9 Ways You Can Spend and Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day Locally
From community cleanups to lecture series to interactive plays, there are plenty of ways to honor Dr. King's legacy on this important day.
Embrace Sculpture in Boston. Photo via Getty Images.
MLK: Amazing Grace at the Providence Children’s Museum
On January 19, the Providence Children’s Museum is hosting two performances of MLK: Amazing Grace (10:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–2:30 p.m.). In this interactive play, award-winning storytellers and actors, Rochel Coleman and Valerie Tutson, bring history to life by highlighting the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. For more information and to register, visit providencechildrensmuseum.org.
Letter From Birmingham City Jail at Mixed Magic Theatre
In honor of the holiday, Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket will present a powerful and timely dramatic reading of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter From Birmingham City Jail.” Written in 1963, the letter remains one of the most important and enduring documents of the Civil Rights Movement. The performance will be delivered by the theatre’s artistic director, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley along with Crow Pitts-Wiley. “Dr. King’s message continues to challenge and inspire us,” says Jonathan Pitts-Wiley. “His words on justice and unity are as vital today as they were when they were written, and we are honored to share them with our community once again.” The performances will take place on Sunday, January 18, at 2 p.m., and Monday, January 19, at noon. Tickets are $20 for general admission and can be purchased here. Learn more at mmtri.org
Martin Luther King, Jr Weekend Celebration at the RISD Museum
Enjoy free admission to the RISD Museum on Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18, in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Throughout the weekend, the museum invites visitors to make art and experience exhibitions that encourage reflection on the power of art to inspire change. Both days, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Art and Design 1900 to Now section of the museum, participate in conversation and contemplation with artist Renée Elizabeth Neely-Tanner. Meanwhile, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., you can also visit the Common Room and setep into a “makers space experience centered on choice, exploration and creative freedom.” Reserve your free admission tickets and learn more at risdmuseum.org/exhibitions-events/events/martin-luther-king-jr-weekend-celebration
Keeper of the Dream & Annual Meeting at the MLK Community Center
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will hold its annual Keeper of the Dream Celebration and Annual Meeting on January 19. Join the center in recognizing and awarding those who most embody the ideals of Dr. King through their commitment and contributions to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. The free event will take place from 5–9 p.m. Registration is required — reserve your spot here. Learn more at mlkccenter.org
Free Admission to the Breakers
The Preservation Society of Newport County will offer free admission to The Breakers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The famous Vanderbilt mansion will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. Guests can also enjoy the free Breakers audio tour by downloading the Newport Mansions app. Note: the holiday offer does not include the Third Floor Preservation in Progress or Beneath the Breakers specialty tours. Reservations and timed tickets are not required, though capacity limits may cause wait times. Learn more at newportmansions.org
RI Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission Celebration at the Ebenezer Baptist Church
The Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission will hold its annual celebration of the life and death of the Civil Rights leader on Monday, January 19, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Providence at 4 p.m. Highlights will include special remarks by commission members, state and religious leaders, as well as a number of musical presentations. The MLK State Holiday Commission Chair, State Rep. Nathan W. Biah, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Rhode Island Slave History Medallions‘ executive director, Charles Roberts, will also present the “Living the Dream Award,” which honors an individual for outstanding community involvement. Learn more at ebcprov.org.
Embrace Sculpture in Boston
Ship up to Boston to view the Embrace sculpture which depicts Dr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King in a warm embrace. Located in the Boston Common, the sculpture is meant to celebrate the two Civil Rights activists’ history in Beantown and spark a conversation on advancing racial and social justice. Learn more at embraceboston.org/placemaking/monuments.
Remembrance Luncheon at Providence College
Each year, Providence College honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his efforts. On Wednesday, January 21, the school invites members of the Providence College community to join them for a remembrance luncheon at from noon to 1:30 p.m. Guests will be encouraged to reflect on the luncheon’s theme of “Where do we go from here?” and join in conversation and prayer celebrating Dr. King’s call to build a Beloved Community built upon “a qualitative change in our souls as well as a qualitative change in our lives.” Register in advance here. Providence College also encourages guests to watch encouraged to watch Eyes on the Prize, the landmark 1987 PBS series documenting the American Civil Rights Movement from 1954-85, in preperation. Learn more at college-events.providence.edu/mlk-celebration.
MLK Series at RISD*
RISD’s annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Series celebrates the life and enduring contributions of Dr. King. It also aims to highlight the role of art, design and creative endeavor in advancing justice and democracy. For 2026, the school will welcome the Marian Anderson String Quartet to headline the series’ signature event.
*UPDATE: Due to a medical emergency affecting one of the quartet members, the concert has been postponed till the spring. Check back here for new date details.
Learn more at risd.edu/news/annual-events/mlk-series.
