Martin Luther King Jr. Day is approaching and many are looking to celebrate the holiday by honoring the life and work civil rights leader. See below for a list of events taking place for the holiday.
Jan. 19, 2026
White River State Park
801 W. Washington St.
5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Free
Hoosiers are invited to the White River State Park to enjoy a day of free admission at various attractions, greenways, trails and waterways across 250 acres.
Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W. Washington St.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free
Enjoy a day of free admission at the Indianapolis Zoo. To celebrate service and community for the holiday, the zoo is also accepting donations for the Gleaner’s Food Bank. You can either donate online or when you attend.
Books and Breakfast: Why We Can’t Wait
Martin Luther King Center, 40 W. 40th St.
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Free/RSVP
In this community-based event, Hoosiers wanting to celebrate the holiday will be able to experience breakfast and a discussion on Why We Can’t Wait by Martin Luther King Jr. The discussion will be led by Dr. Corey Reed. A light breakfast will also be provided to the public. An RSVP is not required but is encouraged.
https://www.mlkcenterindy.org/events
Indiana State Museum
650 W. Washington St.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free
Indianapolis residents are welcome to visit the Indiana State Museum for free to celebrate the holiday. Reflect on the country’s past 250 years with a community mural and hands-on activities and live performances from local artists.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
3000 North Meridian St.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is holding a day of free admission to celebrate MLK day coming in the next few weeks. The museum will feature special musical performances and activities for attendees.
NCAA Hall of Champions
700 W. Washington St.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free
For the holiday, the NCAA Hall of Champions welcomes the public to come and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. There will be interactive exhibits for attendees to experience in a day of free admission.
Eiteljorg Museum
500 West Washington Street
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free
The Eiteljorg Museum is hosting a plethora of events to help celebrate MLK Day. They will feature a special community drum circle performance alongside various art-making activities for attendees of all ages to enjoy.
Indiana Historical Society
450 W. Ohio St.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free
On MLK day, the Indiana Historical Society is honoring King’s legacy with activities and displays to usher in the holiday. In a day of remembrance, attendees will have the opportunity to design a canvas bag for the Concord Neighborhood Center and explore their Wall of Reflection honoring King.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Free Admission
Newfields
4000 N. Michigan Rd.
10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Free
Newfields welcomes the public to celebrate MLK Day with an inspiring day of artistic expression and community. Attendees are welcome to create a symbolic memory pin for a community work of art and which they can take home. Other activities such as choir performances, story time readings, and tours will fill the day of celebration.
44th Annual MLK Day of Celebration
The Madam Walker Legacy Center
617 Indiana Ave.
7 p.m. – TBD
Free/RSVP
The Madam Walker Legacy Center is hosting the 44th Annual Day of Celebration for King. This celebration will feature guest speaker Bakari Sellers, two-time New York Times bestselling author and civil rights activist. Tickets for the event are free, but attendees must register online.
Home – Madam Walker Legacy Center
This list will be updated as more information about events is released.
Contact Staff Writer Malik Simon at 317-762-7847.
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
