This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be on Monday, January 20th, 2025, and there is so much going on to celebrate and honor the civil rights icon!
What is Martin Luther King Jr.’s connection to Atlanta?
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, at 501 Auburn Avenue, right here in Atlanta. For the next twelve years, he lived there with his grandparents, parents, siblings, and other family members. The home is located in the residential section of “Sweet Auburn”, the center of Black Atlanta.
The Civil Rights leader should be honored all year long of course, but we especially want to celebrate him on his nationally celebrated birthday! There are tons of beautiful things happening around Atlanta this year to celebrate, and we’ve curated a list for you!
1. Check out The King Center’s ‘King Holiday Observance’
Where: The King Center
The King Center is the epicenter for all things MLK here in the ATL. It was established in 1968 by Coretta Scott King and is the official memorial dedicated to King’s legacy. For MLK Day, there will be a celebration of his life and accomplishments, with this unmissable event honoring valuable people with awards for working tirelessly to give their communities a better life.
There’s something for everyone with several activities happening throughout the week, from performance art to insightful workshops, story time for kids, and much more. This year, The King Center says,
For the full list of events and ways to participate, check out their website.Our strategic theme for 2025 is ‘Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365′.
2. Visit the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr.
Where: 501 Auburn Avenue
Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home is right here in Atlanta, and this year, they’re back open after their rehabilitation project for the public! In 2025, you can head to Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home to learn all about him, his life, his work, and so much more.
Get all the details, event times and much more on their website here!3. Be ‘Hands On’ at these volunteering opportunities in A-Town
Where: Several locations across the city
Hands On Atlanta is an incredible organization that helps the people of Atlanta find volunteer opportunities that are available across the city.
Find ways to help out and give back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year!
For more information on Hands On ATL and their connection to the 2025 King Holiday, check out their website.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Atlanta History Center
Where: Atlanta History Center
Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his hometown of Atlanta through a variety of educational activities, hosted by the Atlanta History Center.
Guests will have the opportunity to participate in civil rights-themed trivia, crafts, kids activities, panel discussions, and more. A detailed schedule of activities will be emailed to registrants closer to the date.
The event will take place on January 18th, from 10am-4pm. For more information, and the reserve your FREE ticket, check out their website!
5. MLK Day 5K Freedom Run
Looking to kick off the New Year with a charitable fitness boost? The incredible 5K Freedom Run celebrates MLK Day by working with Atlanta area schools, churches, community organizations and businesses to use the race as a fundraiser for their community-oriented initiatives. This 5K walk/run will take place entirely on New Peachtree Road on January 20th, 2025.
To register and get more info, check out their website!
6. Children’s Museum of Atlanta MLK Jr. Day Programming
Where: Children’s Museum of Atlanta
Head to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta for their informative program honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. for MLK Day! There’s so many awesome activities planned, where you’ll learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and think of ways you can help build a better world. From arts and crafts to a birthday dance party, it’s a great way to educate the kids on all things Martin Luther King Jr.
For more information and to reserve your spot, check out their website!
7. Visit a National Park
One of the many things you could do is visit one of Georgia’s stunning parks. Or head out of state to visit our National Parks for free. In honor of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., national parks will waive entrance fees for everyone on Monday, January 20th, 2025, as the first fee-free day of the year.
Check out the National Parks Service’s website for more information.
8. Visit Sandy Springs for the MLK Day event
Where: Sandy Springs
There’s a whole day of family-friendly events planned in Sandy Springs for MLK Day. Guests can expect children’s activity stations and a screening of Emmy Award-nominated film, Our Friend, Martin. The event is free for all.
For more information, check out Sandy Springs’ website!
9. Catch a film for Soul Cinema Sundays at the Plaza Theatre
On January 19th, 2025, the historic Plaza Theatre will play ‘The Last Black Man In San Francisco.’ Here’s the film’s description, according to the Plaza’s website:
Jimmie Fails dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Joined on his quest by his best friend Mont, Jimmie searches for belonging in a rapidly changing city that seems to have left them behind.
10. Get your meal at a Black-owned restaurant
Atlanta has a thriving Black-owned restaurant scene, and we love supporting them all year round! And for MLK Jr. Day weekend especially, we’re so happy to support Black-owned businesses and restaurants!
See a great roundup of restaurants here!
And a great roundup of businesses here!
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Atlanta! Celebrate all the advancements we’ve made for civil rights, and pledge to continue the fight!