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time-conStarting Time
8:00 am to 2:00 pm

date-iconDate
19 January 2026

location-iconLocation
Ordway Center for Performing Arts


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MLK Jr. Day Celebration 2026

You are invited to join a united front and shape Minnesota’s tomorrow.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of our state’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday celebration—one of the longest-running and largest in the nation. From Rochester to Red Lake, communities across Minnesota will gather to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy and bring his vision to life in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

Dr. King reminded us, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” This milestone occasion invites Minnesotans to answer that question together—with courage, creativity, and care. Through collective learning, civic dialogues, connective programming, and calls to action, we transform a one-day holiday into a week-long wave of positive forward motion across differences and diasporas to last the year.

The 40th anniversary series centers unity and amplifies opportunities for community and civic engagement. Explore the full lineup below—then invite your neighbors, family, and friends. When we stand as one, we carry our dreams forward into a more just and inclusive One Minnesota.

See live updates on our MLK Event Page Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

All events are being hosted by the State of Minnesota
and the Governor’s Council on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Schedule

Wednesday, January 14th, 2026

Gathering for Service Day

  • Location: Various Locations
  • Audience: General Public
  • Program: Community-led gatherings for self-education, volunteerism, and acts of service

Thursday, January 15th, 2026, 10am - 2pm

Historical Landmark Tour: A Journey Through Civil Rights

  • Location: Minnesota History Center (MNHS)
    345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
  • Audience: General public
  • Program: You’re invited to join the first-ever Minnesota Historical Landmark Tour—a self-guided exploration of our state’s most powerful civil rights and unity sites. In partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, this inaugural series offering will carry participants on a discovery of cultural and historical landmarks that have shaped Minnesota’s pursuit of justice.

Friday, January 16th, 2026, 10am - 2pm

Youth Summit: Solidarity & STEM for Systems Change

  • Location: Science Museum MN, 120 Kellogg Blvd. W, St Paul, MN 55102
  • Audience: Around 200 youth, grades 6-12, from selected schools in Minneapolis
  • Program: 
  • You’re invited to join middle and high school students from across Minnesota for a dynamic day of innovation, collaboration, and civic leadership. Dr. King reminded us, “Through our scientific and technological genius we’ve made this world a neighborhood. And now through our moral and ethical commitment we must make it a brotherhood. This Youth Summit harnesses that vision—bringing youth voices, STEM thinking, and solidarity into action for systems change.

Saturday, January 17th, 2026, 10am - 2pm

State Career Fair: Building Futures in Service

  • Location: Minnesota National Guard Armory, 600 Cedar St., St Paul, MN 55101
  • Audience: General public seeking careers
  • Program: Dr. King reminded us, “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well.” On January 17, join us for the Minnesota Career Fair—part of our 40th-anniversary MLK Holiday celebration—where over 30 state agencies and offices will be on hand to help you launch or advance your career in public service.

Sunday, January 18th, 2026, 2pm - 5pm

Community March: Uniting Across Difference

  • Location: Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave, S.t Paul, MN 55102
  • Audience: General public
  • Program: You’re invited to join faith communities and neighbors across Minnesota in fellowship and forward motion. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques will lift up Dr. King’s message of boundless hope and solidarity. This year’s Community March journeys from the Minnesota Historical Society to the State Capitol—symbolizing our shared commitment to systems change and One Minnesota. When we walk together, we carry our dreams forward into a more just, inclusive One Minnesota.

Monday, January 19th, 2026, 10am - 12pm

MLK Holiday Celebration

  • Location: Ordway Center for Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St Paul, MN 55102
  • Audience: General public, elected officials, and community leaders
  • Program: Join us on Monday, January 19, 2026, for the grand finale of Minnesota’s 40th Anniversary MLK Holiday celebration—a closing show that brings together artistry, storytelling, and community honor under one roof. Reserve your seat and be part of a historic moment—when we stand together, our shared rhythm becomes the heartbeat of a more just and inclusive One Minnesota.

Maps & Direction