Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn’t just a long weekend — it’s a chance for families across the region to pause, reflect, and come together in the spirit of service, community, and equality.
MLK Day in Seattle in 2026 falls on Monday, Jan. 19, and events across the city and greater Puget Sound will honor Dr. King’s legacy through marches, performances, museum programming, volunteer opportunities, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re planning to attend Seattle’s annual MLK Day march, looking for meaningful ways to celebrate with kids, or hoping to give back through service, there are many ways to take part.
Below, you’ll find a curated guide to MLK Day Seattle 2026 events, including the city’s main march and rally, family-friendly celebrations, regional events, and ideas for honoring Dr. King at home.
When is MLK Day in Seattle in 2026?
MLK Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year in honor of the birthday and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many schools, government offices, and public institutions are closed or operating on modified schedules, while community organizations and cultural institutions host special events throughout the day.
In Seattle and across the Puget Sound region, MLK Day is widely recognized as a day of service, reflection, and community action, with marches, rallies, museum programming, and volunteer opportunities designed to engage people of all ages.
Seattle’s Main MLK Day March & Rally
2026 March and Rally
- Date/Time: Monday, January 19th. Rally at 11 a.m., march begins at 12:30 p.m.
- Location: Garfield High School front parking lot
- Cost: Free
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 19th, 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. Garfield High School will be open for workshops from 9:30 – 10:50. Visit the RainierAvenueRadio.World Facebook page for live broadcast.
Family-Friendly MLK Day Events in Seattle
King County MLK Celebration
- Date/Time: Thursday, January 15. 5-6 p.m.
- Location: Pigott Auditorium, Seattle University, 901 12th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122
- Cost: Free event
Community members and King County employees are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Free food and drinks, remarks by Executive Girmay Zahilay, Council Chair Sarah Perry, and presentation of the Larry Gossett Service Award.
Community Celebration at South Seattle College
- Date/Time: Friday, January 16. 9 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 53rd annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., at Brockey Center at South Seattle College on Friday, Jan. 16. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. for breakfast and networking. The program will be Emcee’d by Monique Ming Laven and includes music by DaNell Dayman and a community conversation.
Seattle Parks and Recreation MLK Day March and Celebration
- Date/Time: Saturday, January 17. Gather at 11 a.m., then march to the community center at 12:30 p.m. for a celebration.
- Location: March begins at MLK Jr. Memorial Park, 2200 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, and ends at Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave S, Seattle
- Cost: Free
Gather at MLK Jr Memorial park for speeches and community, then join in a youth-led march to Rainier Community Center for a celebration with food, music, and community.
King Day at Northwest African American Museum
- Date/Time: Monday, January 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location: Northwest African American Museum
- Cost: Free
NAAM’s annual King Day celebration returns to honor the life, legacy, and sacrifice of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The theme is “Forward Together, With Courage As Our Compass.” A schedule of events is coming soon.
MLK Kids’ Creative Workshop West Seattle
- Date/Time: Monday, January 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Location: 10248 34th Ave SW, 98146, 10248 34th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146
- Cost: $150 per child, enroll here www.madeleineskidsclasses.com
This full-day, drop-off camp is for ages 4 and up. Kids will learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and the meaning of celebrating his life and message. We will use a variety of materials and creative projects to express our hopes for the future and our commitment to peace and celebration of diversity. Kids willlearn how to paint a beautiful Peace Dove, create a diversity wreath and celebrate by making MLK birthday cupcakes and handmade candles.
Health Fair MLK Celebration – Bellevue
- Date/Time: Monday, January 19, 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.
MLK Day Events Around the Puget Sound
Celebration for MLK Day – Lakewood
- Date/Time: Thursday, January 15, 6-8 p.m.
- Location: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Avenue S.W., Lakewood, WA 98498
- Cost: Free
The evening events from 6-8 pm will feature dynamic performances, hands-on workshops, and a keynote address by Dr. John Scott. There will be family-friendly activities, including free face painting, balloon making, dream board creation, and a collaborative community quilt project. Attendees can explore a student art show, library book display, and screenings of civil rights videos, then stay for a complimentary dinner.
“All the corresponding activities and performances at the Beloved Community Celebration tie back directly to the six impacts of Martin Luther King,” said Martinez. These six impacts are Civil Rights & Social Rights, Promoting Traits of a Beloved Community, Community Service & Love of Family, Embracing Diversity, Freedom of Voice and Equal/Accessible Education. From Japanese drumming to spoken word artistry and an art show, the celebration will be filled with ways for attendees to honor MLK’s vision for a Beloved Community.
The evening will also feature a powerful performance of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf from 7:30-9:30. This play has strong themes and is recommended for audiences 15 years or older. Seats are limited for this play so please reserve your FREE tickets now.
Federal Way MLK Day Celebration
- Date/Time: Saturday, January 17. 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
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.
Celebrate MLK Day at Imagine Children’s Museum
- Date/Time: January 17-19. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Location: Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall St, Everett, WA 98201
- Cost: Included with museum admission. $22 for adult and children admission, FREE for children under 2.
