Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year. This year, MLK Day falls on Jan. 20, but we’ve rounded up family-friendly events in Los Angeles happening throughout the month to honor the Civil Rights leader, minister and activist. From volunteer opportunities to film screenings to crafts and more, these MLK Day events in Los Angeles are ways to celebrate and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Jan. 11 | Veterans Memorial Park More info
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service. The holiday not only honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but also encourages all to volunteer to improve their communities.
The afternoon will feature an I Have A Dream Media Gallery, live entertainment, special guests, activities for kids, a resource fair and opportunity drawings.
Celebrate MLK Day: Family Storytime
4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 12 | Compton Library More info
Join the LA County Library to celebrate MLK Day in remembering the strides he and other Civil Rights leaders made toward peace, freedom, and justice for all with a special storytime and create inspired art. For ages 5 – 12 with parent or caregiver.
Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. To sign up, see library staff, or register online at visit LACountyLibrary.org/Events and filter by location or event date.
DIY Dream Board
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Jan. 14 | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library More info
Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., famous for his “I have a dream” speech, and be inspired by the values that he shared with the world. Create your own “I have a dream” board. For ages 5 – 12 with a parent or caregiver.
This program is in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All materials will be provided.
Attendance is limited and advance registration is required.
Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Necklaces
4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 14 | Florence Library More info
Join the LA County Library in remembering the strides Martin Luther King, Jr. made towards justice for all and his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Make a paper people necklace that includes your dreams for a better future! For ages 3 – 12 with parent or caregiver.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2025
10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Jan. 18 | Rancho Sierra Vista More Info
Join the National Park Service in planting native vegetation and restoring natural habitats to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Join park staff and partners for a safe and educational session to help restore native vegetation along the hillsides of Potrero Creek at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. Work will consist of planting hundreds of live plants grown from locally collected seed. Volunteers will have the opportunity to join a ranger-led interpretive walk to explain the significance of everyone’s work and prepare seed bombs to improve wildlife habitats and help establish resilient, healthy ecosystems.
All are welcome, no experience required! All attendees are asked to bring water, sunscreen, and sun-protective layers. Hiking attire, closed-toed shoes, and long pants and shirts are strongly recommended. Gloves and tools will be provided.
Kingdom Day Parade
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Jan. 18 | Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. More info
The 40th Annual Kingdom Day Parade on Jan. 18 features the theme, “Peace and Unity, Let it Start with Us.” Seats open at 9 a.m. and parade begins at 10 a.m., rain or shine, from Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. at Arlington.
Mask Making Workshop with Grace Warren
1 p.m. – 2 p.m., Jan. 18 | Art + Practice Public Programs Space More info
Mask making is an ancient tradition with deep roots in many cultures worldwide. Throughout history, masks have been used for various purposes, such as ceremonial rituals, storytelling, community events, and a means of expressing identity, culture, and history.
In the context of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the tradition of mask making can be seen as a symbolic way to explore and honor the power of identity, unity, and self-expression. This activity will provide a creative way for children to reflect on the themes of identity, freedom, and equality—core values that Dr. King championed throughout his life. Masks can also serve as metaphors for the many different “faces” of resistance, resilience, and progress in the ongoing fight for civil rights.
In this workshop, children can explore the cultural tradition of mask making by creating their own masks using simple materials. They will learn how masks are used to represent different identities, stories, and emotions, and will be encouraged to think about the values and ideas that they want their own masks to represent.
This activity will use paper plates as the base for each mask, offering an accessible way to create a personalized mask. Children will be guided through the process of designing their masks, selecting colors and materials that reflect their individual personalities, and exploring the symbolism behind their creations.
Materials will be provided for the mask-making activity.
10th Anniversary of the film ‘Selma’
2 p.m., Jan. 18 | Academy Museum of Motion Pictures More info
David Oyelowo gives a stirring performance as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in this powerful historical drama from Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay. Avoiding the traditional approach to the Hollywood biopic, DuVernay’s film focuses on Dr. King’s struggle for equal voting rights, culminating in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. Bradford Young’s sensitive, nuanced cinematography is one of the highlights of the film, a Best Picture nominee that won Original Song for “Glory,” by Common and John Legend. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the film’s wide release, this program will conclude with a post-screening conversation that will dive into the craft of the filmmakers, DuVernay’s approach to biographical filmmaking, and a detailed history of the film’s production.
In person appearances include actor Omar Dorsey, filmmaker and Academy Directors Branch Governor Ava DuVernay, actor Carmen Ejogo, actor Andre Holland, actor David Oyelowo, actor Wendell Pierce, actor LaKeith Stanfield, actor Lorraine Toussaint, actor and producer Oprah Winfrey.
DIRECTED BY: Ava DuVernay. WRITTEN BY: Paul Webb. WITH: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, André Holland. 2014. 122 minutes. USA. Color. English. Rated PG-13. DCP.
Santa Monica Symphony: Annual MLK Concert
3 p.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 18 | Barnum Hall More info
The Santa Monica Symphony and the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles come together for a powerful celebration of unity at the Annual MLK Holiday Concert, presented in partnership with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition. Guest conductors Gary Pratt and Charles Dickerson lead an inspiring program, beginning with Kenechi Fortune’s Festival Overture. The beautiful final movement to Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 , What Love Tells Me, follows and then Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait pays tribute to the enduring fight for justice. The afternoon concert concludes with the combined orchestras performing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” and the audience sing-along of the anthem of the civil rights movement, “We Shall Overcome.”
MLK Volunteer Festival
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Jan. 20 | LA Memorial Coliseum More info
On Jan. 20 join L.A. Works for their annual MLK Volunteer Festival, held at L.A. Memorial Coliseum. The family-friendly festival will feature hands-on service activities, food trucks, live music, guest speakers, family zone, raffle and merch from local Black-owned businesses. Volunteer check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. General admission begins at 12:30 p.m.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Jan 20 | White Point Nature Preserve More info
Join Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at the White Point Nature Preserve! You will help care for the Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more! Your efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Jan. 20 | Pretend City Children’s Museum More info
Join Pretend City as they honor and celebrate Black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of MLK Day.
King Day 2025
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Feb. 17 | California African American Museum More info
Join CAAM at King Day 2025 on its new date, Feb. 17, honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with a performance by Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, discussions with the King Study Group, family activities, food trucks and more.
