WISCONSIN — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a holiday that commemorates King’s birthday and his legacy, lands on Jan. 15.
From Milwaukee to Green Bay, there are several events being held throughout the day and the days surrounding the holiday to honor King.
Milwaukee area
40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
Location: Marcus Performing Arts Center
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 4 p.m.
This free celebration has taken place annually since 1984. It highlights youth in the community who interpret Dr. King’s words through student contests. The winners are showcased at the celebration.
YMCA Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Location: Potawatomi Casino Hotel Event Center
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 7:30 a.m. (registration and networking), 8 a.m. (program and breakfast)
In its 27th year, this annual celebration recognizes nonprofits who are dedicated to serving others, the creativity of youth, powerful speakers and more. It also includes a Deliberate Dialogues Series about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the “key issues” facing the community.
Kids Impact Community’s MLK Day of Service 2024
Location: Congregation Shalon - Fox Point
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 10 a.m.
This family-friendly event includes a special guest speaker from Mr. Bob’s Under the Bridge. The time will be filled with story time, music, movement and service. During the day of service, guests will pack winter hygiene kits, on-the-go breakfast bags for those struggling with housing insecurity and more.
Lifting Our Community: MLK Day of Service
Location: United Way’s Milwaukee Volunteer Center & Waukesha County Business Alliance
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 10 a.m.
The United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County are recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with an annual day of service. Community members will help pack hundreds of personal hygiene and house and home kits for those in need.
MLK Connect and Serve
Location: Tony and Lucille Weasler Auditorium
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Organizers of this event invite community members to come learn about the legacy of MLK and give to others. Many activities are being offered, including card making, blood donating and creating care kits for the Milwaukee community. Hot chocolate, tea and coffee are also being offered.
Something To Say Poetry Slam and Intergenerational Panel
Location: Cedarburg Cultural Center
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 6 p.m.
The poetry contest will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through intergenerational poetry, panel discussion and audience participation. It serves as “a canvas for voices from all walks of life.” Poets are invited to share their thoughts, stories and dreams related to MLK.
Social Justice Story Time with Rona Wolfe
Location: North Shore Library
Date: Friday, Jan. 12
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Kids Impact Community and North Shore Library will host kindergarten teacher Rona Wolfe, who is experienced in “discussing big ideas.” Discussions about race and racial justice will be led with the group. It will start with the reading of three books, a movement break, a thoughtful discussion and an On-the-Spot Service project craft.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Celebration
Location: Waukesha County Technical College
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 16
Time: 11 a.m.
WCTC will host a free annual MLK Day event at the Anthony J. Natalizio Center with a keynote speaker celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.
Madison area
34th Annual MLK Free Community Dinner
Location: UW Gordon Dinning & Event Center
Date: Friday, Jan. 12
Time: 4:30 - 7 p.m.
This free dinner celebrates Dr. King’s spirit of community. Dinner will consist of baked and fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, mac and cheese, biscuits, sweet potato pie and beverages.
MLK College Readiness Summit
Location: Madison College Goodman South Campus
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The MLK College Readiness and Success Summit aims to educate students and parents on the college process — from precollege programs to admissions to scholarships and beyond. High school students of color, first-generation students and parents are invited to attend.
“I Have a Dream” Scholarship Ball
Location: Wisconsin Masonic Center
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13
Time: 6 - 11 p.m.
Women In Focus, Inc., is hosting a ball to fund scholarships for high school seniors and adults returning to continue post-high school education. The evening includes dinner, dancing, a live DJ, auction and more.
MLK Outstanding Youth Person Breakfast
Location: Edgewood High School
Date: Sunday, Jan. 14
Time: 7:30 - 10 a.m.
The Urban League of Greater Madison will recognize more than 200 middle and high schoolers “who are excelling in school and community honoring the spirit of Dr. King.”
MLK Ecumenical Service
Location: Fountain of Life Church
Date: Sunday, Jan. 14
Time: 4:30 - 6 p.m.
This church service aims to bring people of different faiths together in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood. The service will honor Dr. King’s values of social justice and equality while promoting community “through spiritual inclusivity and recognition of our shared humanity.”
MLK Youth Call to Service
Location: Madison Central Library
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Middle and high school students can participate in workshops, snag a free t-shirt, enjoy lunch and try their hand at a variety of activities. Workshops and activities aim to encourage kids to serve in the spirit of Dr. King.
39th Annual City of Madison & Dane County Observance
Location: Overture Center for the Arts, Capital Theater
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Throughout the day, enjoy a performance from the MLK Community Choir, engage with the 2024 MLK Humanitarian Awards presentation and listen to keynote speaker Terrence Roberts who made history as one of the “Little Rock Nine.”
Fox Valley area
Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Location: Titletown
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 1 - 3 p.m.
Titletown will offer a small activity that benefits the community for MLK Day. On the Rockwood Terrace, guests can enjoy crafts and coloring an MLK Day Poster. The craft, a placement with positive messages, will be donated to the residents of Woodside Senior Living Community.
MLK Day Conservation Corps Event
Location: Various
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 2 p.m.
This three-part event is being hosted by the Green Bay Conservation Corps. It includes a volunteer service project from 2-4 p.m. in various neighborhoods, a keynote speaker from We All Rise: African American Resource Center and Brown County United Way and a social hour following the speaker. More information can be found here.
Bridging Cultures, Celebrating Differences
Location: Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Date: Sat., Jan. 13
Time: 10:30 a.m.
NWTC is hosting the 29th annual Brown County MLK Celebration, which is free to the public. The event includes a K-12 contest, the reading of the “I Have a Dream” speech, cultural dance performances, and more. It can be watched virtually or in person.
33rd Fox Cities Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Location: Lawrence University Memorial Chapel
Date: Monday, Jan. 15
Time: 6 p.m.
Lawrence University will host the 33rd MLK Day celebration, with speakers Cainan Davenport and Dr. Adriana McCleer and musical performances from Lawrence University student group and Star Scholars. It will also include the presentation of several awards.