On Martin Luther King Day, January 20, 2025, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with celebrations, art, conversations, marches, music and more.
We are adding events as they’re announced, so please keep checking back.
Also, check out our list of what’s open and closed on MLK Day in the Charlotte area.
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade
The MLK Day Parade returns to Uptown Charlotte on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. Its route is on Tryon Street, from 9th Street to Brooklyn Village Avenue.
United Way’s MLK Call to Service
United Way’s Call to Service this year will focus on packing supply kits to meet the needs of local grassroots nonprofits, Title 1 Schools and residents who live in the neighborhoods engaged with United Way’s United Neighborhoods program. The service projects will take place on January 18, 2025, at two locations: Life Projects at Northside Charlotte, 333 Jeremiah Blvd, Charlotte, NC, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Renaissance West STEAM Academy, 3241 New Renaissance Way, Charlotte, NC, from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration is required.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Basketball Showcase
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Basketball Showcase takes Martin place at West Charlotte High School on Saturday, January 18, 2025, starting at 10:30 a.m. Eight high school teams from North and South Carolina will compete in this invitational competition. Admission is $10.
Bridging Musical Worlds — A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.
A Sign of the Times Carolina presents Bridging Musical Worlds — A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr., on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 4 p.m., at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. This concert features music from the jazz, folk, R&B and classical traditions. There will be performances by A Sign Of The Times, Charlotte Strings Collective, University of North Carolina Charlotte Music Department, and Charlotte Folk Society. Check back soon for ticket prices. In 2024, tickets were $10.
MLK Day at Gantt Center: Designing the Future
Harvey Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, is hosting a free event for all ages. MLK Day 2025: Designing the Future takes place Monday, January 20, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Programming includes children’s activities, panel discussions, art and more.
MLK Day Family Day Celebration with Levine Museum of the New South
Levine Museum for the New South is celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a free Family Day Celebration on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event takes place at One Independence Center, 101 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. Enjoy story time and MLK inspired arts and crafts activities.
MLK Day in Cabarrus County
The Concord-Cabarrus Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Celebration includes several events:
- Wreath Laying Ceremony on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 58 Chestnut Drive SW, Concord, NC. Free event.
- MLK Keeper of the Dream Awards Banquet, Friday, January 17, 2025, Laureate Center, 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC. Ticketed event. $50.
- MLK Dream Day Parade, Monday, January 20, 2025, 11 a.m. from MLK Avenue and Main Street to City Hall, 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis. Free event.
- MLK Dream Day, Monday, January 20, 2025, at 12 p.m., at the Laureate Center, at Kannapolis City Hall, 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis. This event includes typically includes entertainment, health fair, a fish fry lunch (for donation), much more. Free event.
Atrium Health Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service
The City of Charlotte’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Service will take place at Marshall Park, 800 E 3rd Street, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday, January 15, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
MLK Jr. Day Program in Huntersville
Huntersville Parks & Recreation is presenting a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m., at David B. Waymer Recreation Center, 14008 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville, North Carolina.
The celebration includes a program and mobile museum. It’s free to attend.
MLK Jr. Day Celebration in Davidson
The Town of Davidson is holding a MLK Jr. Day event on Monday, January 20, 2025, in the Davidson Town Hall and Community Center auditorium, at 251 South Street, Davidson, North Carolina.
Music performed by the Cornelius Youth Orchestra Woodwind Ensemble will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the program starting at 10:00 a.m.
MLK Day in Mooresville: Peace Walk, Program and Breakfast
Mission Possible: Dream Bigger takes place at Charles Mack Center, 215 N Main Street, Mooresville, North Carolina, on January 20, 2025. The event starts at 9 a.m. with Peace Walk, followed by a program and breakfast at 9:30 a.m. It’s free to attend, but you need a ticket.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Program in Cornelius
Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department, Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church, and Ausie & Martin Rivens Scholarship Foundation are presenting a program for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 12 to 1:30 p.m., at Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, North Carolina.
The program will feature Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., of the AME Zion Church, and include additional guest speakers, musical performances from local churches, and uplifting conversations of unity.
This is a free event, and lunch will be provided, on a first-come, first-served basis.
MLK Day Events with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has two events planned to commemorate Martin Luther King Day.
Remembering MLK is an event for seniors (ages 55+) on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 12 to 1 p.m., at Albemarle Road Recreation Center. Participants will discuss Dr. King’s impact on society and their lives.
MLK Day Call to Service: Trash Clean-Up at Revolution Sports Academy is open to those ages 10 and older. It takes place Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 9 to 11 .m.
Both events are free and require registration.
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