MLK Jr. Day 2026
Starting Time
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Date
19 January 2026
Location
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Directions/Parking
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.
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Gathering for Service Day
Thursday, January 15th, 2026, 10am - 2pm
Historical Landmark Tour: A Journey Through Civil Rights
Friday, January 16th, 2026, 10am - 2pm
Youth Summit: Solidarity & STEM for Systems Change
Saturday, January 17th, 2026, 10am - 2pm
State Career Fair: Building Futures in Service
Sunday, January 18th, 2026, 1pm - 4pm
Community March: Uniting Across Difference
Monday, January 19th, 2026, 10am - 12pm
MLK Holiday Celebration
Sponsored/in partnership by:
MTC ride for Free
Avoid traffic and Ride on Us

The Martin Luther King Jr. Council proudly celebrate our Change Maker Award recipients.
The Change Maker Awards honor extraordinary leaders who drive meaningful progress and elevate communities through bold vision and dedicated services. We congratulate this year’s awardees for their outstanding leadership and lasting impact.
Marcus Carpenter
Fourth-generation Farmer and Founder of Route1MN
Georgia Fort
Independent Journalist, Filmmaker, and Founder, BLCK Press
Brother Shane Price
Co-Founder/Director, The Power of People Leadership Institute
Chanda Smith Baker
President & CEO, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
Mai Thor
Chief Program Officer, The Arc Minnesota
Xavier Vazquez
Executive Director, Centro Tyrone Guzman