Looking for something to do to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 17, 2022? 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.
New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: DeMarsico, Dick, photographer. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Day events
MLK Jr. Day Celebration at Ohio History Center
Monday, January 17, 2022 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ohio History Center, Columbus
Join us for a day of celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and take part in activities and programs that focus on serving and engaging with the community!
Special Film Screening: The Green Book: Guide to Freedom
10:30 a.m. & 3 p.m.
In the 1930s, a black postal carrier from Harlem named Victor Green published a book that was part travel guide and part survival guide. It was called The Negro Motorist Green Book, and it helped African-Americans navigate safe passage across America well into the 1960s. Explore some of the segregated nation’s safe havens and notorious “sundown towns” and witness stories of struggle and indignity as well as opportunity and triumph.
Seeds of Caring MLK Day of Service
January 17, 2022 at 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm
Celebrate MLK Day as a “day on, not a day off” through 5 different service stations as part of the larger MLK Day Open House Celebration. Program is for ages 2-12; adults must accompany children. Siblings of participants outside this age range are welcome, but may find the event to be less meaningful and fulfilling.
Seeds of Caring will provide 5 youth service stations as part of the larger MLK Open House Celebration. Activities will include making posters with Pint Size Protesters, assembling personal care kits for neighbors in need, decorating and packing snack bags for unhoused neighbors, designing bookmarks promoting diversity in literature with Harper’s Corner, and creating take-home art inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Learn more and register here.
Day of Service runs in conjunction with The MLK Open House Celebration, which is from 12-4pm 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.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Birthday Breakfast
January 17, 2022 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Online event: “HOW Long? NOT Long”
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. The largest event of its kind in the United States honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Join us at the virtual flagship event on MLK Jr. Day, the national holiday commemorating Dr. King the fallen civil rights leader.
Keynote speaker: Kristina M. Johnson, PhD, 16th president of The Ohio State University
Tickets are $25 and are limited; see more details and purchase tickets here.
Delaware and OWU 2022 MLK Celebration
January 17, 2022 at 11 am-12:30 pm
In celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Delaware County MLK Day Committee and Ohio Wesleyan University are hosting online events.
The 29th Annual Celebration will debut on Ohio Wesleyan’s Facebook page at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. This year the program will examine “Why We Can’t Wait” in our journey toward justice.
As a part of this exploration, we will hear TED Talk-style presentations. They will discuss how Diane Nash and Bayard Rustin worked with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Nicole Jackson of Bowling Green State University, Tamika Vinson-Reid of the Delaware African American Heritage Council, and Dr. Charles Montgomery, teaching pastor at Vineyard Columbus, will highlight each of our Civil Rights leaders. Contributions are welcome to help fund the Delaware County MLK Scholarship Program
They are also hosting a virtual panel discussion of the film “FUNDI: The Story of Ella Baker” at 4 p.m. Sunday, January 16, 2022. The film will not be screened as part of this free event, but is available through many libraries or may be rented online. Advance registration is required via this Zoom link.
New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: DeMarsico, Dick, photographer. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Virtual MLK Day of Learning at Capital University
January 17, 2022 from 10 am – 3:30 pm
All are welcome to participate in the 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Learning at Capital University. The theme of this event is “This Little Light of Mine,” an anthem during the civil rights movement and a song that reminds us that we all have a light inside of us that shines bright. The opening convocation and workshops will be offered through a Zoom platform.
All registrants must register as virtual attendees and additional information about Zoom will be sent to everyone who registers.
Westerville MLK Virtual Celebration
January 17, 2022 at 8 am. Leadership Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Project hosts the 17th Annual Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration as a virtual event. The theme for 2022 is “Justice for All.”
The program will feature an esteemed panel including Christie Angel, YWCA Columbus President & CEO, Judge Jaiza N. Page, and Alex Shanks, Director of Community Prevention Initiatives for Equitas Health. The panel will be joined and moderated by Angela An, 10TV News Anchor.
Tickets are available for $20; more information available at https://bit.ly/WestervilleMLK2022
Martin Luther King Day Celebration at Holy Rosary-St. John
January 17, 2022 at noon. Holy Rosary-St. John Church (660 South Ohio Avenue) celebrates the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Andrea Pannell, OPA.
Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17, 2022 from 11 am – noon.
Join the Worthington community to celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the virtual Martin Luther King Community Celebration. The program will be presented online with a collection and music, remarks and reflections about King’s legacy from people in the Worthington community.
The program will focus on “The Future of the movement – the legacy of Dr. King” and include readings by several students from Worthington Schools. The program will also feature musical performances from the Capriccio choir and Urban Strings Youth Orchestra.
Roadside Rally Against Racism & Representation Matters Book Drive
Monday, January 17, 2022 from 3-4 pm.
Bring a sign inspired by Dr. King AND a new, multicultural book to give our neighborhood schools as they continue to build libraries with diverse literature. See more details on the Facebook page.
Columbus State Annual MLK Celebration (Virtual)
January 24-28, 2022
Columbus State Community College will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at its 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration. This year’s event is all virtual, and expands the traditional day of recognition to a full week of events focused on modern civil rights strategies to further understanding and realization of Dr. King’s vision for equality.
The keynote celebration will be take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26.
Through a mix of virtual and in-person events, we will honor Dr. King’s legacy and carry on his work to create a more equitable, just, and inclusive community for all people.
Schools out! Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 17
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.
Special skating sessions are available through the long weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Movement Lab Ohio MLK Camp
Special winter camp for MLK Day! Both full and half-day options are available. Come prepared to have fun, learn ninja and parkour skills, and meet new friends!
When: Monday, January 17
- Full Day: 9am-4pm (campers bring their own lunch!)
- Morning: 9am-12pm
- Afternoon: 1pm-4pm
Registration is filling up, so sign up now!
Full Day- $90 for non-members, $80 for members!
Half Day – $50 for non-members, $45 for members!
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.
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!
Snow Trails Skiing and Snowboarding Central Ohio
Its 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
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.
AHA! Children’s museum
Teachers get in free to COSI
Certified educators get in free to COSI, every day! Must have proof of certification.
Robb McCormick Photography www.robbmccormick.com
Need more options? Here are some other fun things for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Monday, January 17, 2022
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.
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