Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbus

Looking for something to do to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026? See our list of things to do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Columbus. 

The first section contains specific events in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the following section contains links for activities in Columbus for you to enjoy if you have the day off from school and work.

2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day events

Happy Birthday, Martin! Crossroads of Freedom

Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 3:30 – 6:30 pm
Martin Luther King Branch, 1467 East Long Street, Columbus, OH, 43203

Enjoy a time to reflect on Martin Luther King Jr., with cake, music, dance, storytelling and more! Details here. 

MLK Jr. Day Celebration at Ohio History Center

Monday, January 19, 2026 • 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Ohio History Center, Columbus

Celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King through visual and performing art performances. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the impact of Dr. King’s teachings and learn how his work changed the trajectory of the country. 

More information on the program will be added to the website! Please check back here.

Seeds of Caring MLK Day of Service

January 19, 2026 at 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm. Details and sign up here. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said “Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve.” Join us as we share this message with the kids of Columbus and celebrate MLK Day with our friends from White Castle and in partnership with The King Arts Complex and Ohio History Connection!

Seeds of Caring will provide 5 youth service stations as part of the larger MLK Open House Celebration taking place at the Ohio History Center. Activities include making “Use Your Voice” posters, assembling cleaning kits for recently housed neighbors, decorating and packing breakfast meal kits for kids experiencing food insecurity, suncatchers for seniors to brighten their day, and creating dream catchers inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

The MLK Open House Celebration runs from 12pm-4pm with free admission; in addition to the service activities, you will find art activities, education, and live theatrical and musical performances honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast

January 19, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

The City of Columbus takes great pride in its observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, Inc. invites the public to the Columbus signature King Holiday event attended by thousands of diverse multicultural at Columbus Convention Center. The largest event of its kind in the United States honoring Dr. King.

Tickets are $65 and are limited. See more details and purchase tickets here.

Delaware and OWU MLK Celebration

January 19, 2026 from  9:45 a.m. -11:45 a.m.

“The Lantern Keepers: Preserving the Flame of Justice”
Pastor Alvin Asiamah of Soul Restoration Ministry will provide the opening prayer. Sierra Austin-King, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Black Studies at The Ohio State University and an Ohio Prison Educational Exchange Program faculty member, will serve as the keynote speaker. Professional vocalist, actress, and educator Chrissy T will be the featured performer.

The 2026 celebration also will feature a “wax museum” in Hamilton-Williams Campus Center with students portraying historical figures. As always, the MLK Celebration will raise funds to provide scholarships to local students.

Individual tickets are $35, and sponsorship for the event is $260 for a table of eight. 

Purchase tickets online by January 9, 2026

Ohio Wesleyan’s Hamilton-Williams Campus Center
40 Rowland Ave.
Delaware, Ohio

MLK Day of Learning at Capital University

January 19, 2026 from 10 am – 3:30 pm
All are welcome to participate in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Learning at Capital University. The theme of this event is “Unfinished Business: The Ceilings We Break”

Join fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Registered attendees are encouraged to attend the keynote, engage with fellow learners in workshops, and participate in service activities.

See full list of activities and register online. 

Westerville MLK Jr Celebration

January 19, 2026 at 8:30 am. Leadership Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Project hosts the Annual Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The theme for the 2026 program is: 

“Hope Through Action”

Tickets are available for $30-$35; register online. Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Learning at Charity Newsies

Monday, January 19, 2026 · 11am – 2pm.

Support Charity Newsie’s mission that “no child shall be kept out of school due to lack of adequate clothing” at this MLK Day of service. Reserve a spot.

Charity Newsies, 4300 Indianola Avenue Columbus, OH 43214

Martin Luther King Jr’s Dream Today in Bexley

Monday, January 19, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Bexley Public Library

One Bexley Real Talk Community Conversation
Honor MLK Day by listening to his powerful speech, “I Have a Dream” and joining in real talk with your neighbors about its meaning today. Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. Reserve and learn more.

Columbus State Annual MLK Celebration

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
The Fierce Urgency Of Now: 36 Years of Honoring Dr. King at Columbus State 

Columbus State Community College celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration. The keynote address will be given by Michael Young, Lead Pastor, City of Grace Church

See the full list of activities for the week on the website. 

Schools out! Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19

MLK Skate at Skate Zone 71

Special event skating parties Friday – Monday! All Children Between the Ages of 3-17 Are Required to Pay Admission and Skate Rental Upon Entering. Adults 18+ not skating, may enter for free. See details on website.

United Skates of America 

Special skating sessions are available through the long weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. See options on website.

Grab your sled: Sledding hills in Columbus

Will we have snow? No one knows, but if we do, a day off is a great chance to hit the hills at these sledding hills in Columbus.

Grab your sled: Best Sledding hills in Columbus

Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating in Columbus

Whether you want to brave the outdoors, or skate in a temperature controlled rink, you’ll have a blast on the ice! See options for indoor and outdoor ice skating!

Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating in Columbus

Snow Trails Skiing and Snowboarding Central Ohio

Snow Trails just a short drive from Columbus and you’ll burn calories on those hills, whether you ski, board, or tube.  Offering extended hours over Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend. See details here.

Snow Trails Skiing and Snowboarding is OPEN! Read more about the snow season

Over 85 Indoor Play Places and Activities for Kids around Columbus

It’s going to be COLD! You don’t have to be trapped inside though – check out one of the 50+ indoor play areas. Many are free!  Please check links for holiday or weather closures.

So many Indoor Play Places and Activities for kids around Columbus

Teachers get in free to COSI

Certified educators get in free to COSI, every day!  Must have proof of certification. Details here.

Need more options? Here are some other fun things for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Black History Month: February

Columbus Metropolitan Libraries are celebrating Black History Month with events and activities during the month of February, in addition to celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday in January.