Since MLK Jr. Day is actually considered a “day on” not a “day off,” you may be looking for some ways to educate or perhaps volunteer in the community. Look no further! 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 2023
Celebrating the Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
When: Tuesday, January 10 at 6 p.m.
Where: Austin Public Library Milwood Branch, 12500 Amherst Drive
Viewing of Citizen King. From the March on Washington to the day he was assassinated learn more about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. All ages welcome. Free and open to the public.
MLK Children’s Craft
When: Thursday, January 11 at 11 a.m.
Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 East Hopkins Street, San Marcos
Bring the kids to the San Marcos Public Library for fun crafts celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There will be activities for children of all ages and craft materials are provided.
Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration
When: Friday, January 13 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Where: Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez Street
Community Panel and Music Performance! Community leaders will discuss Dr. King’s legacy and how their work continues his mission. Saul Paul will perform after the panel. All ages welcome.
BRAVE Communities Conversation – Let Every Voice Be Heard: Honoring MLK
When: Friday, January 13 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Where: Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez Street
Teens and Adults are invited to join for a film screening of The Boy King followed by conversation circles led by BRAVE Communities, as participants discuss how they will walk in Dr. King’s footsteps for the coming year. All ages welcome.
MLK Kid’s Event
When: Saturday, January 14 at 10:30 a.m.
Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 East Hopkins Street, San Marcos
Join the Dunbar Heritage Association for a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Discover new books, art, videos, and crafts, and create your own poster for the upcoming annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day March, along with other fun crafts to learn and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a family friendly event. They’ll have lots to do for children ages pre-k through middle school! All craft materials and snacks will be provided.
Austin MLK Day March, Festival, and Food Drive
When: Monday, January 16 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Statue at the University of Texas at Austin
The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 9 a.m. with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus. At the conclusion of the program at the MLK Statue, we will march to the south steps of the Capitol. After the Capitol program, the march will proceed to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. The MLK Community Festival kicks off at 11:15 a.m. and will last until 3:30 p.m.; it will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever!
MLK March and Celebration – San Marcos
When: Monday, January 16 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: LBJ/MLK Crossroads Memorial, 110 E. Martin Luther King Drive, San Marcos
The MLK March & Celebration will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the LBJ/MLK Crossroads Memorial at 9:30 a.m. The march will take place immediately after the ceremony and will proceed through to the Hays County Courthouse for a brief program. There will be a reception with light refreshments at the Dunbar Recreation Center at 801 MLK Drive.
Martin Luther King Jr Walk 2023
When: Monday, January 16 at 10 a.m.
Where: Elgin Depot Museum, 14 Depot Street, Elgin
Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr Walk rotates between towns in Bastrop County. This year’s walk will be in Elgin, Texas. The Martin Luther King Jr Walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Elgin Depot Museum, 14 Depot Street. Program follows at 11 a.m. at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, 510 Martin Luther King Blvd. The walk is also known as “the Walk for Peace, Justice and Equality Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off!”
MLK Day March and Ceremony
When: Monday, January 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Old Town Park, 200 W Willis Street, Leander
In collaboration with the Leander Public Art Commission, the City of Leander observes and honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a march and ceremony. The march will leave from Camacho Elementary at 11 a.m. and make their way to Old Town Park where there will be a ceremony featuring performances from dancers, musicians, choirs, and spoken word artists.
Pease Park Conservancy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Food Drive
When: Monday, January 16 from 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury Street
In honor of Martin Luther King Day 2023, please bring donations to the Pease Park Conservancy MLK Day Food Drive supporting Central Texas Food Bank! Conservancy staff and volunteers will be at the picnic tables collecting donations between 12 and 5 p.m. 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, non-fat dry milk powder, 100% whole grain cereal, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, and canned entrees.
United Way Day of Service Williamson County
When: Monday, January 16 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Where: Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, 3005 County Road 175, Leander
Join at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park for a morning community cleanup in Williamson County.
United Way Day of Service Travis County
When: Monday, January 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Gus Garcia District Park, 1201 E. Rundberg Lane
Join at Gus Garcia District Park for an afternoon community cleanup in Travis County.
United Way Educational Walk
When: Friday, January 20 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District
Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District will guide you as you explore the Austin area that was originally created to segregate the Black community in 1928. Learn about East Austin, and how this neighborhood played a critical role in forming this city that we know today. The walk starts at The George Carver Museum.
Learn about LBJ’s role in the civil right’s movement at the LBJ Library which is FREE on MLK Day!
