Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 21. Public schools will be closed, as well as federal and state offices and the U.S. Post Office. Most city and county offices typically close in honor of MLK Day.
The federal holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was born and raised in Atlanta. His birthplace and childhood home is part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. The park includes Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King was baptized and later ordained into the ministry. In 1960 Dr. King became a co-pastor of Ebenezer with his father, the Reverand Martin Luther King, Sr. Ebenezer Church was the site of Dr. King’s funeral after his assassination in 1968.
In honor of MLK Day, we’ve pulled together a list of observances and celebrations in the metro Atlanta area.
MLK Day March and Rally
January 21
Georgia Alliance for Social Justice will hold the Martin Luther King Jr. March and Rally at 1:45 PM on January 21. The event is open to any person or organization. Marchers will assemble at 1 PM at Peachtree and Baker streets. Free.
MLK Day for Kids
January 21
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta will hold special Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Events starting at 11 AM that include a reader’s theater, music, and storytime. Admission cost.
MLK Day at the Atlanta History Center
January 21, 10 AM to 5:30 PM
Attend a lecture, staged readings, and a film screening at the Atlanta History Center. Admission is free on MLK Day.
MLK Day Run/Walk
January 21
Drummers will line the 3-mile course of the MLK Day 5K Drum Run at Piedmont Park. Live music will start at 8 AM followed by an 8:45 race start. Stay for the post-race music and dancing.
MLK Celebration in Sandy Springs
January 21
The City of Sandy Springs will hold its annual tribute to Dr. King at 10 AM in the Studio Theatre at City Springs, located at 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs.Free.
MLK Day in Marietta
January 21 at 10 AM
The Cobb County Branch of the NAACP and Cobb County will present a tribute to the life and works of Dr. King, Jr., with dramatic readings, dance, musical performances, and the annual presentation of the “Living the Dream” award. The event will take place at Turner Chapel AME Church, 492 North Marietta Parkway NE. Free.
