Looking for a family event to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Check out these activities happening in Philly:
Make Peace Suncatchers to Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King at Andorra Library
Monday, January 13th, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Engage in various arts and crafts projects at the Andorra Library. Today, you can make your own peace suncatcher to celebrate Dr. King and his dream for for freedom, equality, and justice for all. All supplies will be provided.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146049
Readers Theatre: Spotlight on MLK Day at West Oak Lane Library
Monday, January 13th through Thursday, January 16th: 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Choose or create poems, find speeches, etc., to recite in recognition of Dr. King Day. Focus on the work and advocacy featured in creating a holiday celebrating Dr. King and the significance of his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
Meets on January 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th. Come one time, or all four times!
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146123
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend at The Museum of the American Revolution
Saturday, January 18th - Monday, January 20th: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Honor the life, service, and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. over MLK Weekend at the Museum, Saturday, Jan. 18 – Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, to discover the ongoing promise of the American Revolution and explore what it takes to change the world.
Annual Greater Philadelphia Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service
Monday, January 20th, All Day
Be part of the largest Martin Luther King Day event in the nation! The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest King Day event in the nation, and Global Citizen, promotes year-round volunteer service and civic engagement. Thanks to organizers and volunteers, last winter tens of thousands of people throughout the tri-state region, including children, seniors, and families, received vital services and resources as part of the annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service. Head to the website to search for a volunteer opportunity near you! There is a very large variety of volunteer choices on the website to register for.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at The Please Touch Museum
Monday, January 20th: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Join the museum for a meaningful celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where families can engage in activities that reflect his legacy of equality, justice, and peace.
MLK, Jr. Sharing the Heritage Celebration and Day of Service at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
January 17th - January 20th: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Join AAMP and the Citizens Join AAMP and the Citizens Bank Foundation as they celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr! Donate food for the ChAAMPs Against Hunger Philabundance Food Drive; engage in hands-on service projects; explore the exhibits; watch great performances at the Community Celebration; and more! There will be a reduced admission of $7 for Adults and $5 for Youth (4-12)/Student/Senior Citizens on January 17th, 18th, and 19th, and FREE admission on January 20th.
https://www.aampmuseum.org/mlk-2025.html
2025 MLK Service Day at Haverford Library
Monday, January 20th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
You are invited to join the library staff in beautifying the Haverford Branch Library! Make this Library an inviting space for all. All are welcome to create a colorful and greener space for the Haddington community to learn, commune and build.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146546
MLK Program at The National Constitution Center
Monday, January 20th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The National Constitution Center honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s lifelong dedication to justice, equality, and service for the greater good.
The museum is open for extended hours on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2025, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is free.
Programs being run that day are:
School Supplies Drive
Arts and Crafts Activity Tables
Artifact Spotlight
Screening of the Presidential Inauguration
Reading of the "I Have a Dream" Speech
Family Concert: Songs Inspired by the Civil Rights Era
Quiet Room and Story Corner
MLK Day of Service at The Schuylkill Center
Monday, January 20th, 11:00 AM - 1:30 AM
Come together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy at the Schuylkill Center during this day of service. All members of the community are invited to join us as we work on service projects aimed at protecting the health of our forest and supporting nature at the Schuylkill Center. There will be a wide range of service projects available so everyone can participate!
Registration is required for this popular volunteer opportunity.
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing for this winter event. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Questions? Contact volunteer@schuylkillcenter.org
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Weekend at Franklin Square
January 18th - 20th, 10:00 AM - 4 PM
Bring NEW scarves, hats, and gloves to donate to Bethesda Project, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter, housing, and supportive services to adults experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.
Get one free Parx Liberty Carousel ride or free admission to the Betsy Ross House per person with each donation. Donations can be dropped off at Franklin Square or Betsy Ross House.
Philadelphia Young Playwrights Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Theatre Workshop
Monday, January 20th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join Philadelphia Young Playwrights and Penn Graduate School of Education for a youth theater workshop on January 20th, 9am-4pm
Youth will explore some of these questions through improvisation and playmaking: What do we know about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement? What does the civil rights movement look like today? What are our dreams for what racial justice could look like?
Open to ages 7-14
Activities:
-Dramatic monologues
-Storyboarding and composing
-Set and costume design
-Rehearsals
-A final performance for caregivers at 3:30pm!
Please bring a lunch! We will have devices, props, and materials ready to go.
Register here for this event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJ8YYJFfaK2GvyONUFGSmGQLBAJh7LnMhp7gvmhT5Awg0Zlw/viewform?pli=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawHzYVRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeHmHxdUXCGG4MJBJ7pR7LaZ7rfUqi6O2l_cNYhdx2Me4hCilU0B5dzj4Q_aem_yqYUfvzqCZcqL-E7daNHhw
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Monday, January 20th, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The museum is holding 2 events in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Love on Paper | Great Stair Hall Balcony
Through an interactive activity, we invite children and their grown-ups to think about what representation, community, and power mean to them. By creating a mixed-media art project they will investigate and create images of love and action in their community and around the world.
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Live Recording: BeLoved Stories Live | Great Stair Hall
Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Love Now Media and StoryCorps Brightness in Black present BeLoved Stories Live. The afternoon will feature a dynamic and immersive live experience centered on facilitated conversations about love, justice, faith, politics, and the future. It aims to inspire action, reflection, and dialogue, amplifying diverse voices and fostering community connections.
https://philamuseum.org/calendar/event/mlk-day-at-the-museum
Coffee & Conversations: Open Mic Spoken Word Night at Walnut Street West Library
Tuesday, January 21st, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Join the library staff for an enchanting evening of poetry and community as they gather to share our dreams, honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and give voice to our hopes for the future. Whether it’s a dream for change, a personal vision, or a story of resilience, bring your words to the mic and let your dreams come alive.
This night offers an inspiring lineup with three featured poets, refreshments, an open mic session, and a heartfelt message—whether you’re sharing poetry or just enjoying the evening, all ages are welcome to perform or simply listen. Light refreshments will be provided.
Event Timeline:
4:30 PM: Refreshments and open mic sign-ups begin (limited spots available)
4:45 PM: Welcomes & featured poets perform
5:45 PM: Open mic session begins (4 minutes or less)
6:30 PM: Wrap up and closing remarks
