While many may think of MLK Jr. Day as a day off, many use the day to pay tribute to the civil rights icon. Whether it’s attending an event to learn more about his legacy or volunteering in his honor, there are a number of ways to mark the day. Here’s a list of events and activities happening in and around Austin to pay tribute on MLK Day weekend.
Ways to Honor Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day 2025
MLK Jr. Activity Stations
When: Monday, January 13 through Friday, January 17 between 3 and 5 p.m.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina Street
Stop by the Carver Museum on Monday, January 13 through Friday, January 17, between 3-5pm for free, all-ages, fun and educational walk-up arts and crafts honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact his legacy left on America. Learn about Dr. King’s life and incredible contributions, enjoy a free snack, and get to know the Carver staff. No RSVP required, just pop by ready to learn and connect!
CREATE! Civil Rights Suncatchers
When: Wednesday, January 15 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Where: African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, 912 East 11th Street
Commemorate Austin’s civil rights history and celebrate MLK Jr. Day with this family friendly craft! Drop by the library and make a craft while you search for books, movies and music. We’ve got paper crafts, easy sewing and more fun projects for the whole family. We provide the supplies; you provide the creativity. Program length is approximately one hour. All ages welcome. Please register for this event.
Keeping MLK’s Dream Alive in 2025
When: Saturday, January 18 from 12 to 3 p.m.
Where: Austin Public Library, 710 W. César Chávez Street
Join for a meaningful celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through performances, discussions, and community engagement. Performances by the Meridian World School Black Culture Choir and Elizabeth Kahura, followed by a panel discussion and community conversation lead by the Huston-Tillotson University’s (HT’s) Politics Lab of the James L. Farmer House (Farmer House). All ages welcome
MLK Birthday Celebration – HTU Presents: Democracy Schools Public Leadership Engagement Series
When: Saturday, January 18 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Austin Public Library, 710 W. César Chávez Street
Join for a nine-session workshop series, presented by the Huston-Tillotson University’s (HT’s) Politics Lab of the James L. Farmer House (Farmer House). Hosted by Austin Public Library, each session will include time for public discussion. Teens and adults welcome.
MLK Kids Celebration with Dunbar Heritage Association
When: Saturday, January 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 East Hopkins Street, San Marcos
Families are invited for storytime, crafts, and a kids’ march in honor of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Presented by Dunbar Heritage Association. Please register at: www.dhasmtx.com
MLK Jr Freedom Run
When: Saturday, January 18 at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Richard Moya Park, 10001 Burleson Road
Gather to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his enduring commitment to justice, equality, and peace. As you lace up your shoes and hit the pavement, reflect on his powerful message of love and resilience. This event is not just about fitness; it’s a celebration of community, a call to action for social change, and a reminder of the work still to be done. Together, we can honor Dr. King’s dream and inspire one another to continue striving for a better world. More info and tickets here.
Austin MLK Day March, Festival and Food Drive
When: Monday, January 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Texas State Capitol and Huston-Tillotson University
The Annual Community March celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy while uplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in our city. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. The events kick off on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. on the south steps of the State Capitol for a rally. At the conclusion of the program you will march to Huston-Tillotson University for the MLK Festival. The family friendly festival will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever! This year, they ask marchers to help by donating can goods or non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank. Help to give to those in need by helping the Central Texas Food Bank fill their shelves with non-perishable food items.
MLK Day March and Ceremony
When: Monday, January 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Old Town Park, 200 W Willis Street, Leander
In collaboration with the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission, the City of Leander observes and honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a march and celebration. The March will be at 10 a.m., followed by Mainstage perfromances from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The celebration will feature performances from dancers, musicians, and spoken word artists. Get all the info here.
MLK Day Food Drive
When: Monday, January 20 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury Street
In honor of MLK Day, Pease Park Conservancy is hosting a donation drive for the Austin community. Food items will be donated to a local food pantry, and period products and diapers will be donated to Austin Diaper Bank.
Most needed items include: peanut butter, canned chicken breast or tuna, canned low-sodium vegetables, fruit in its own juice, dry pinto beans, brown rice, dry pasta, nonfat dry milk powder, 100% whole grain cereal, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, canned entrees. In addition to food items, period products needed are: tampons, pads, and liners. Diapers needed are: size newborn – 6, and pull-ups.
Looking for more events in Austin? Check our calendar.
