Looking for something to do to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 21? I’ve compiled a 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 75+ 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
MLK Jr. Day Celebrations on Saturday, January 19
Happy Birthday, Martin!
Saturday, January 19 from 1 pm – 3 pm. Celebrate Dr. King’s birthday at a party featuring poetry, music, dance and storytelling with Is Said and Advance Party. All ages. Martin Luther King Library (1467 East Long St).
MLK Jr. Day Celebrations on Monday, January 21
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast
7 a.m. – 10 a.m. Greater Columbus Convention Center – Exhibit Hall C (400 North High Street) from 7 am – 10 am. “The Purpose of Education.” – intelligence plus character. The largest event of its kind in the United States honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, with keynote speaker, John B. King, Jr. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $45-$60; call or for availability as it may be sold out. Phone: 614.863.6442 Email: mlkbreakfast@yahoo.com. If you don’t get the chance to attend this year, mark your calendars for next year, as it’s an annual event.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration at Ohio Wesleyan University
7:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Delaware’s 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration. The breakfast buffet opens at 7:45 a.m. with the program to follow at 8:30 a.m. Both the breakfast and program will take place in the Benes Rooms of the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center of Ohio Wesleyan University (40 Rowland Ave. Delaware, OH). Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance.
MLK Day of Learning at Capital University
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The theme for the 2019 Day of Learning, “A Community in Harmony” echoes the rich history of Dr. King and the steps the community and nation have taken together toward equality. MLK Day of Learning Speaker will be sociologist Joyce Ladner, one of the nation’s pre-eminent thought leaders. Following the convocation there will be special activities, workshops, luncheon, kids’ activities, and more. See schedule.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration
Leadership Westerville and the MLK Jr. Legacy Project (formerly the MLK Breakfast Committee) invite you to the 14th annual Westerville Luther King Jr. Breakfast Celebration, “Remaining Awake” at Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center, 1630 Schrock Road from 7:30 – 9:30 am. This year’s featured speaker is the Reverend Dr. Gayle Fisher-Stewart, a former police officer of 20 years currently serving as associate rector of Calvary Episcopal Church where she founded the Center for the Study of Faith in Justice. Tickets are $20-$30.
Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
11 am – noon. The Worthington community celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. features the role of music in the Civil Rights Movement. Performances will include the Capriccio Jubilee Choir, Capriccio Youth Choir and Joyful Inspiration Dance. Dr. Ted McDaniel will be the featured speaker. Emeritus professor of African American Music at The Ohio State University, Dr. McDaniel is a specialist in jazz history, jazz performance, and African American music.
A community luncheon will follow, and the entire event is free and open to the public. As a tribute to Dr. King’s commitment to help those in need, everyone attending the program is asked to bring a canned food item to be donated to the Worthington Food Pantry & Resource Center. Event held at Worthington United Methodist Church (600 High Street). Free and open to all.
City of Columbus Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
January 21 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the annual celebration and march at East High School. This year’s theme is, “It’s our time. A movement toward justice.” Free; rsvp here.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Ohio History Center
Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a weekend of themed programming inspired by our art exhibit Black Heritage Through Visual Rhythms, which is open now through Jan. 21, 2019. Check out special exhibits and features on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Story Time and Craft
Bring the kids to Cub Shrub (1257 Grandview Avenue) to honor the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his passion for serving others. During our time we will read stories and complete a craft that highlight his life and message. To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s devotion to service please bring one non-perishable food item to be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.
New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: DeMarsico, Dick, photographer. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
MLK Day Open House at King Arts Complex
Noon – 4 p.m. Annual community event is an excellent opportunity for children, families and friends to enjoy musical and live theatrical performances. Admission is free; donations appreciated. See schedule here.
BOGO Lunch for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. In honor of Martin Luther King Day on Monday, Jan. 21, when guests dine-in for lunch at their local Carrabba’s Italian Grill restaurant and order an entrée from their special lunch menu featuring seasonal pastas, Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Asparagus with Prosciutto and more, guests will receive the second lunch entrée for free. If you can’t make it for lunch that day, dine-in from Monday, Jan. 21 – Thursday, Jan. 31. and enjoy one of Carrabba’s Italian Grill’s three signature dishes; wood-grilled Chicken Bryan, savory Chicken Marsala, or creamy Pollo Rosa Maria from the Carrabba’s Today, Carrabba’s Tomorrow menu, and take home your choice of a FREE order of Lasagne OR Spaghetti.
Schools out! Events for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 21
Free admission to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
10 am – 4 pm, with free admission for all. $10 parking per vehicle for non-members still applies.
SuperGames MLK Jr. Open Play!
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tickets will be available for purchase at our facility the day of the event; $10 per child. Limited availability so be sure to arrive early! Private party room is also available for a 45 minute rental for $50. You can book the party room by calling into the office or by email.
Kids Story Time at Chick-fil-A on Sawmill
10 am. Kid’s story time featuring singing, crafting, and stories
Kids Camp at The Party Studio
January 21, 10 am – 1 pm. Drop off your little Picassos for KIDS CAMP from 10am-1pm. Canvas Painting and Crafts! Light Snack included. (Feel Free to pack a snack) NO COUPONS ACCEPTED!!!
School’s Out! with The Shazzbotts at Franklin Park Conservatory
11 am and 2 pm. Dance and sing along to an out-of-this-world concert by central Ohio’s favorite kid’s rock band. Regular admission to FPC applies.
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.
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 50 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 MLK Jr. Day.
Monday, January 21, 2019
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.
Events from 2018 (waiting for 2019 updates) These events were held in 2018, but haven’t been verified or updated for 2019. We’ll be checking them regularly, and will add these to the list if they are scheduled again for 2019. If you know of any other events, please comment or email us at info@columbusonthecheap.com
Open Bounce at World of Bounce New Albany
10 am – 1 pm and 6 pm – 9 pm. $5 open bounce for either session. Let your kids jump, climb, slide and play at World of Bounce!
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