picking up litter in your neighborhood, helping a neighbor with their household activities, or donating to a food bank or other nonprofit.

RelatedMore ways your family can volunteer

Volunteers helping on MLK day

Photo credit: City of Lynnwood

 

Free entrance day at National Parks and State Parks

National and State Parks offer free admission on Monday, January 20, 2025. For more free entrance days throughout the year, read our list of free admission days at state and national parks.

Observing MLK Day on your own

The King Center is an excellent resource for learning about Dr. King’s life and teachings. Stanford University also has an institute with an extensive online collection, including an annotated version of the “I Have a Dream” speech. Pinterest also offers many other ideas.

Read: Even the youngest kids can begin to learn about Dr. King and his message, and there are lots of books to help. Here is just one list, put together by PBS. and the King County Library System has this list of books on Dr. King.

Crafting with younger kids is a wonderful way to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and make learning fun! One delightful idea is to create a “peace” craft by drawing and coloring peace signs that you can proudly display in your window. Another enjoyable activity is to use a free printable to color a lovely picture of MLK with crayons and colored markers—it’s a fantastic way to express creativity during this special holiday!

 

Seattle MLK Day 2025: More events

Celebration for MLK Day – Lakewood

Date/Time: Saturday, January 11. 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

Location: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Avenue S.W., Lakewood, WA 98498

Cost: Free

The city of Lakewood recognition event will celebrate Dr. King by uniting the city’s annual Wellness Walk with its Dr. King celebration. The community is invited to come together for the MLK Welcome Walk. This family-friendly event will feature fun for everyone, including live music from DJ Super Dave, vendors, and food trucks. There will be free giveaways of Beloved Community SWAG, including mugs, tote bags, buttons, and bookmarks. They will have welcome guides to show you where to go when you arrive. Walks are planned around the one-mile paved Waughop Lake trail in the park. There will be staggered start times.

King County MLK Celebration

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 14. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center, 400 S 2nd St, Renton, WA 98057

Cost: Free event, RSVP here.

King County is hosting the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center and will be broadcast virtually by KCTV. RSVP for this FREE event using this link.

 

Community Celebration at South Seattle College

Date/Time: Friday, January 17. 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Brockey Center South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Cost: Free, but RSVP here.

Seattle College will hold its 52nd annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., at Brockey Center at South Seattle College on Friday, Jan. 17. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for breakfast and socializing. The program will include keynote speaker Tim Wise, National and International Award-Winning Gospel Choir music, Danell Daymon and Greater Works, and emcee by the two-time Emmy Award-winning reporter and morning anchor for Kiro 7 TV, Deedee Sun. Reverend Dr. Phyllis Beaumonteand will pray and give blessings. If you plan to attend this year’s celebration, please RSVP by Friday, January 3, at 5 p.m. to ensure enough food and seating for everyone.

 

Federal Way MLK Day Celebration

Date/Time: Saturday, January 18. 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Location: Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way South, Federal Way

Cost: Free event, RSVP here.

The City of Federal Way, along with the Federal Way Diversity Commission, invites families to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This FREE event will showcase inspiring speakers, impactful performances, and valuable opportunities to connect with others and pay tribute to Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and love for everyone. Assist them in giving back to the community by donating non-perishable food items at the event to support the Multi-Service Center. Donations will be accepted from 10 AM to 2 PM during the event.

 

Celebrate MLK Day at Imagine Children’s Museum

Date/Time: January 18-20. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Location: Imagine Children’s Musem, 1502 Wall St, Everett, WA 98201

Cost: Included with museum admission. $22 for adult and children admission, FREE for babies 12 months and under.

Join Imagine Children’s Museum for a weekend of fun and meaningful activities that honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of peace, kindness, and community. Guests can enjoy special hands-on activities throughout the holiday weekend. This family-friendly event will have a friendship bracelet exchange, collaborative dream quilt, “Free to Be You and Me” Parade (each day at 1 p.m.) and more. All activities are included with admission.

 

MLK Celebration at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Date/Time: Sunday, January 19. 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

Location: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 550 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Cost: Free, register here.

