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Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations and activities

CHLOE McGOWAN
CHLOE McGOWAN
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.

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As the community comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this weekend, the Recorder has put together a list of events and activities going on throughout the holiday weekend around Indianapolis, as well as a few places offering free admission on or before MLK Day.

32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration

Indiana Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St.

Jan. 12, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Free

Presented by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, the Day of Celebration will honor Dr. King’s life, commitment to service and pursuit of equal rights. The celebration will include an award ceremony and center around Dr. King’s quote, “Make a career of humanity.”

in.gov/icrc

Concert for a King

Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.

Jan. 15, 7 p.m.

Tickets: $30-$50

The Walker Theatre will kick off its MLK weekend celebrations with a concert featuring Loose Ends, Jane Eugene, Toy Factory and The Three Divas — Alana Renae, Stacy McCracken and Stephanie Allen Stenson — and food from King Ribs Bar-B-Q.

madamwalkerlegacycenter.com

Free People Party

ICON Lounge 148, 148 E. Market St.

Jan. 15, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Tickets: $15 general admission, $30 elevated experience

Curated by Ebony Chappel, Tedd Hardy and DJ Grapevine, come celebrate MLK weekend with music and dancing. DJ Littletown, DJ SoundsByCam and DJ Grapevine will be spinning soul, house, funk, disco and more.

bit.ly/3GEaPSP

41st Annual MLK Day Celebration

Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.

Jan. 16, noon

Free; registration required

Featuring Tamika D. Mallory, a social justice leader and movement strategist, the Walker Theatre’s 41st Annual MLK Day of Celebration will also be streamed.

madamwalkerlegacycenter.com

5th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemoration

Tarkington Theatre at The Center for the Performing Arts, 3 Carter Green

Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.

Free

Featuring music, dance and spoken word performances to honor Dr. King’s legacy and achievements, the 2023 MLK Day commemoration will highlight the theme “On Being a Good Neighbor.”

carmel.in.gov

54th M L King Day Birthday Celebration Service

St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 1651 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave.

Jan. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free

The Indiana Christian Leadership Conference will celebrate its 54th year commemorating the dream and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Featuring main event speaker Dr. Thomas L. Brown, the interfaith church service will include host pastor Dr. Phillip L. Shobe.

saintjohnsindy.net

Where to find free admission on MLK Day

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
500 W. Washington St.
Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St.
Jan. 16, 10 a.m.

Indiana Historical Society 
450 W. Ohio St.
Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Newfields 
400 N. Michigan Road
Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 N. Michigan St.
Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W. Washington St.
Jan. 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NCAA Hall of Champions
700 W. Washington St.
Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Conner Prairie 
13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers
Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact staff writer Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848 or chloegm@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @chloe_mcgowanxx.

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