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. Families are invited to take part in We Have a Dream Weekend, a celebration of creativity, reflection, and community. Activities include creating dream clouds, contributing to a unity hands mural, enjoying read-alouds, participating in a march for dreams, and building a kindness chain together throughout the Museum. All activities are included with admission.
MLK Redeeming the Prophetic Vision at Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus
- Date/Time: Sunday, January 18th, 2 – 4 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
- Location: The Evergreen State College, Tacoma Campus 1210 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
- Cost: Donation, register here
This intergenerational, multi-ethnic, and participatory event will feature uplifting performances by local artists and musicians, blessings and libations from spiritual leaders, and the presentation of the 2025 Social Justice Awards. Attendees will also learn from local groups providing innovative approaches to creating resilient and diverse communities grounded in equity and justice. As part of the event’s restorative experience — if you’re able — please bring donations of warm, clean clothing,camping gear (tents, tarps, 18-hr hand warmers, etc.), and toiletries (including deodorant and feminine hygiene products) for our unhoused neighbors. Donations accepted.
MLK Celebration at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
- Date/Time: Sunday, January 18. 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
Join us on the 18th to joyfully connect with the community to help continue Dr. King’s work of building a just and inclusive beloved community. No registration is required for the Social Justice Social, but registration is required for the Community Celebration and the Harvesting Hope for a “Dream Deferred.”
MLK Tribute and Celebration in Edmonds
- Date/Time: Monday, January 19. 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Edmonds Waterfront Center, 220 Railroad Ave Box 717, Edmonds, WA 98020
- Cost: Free
Join the 8th 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 take place at the Edmonds Waterfront Center from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Activities will include 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 19. 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. $19.95 per person, children ages 0-17 months are free | 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 19. 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 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 19, 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 am.
City of Tacoma Annual MLK Celebration
- Date/Time: Monday, January 19, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Location: Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
- Cost: Free
Theater performances at the History Museum will bring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy to life. Tacoma Arts Live presents 11 Days in the Life of Dr. King in the auditorium at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Created by Lucas Smiraldo and co-written with Antonio Edwards & Zeek Green, 11 Days tells the story of Dr. King’s life and legacy through 11 vignettes that include music, dance, shadow play, and historic images. This program emphasizes King’s connection with communities, how he challenged and transformed our nation, and his message of respecting the dignity and rights of all. Ultimately, the show encourages audiences to carry on Dr. King’s mission and legacy every day.
Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Vashon Island
- Date/Time: Monday, January 19, 4 – 6 p.m.
- Location: Vashon Center For The Arts, 19600 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070
- Cost: Free
Join Vashon Center for the Arts for a free screening of SELMA, the Oscar-nominated film directed by Ava DuVernay. In recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we gather to remember Dr. King’s groundbreaking leadership and enduring impact on the civil rights movement. The marches from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery to secure voting rights for black Americans are depicted in this docudrama set during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, and which focuses on the actions of Martin Luther King Jr. Rating: PG-13 for disturbing thematic material, including violence, a suggestive moment, and brief strong language.
MLK Day of Service & Giving Back
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is deeply rooted in service to others, and for many families, MLK Day is an opportunity to turn reflection into action.
Across Seattle and the Puget Sound region, organizations host MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities, ranging from environmental cleanups to food distribution and community support projects. The Green Seattle Partnership offers several MLK Day of Service events throughout the city, and United Way of King County maintains a searchable volunteer database — a helpful tool if you filter for family-friendly opportunities.
If a formal volunteer shift doesn’t fit your schedule, meaningful service can also start close to home. Simple acts like picking up litter in your neighborhood, helping a neighbor with errands or yard work, or donating food, clothing, or hygiene supplies to a local nonprofit all honor Dr. King’s vision of building a stronger, more caring community.
Free Things to Do on MLK Day
If you’re looking for a low-key way to spend MLK Day together as a family, national and Washington state parks offer free admission on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, making it a great opportunity to get outside and explore without spending a dime.
Whether you’re planning a short neighborhood walk, a waterfront stroll, or a longer hike at a nearby state or national park, free admission makes it easy to turn the holiday into a meaningful day outdoors. For families looking ahead, you can also find a full list of free entrance days at state and national parks throughout the year — a helpful resource for planning future adventures.
Honoring MLK Day at Home With Kids
If staying close to home feels right for your family, there are many meaningful ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy together.
The King Center offers age-appropriate resources for learning about Dr. King’s life and teachings, while Stanford University’s King Institute hosts an extensive online archive, including an annotated version of the “I Have a Dream” speech that’s helpful for older kids and teens. For more hands-on inspiration, Pinterest also has a wide range of kid-friendly activity ideas.
Reading together is another simple way to mark the day. Even young children can begin learning about Dr. King’s message through picture books and early readers. PBS has a thoughtfully curated list of children’s books about Dr. King, and the King County Library System offers its own recommended reading list for families.
For younger kids, art and crafting activities can make the day both creative and reflective. Try drawing or coloring peace signs to display in your window, using free printable MLK coloring pages, or creating simple projects that spark conversations about kindness, fairness, and helping others — values at the heart of Dr. King’s work.