Kitsap ERACE, Living Arts Cultural Heritage Project, and other local social justice organizations return to BIMA for this year’s youth-led and youth-developed Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. This family-friendly event will feature poetry, dance, presentations, music, singing, and community voices to educate and create a fun learning space for all ages.

 

MLK Tribute and Celebration in Edmonds

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Location: Edmonds Waterfront Center, 220 Railroad Ave Box 717, Edmonds, WA 98020

Cost: Free

Join the 7th Annual Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Inspiring a Beloved Community program for families and children through songs, artistic expression, and dance. This family-friendly event will feature preparing healthy snacks, dancing, games, children’s book readings, youth performances, and arts and crafts.

 

MLK Day at Hands on Children’s Museum

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Location: Hands-on-Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson Street NE Olympia, WA 98501

Cost: Free with admission or membership. $16-$18.95 per person. Get tickets.

Celebrate kindness & community! Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with special art activities and collaborative projects on January 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hands on Children’s Museum located in Olympia. Activities will include painting, crafting, walking through the timeline of Dr Martin Luther King Junior’s life and legacy, and more.

 

Young People’s March for Peace and Kindness

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Location: Kitsap Regional Library, Bainbridge Island, 1270 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Cost: Free event

The Young People’s March for Peace and Kindness and is an opportunity for families to practice service in the spirit of MLK Day. Children of all ages, their families, and community members are invited to gather for letter writing between 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the Bainbridge Island Library. At 11:15 a.m. everyone will march together to the Winslow Post Office to mail all of the letters. Bring signs, banners, friends, and your own stamps. Addresses and inspiration provided. Dress appropriately for the weather, since the march will happen in rain or shine.

 

The Greater Everett MLK Community March and Rally

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Location: Everett Memorial Stadium, 3900 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201

Cost: Free

Join the Annual Greater Everett Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration March and Rally event. Beginning at the Everett Memorial Stadium, this march kicks off at 11 a.m., and stops at the VOAWW Carl Gipson Center with music, food, community resources, occasional speakers, their Prodigies For Peace Youth Award Winners presentation, and more. This event welcomes individuals, families, schools, classes, organizations, and businesses to march together and show off their groups theme appropriate spirit with flags, signs, t-shirts, banners and more.

 

 

Health Fair MLK Celebration – Bellevue

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Crossroads Bellevue Shopping Center, 15600 NE 8th St, Bellevue, WA 98008

Cost: Free event

The City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority invite all to the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Health Fair on MLK Day. The event will feature local providers, vendors and wellness organizations as well as live performances from local musicians and remarks from Bellevue leaders. The event will have live performances are by local artists including Roz McCommon and Sonny Byers.

 

City of Tacoma Annual MLK Celebration

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Location: Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center, 1516 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA98402

Cost: Free

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the City of Tacoma’s annual event. Meet with staff from the Washington State Historical Society and other community organizations. Guests can learn about Black Washington, their award-winning app and educational platform that explores the statewide history of Black Washingtonians through stories, influential icons, and significant landmarks. There will be a community outreach fair at 11 a.m., and the celebration will start at 1 p.m.

 

Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on Vashon Island

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

Location: Vashon Center For The Arts, 19600 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070

Cost: Free

Come together for a FREE annual event in celebration of MLK’s universal message of justice, change, education, equality, and service. During this celebration, there will be storyteller Eva Abram, dancer Franchesska Berry, music provided by the VHS Wind Ensemble, and small bites catered by chef Chantel Jackson’s “Thyme Well Spent”. As a way to help serve the community and address food insecurity, bring an unopened, nonperishable food item to donate to the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank.

 

When School is out, Pools are in: Eastside Community Pool

Date/Time: Monday, January 20. 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Eastside Community Center, 3424 East L St. Tacoma, WA 98404

Cost: Free admission for Tacoma Public School students, $5 for others

When school is out, come to your local Metro Parks Tacoma indoor pool for free recreational swimming hours. Celebrate MLK Day at one of their indoor pool locations (Eastside Community Center, Norpoint Pool, People’s Pool) at 1:30 p.m., for fun water activities for your kids.

 

 

More to do on MLK Day

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See more things to do on our family events calendar

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