There are many ways to observe MLK Day in Columbus, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his courageous and history-making work as a leader of the American civil rights movement. Below, we've highlighted just a few of the things happening for MLK Day in Columbus.
All events below take place on MLK Day (Monday, January 15, 2024)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House
11am-4pm | Free | Taking place at the Ohio History Center in partnership with the King Arts Complex
King Arts Complex and Ohio History Connection present their annual MLK Jr. Day Open House. Come and celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King through visual and performing arts. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the impact of Dr. King’s teachings and how his work changed the trajectory of our country. Admission is free.
MLK Day of Service with Seeds of Caring
12pm-3:30pm | Free | Taking place at the Ohio History Center, presented by Seeds of Caring
Seeds of Caring's Day of Service is part of the larger MLK Open House event put on by The King Arts Complex every year and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration at Ohio History Connection. There will be four different stations set up where kids, ages 2-12, can contribute to their community in meaningful ways in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities will include assembling dental care kits for neighbors experiencing hard times, decorating and packing snack bags for unhoused neighbors, making “Use Your Voice” posters with Pint Size Protesters, and creating take-home art inspired by MLK's legacy.
39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast
7:00 - 10:00 AM | Presented by the Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, Inc., held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center
The City of Columbus takes great pride in its observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Start your day with an uplifting message of hope, celebration of life, and unity. Join the Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee for food, fellowship, and light as they celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Advanced registration is required at $50 per ticket.
Holy Rosary-St. John Church: Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Noon - 1:30 p.m. | Holy Rosary-St. John Church
Holy Rosary-St. John has been celebrating Martin Luther King Day every year since the holiday was established in 1986. Dr. Andre Brown, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University, will be speaking, and the public is welcome to attend.
City of Columbus MLK Day March
Starting at 4pm | Lincoln Theatre
Celebrate and honor the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual City of Columbus MLK Day March and Program. The event is free and open to the public.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
Starting at 8:30am | Ohio Union
The Ohio State University Office of Student Life invites students, individuals and organizations to join in a day of service to honor the incredible legacy that Dr. King left on the world.
Dr. King's Legacy Today: A Discussion with Nic Stone
8am-10am | Westerville Public Library
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin, Nic Stone.
