In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings, service, civil rights activities and his commitment to social justice, many events are scheduled in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities.
Some are free and others are fundraisers.
MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January, and this year it falls on Jan. 20.
Here is a list of some of the events in Milwaukee and in the suburbs. Note that most, but not all, of the events are on the 20th. If there is a community event not listed, contact us so it can be included.
62. Milwaukee honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a statue in the historic Bronzeville neighborhood. King visited Milwaukee at least twice. In a show of support, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people marched just a few days removed from King’s assassination.
2025 MLK Day events in Milwaukee
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
The Marcus Performing Arts Center will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration, which will highlight community youth who interpret King’s words through art, speech, and writing contests every year. The winners will be showcased at this free celebration, and the theme is “What Are You Doing For Others?”
When: 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
Where: Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee (free parking in the Marcus Center Parking Structure)
For more information: Visit www.marcuscenter.org/engage-and-learn/annual-events/
24th annual King Day Justice Program and March
The Milwaukee Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Justice Coalition will host its annual King Day justice program and march themed “We Are Not Afraid.” The program features speeches and musical performances from pianist David Nunley, singer Dorothy James, and internationally renowned trumpeter Russ Johnson. The event includes a panel discussion on trans rights, immigration rights, political oppression, and Palestinian rights. A march to the King statue on Martin Luther King Drive will conclude the event, weather permitting.
When: 1 p.m. program with march to King statue at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
Where: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1937 N. Vel Phillips Ave., Milwaukee
For more information: Call 414-241-4608
King Fest at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum
The 24th annual King Fest celebration themed “Where Do We Go From Here” will feature spoken word, drumming, praise dancers, vendors and local and national speakers. The event is free and open to the public, but donations are welcomed.
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
Where: Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum, 2620 E. Center Street, Milwaukee
For more information: email janetteheerrera@aol.com
34th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Prayer Service
Guest speaker for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s 34th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Prayer Service will be Rev. Fred Alexander, O.C.D. He will speak on King’s final book, “Where Do We Go from Here.” The event includes a musical prelude followed by the prayer service.
When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Where: St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, 1937 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Milwaukee
For more information: Contact Shanedra Johnson at 414-758-2215 or Sister Callista Robinson at 414-374-3045
MLK Day of Service activities
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County organized a variety of volunteer experiences with local nonprofit organizations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Two available projects are volunteering with painting, sorting donations or serving a meal with Guest House; or helping the Grand Avenue Club clean, paint and beautify their indoor spaces.
When: Various times on Monday, Jan. 20. For the Grand Avenue Club, groups can work out a day and time that best works
For more information: Visit unitedwaygmwc.org/MLKDay-of-Service
Kids Art Day & Community Free Day on MLK Day
The Grohmann Museum will be open with free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Children and their families are welcome to visit the stART Lab as part of the museum’s Kids’ Art Day series. Guests can make collages inspired by the Harlem Renaissance artist, Aaron Douglas, draw with coloring pages, and participate in a collaborative writing project.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jan. 20
Where: Grohmann Museum, 1000 N. Broadway, Milwaukee
For more information: call 414-277-2300 or email grohmannmuseum@msoe.edu
VA’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance program
Join Milwaukee VA’s African American Special Emphasis Committee in a celebratory program to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. This event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served while supplies last.
When: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16
Where: Unity Chapel and Matousek Auditorium (first floor in Building 111), 5000 W. National Ave., Milwaukee
For more information: visit va.gov/milwaukee-health-care/events/75686/
Empower The Dream Hackathon
In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, “AI for Community Hackathon” connects like-minded individuals and technologists to use AI to brainstorm, design, and build innovative products that address real-world challenges faced by our communities. The event is free.
When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
Where: i.c.stars, 507 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee
For more information: visit eventbrite.com/e/empower-the-dream-hackathon-tickets-1127758890199
MLK Day of Community with 414loral
414loral has a creative way to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Write a poem on a vintage typewriter, receive a free stem from the build-your-own bouquet bar, and enjoy complimentary tea from HoneyBee Sage.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday, January 20
Where: 414loral 1739 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr., Milwaukee
For more information: Call 414-301-3170 or visit facebook.com/share/1EG7bYtwsd/
A view of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mural at 2228 N. King Drive in Milwaukee.
2025 MLK Day events in the Milwaukee suburbs
CedarburgLiving the Beloved Community
At this Martin Luther King Jr. event, participants will look at excerpts from King’s “Beloved Community” speech of 1956 with video reflections from King’s daughter, Dr. Bernice King, in facilitated, small-group discussions. This is a free program and food and refreshments will also be served.
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.), Monday, Jan. 20
Where: Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62 N546 Washington Ave., Cedarburg
For more information: cityofcedarburg.wi.gov/home/news/mlk-day-event
Fox Point Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. family-friendly learning and service
This family-friendly morning of learning and service will feature story time, music, movement, and various on-site service projects. The service projects will include packing winter hygiene kits for neighbors struggling with housing issues and decorating journals for cancer care kits.
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20
Where: Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point
For more information: Visit kicmke.org/mlk-day-2025
Martin Luther King Jr. leadership opportunity for kids ages 9-12
Junior leaders ages 9 to 12 are needed to help with set-up the day before and to assist attendees for various MLK project stations the day of the events.
When: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, and 9:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Jan. 20
Where: Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point
For more information: Visit kicmke.org/mlk-day-2025
GlendaleSocial Justice Story Time
At this Social Justice Story Time for kids ages 2 to 6, Rona Wolfe will introduce Martin Luther King Jr. and facilitate kid-friendly discussions about racial justice, race and talk about how kids can take action.
Where: North Shore Library, 6800 N. Port Washington Road, Glendale
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21
For more information: Visit www.northshorelibrary.org/childrensevents
PewaukeeMartin Luther King Jr. Celebration
At WCTC in Pewaukee, there will be a Martin Luther King Jr. event where Fania Davis, an internationally renowned activist and civil rights attorney will be the keynote speaker. She also co-founded the Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21
Where: WCTC, Anthony J. Natalizio Center, 800 Main St., Building S, First Floor, Pewaukee.
For more information: This event is free, but you can RSVP your seat at https://bit.ly/MLKPewaukee or www.wctc.edu
ShorewoodSocial Justice Story Time
At this Social Justice Story Time for children ages 2 to 6, Rona Wolfe will introduce Martin Luther King Jr. and facilitate kid-friendly discussions about racial justice, race and talk about how kids can take action.
When: 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21
Where: Shorewood Public Library, 3920 N. Murray Ave. Shorewood
For more information: Visit www.shorewoodlibrary.org/connect/events
Whitefish BayMLK Celebration at Whitefish Bay Public Library
Bay Bridge Wisconsin will host several activities to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with inspiring, spoken word performances from former Milwaukee Poet Laureate Susan Firer and 2025 laureate nominee Kavon Cortez Jones and family-friendly, silk-screen poster making with Melanie Ariens.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20
Where: Whitefish Bay Public Library, 5420 N. Marlborough Drive, Whitefish Bay
For more information: Visit bit.ly/WFB-MLK
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here are 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in the Milwaukee area