Looking for something to do to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16, 2023? 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
2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Day events
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reynoldsburg Memorial Breakfast
Saturday, January 14, 2023, 8:30 – 11:00
In celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King the City of Reynoldsburg is pleased to announce the first annual memorial breakfast at Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church. Doors open and breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. for the ticketed event. Event is free; registration is required.
Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church 1636 Graham Road Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
MLK Jr. Day Celebration at Ohio History Center
Monday, January 16, 2023 • 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!
Details about the event will be announced soon.
Seeds of Caring MLK Day of Service
January 16, 2023 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. 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. King
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Breakfast
January 16, 2023 from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.
“Honoring the Man, Sustaining His Legacy, Preserving His Dream”
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.
Featured speaker:
Dr. Lawrence Carter, Dean, Martin Luther King International Chapel at Morehouse College Atlanta, GA
2023 King Scholar Speaker – Morehouse College – George Anthony Pratt.
Tickets are $50 and are limited; *Promo Code : EARLYBIRD2 (20% off for a limited time). See more details and purchase tickets here.
Delaware and OWU MLK Celebration
January 16, 2023 at 7:45 am-9:30 am
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 the 30th annual community breakfast will feature keynote speaker Nick Bankston, a dedicated public servant.
The theme of this year’s program is “Unfinished Business: The Continued March Towards Justice”. Doors open and breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. The program will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at 9:30 a.m.
Individual tickets are $25. Purchase tickets online by January 9, 2023.
Ohio Wesleyan’s Hamilton-Williams Campus Center
40 Rowland Ave.
Delaware, Ohio
Online panel discussion
They are also hosting an online-only panel discussion at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.
The discussion will explore “From Civil Rights to Wakanda: An Exploration of Blackness & Media” and include panelists Dr. Phokeng Dailey, Saharla Loyan, Tamika Vinson-Reid, and Jason Timpson, with Dawn Chisebe serving as moderator.
New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer: DeMarsico, Dick, photographer. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
MLK Day of Learning at Capital University
January 16, 2023 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 “A New Day for All of Us”.
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.
Service project: Water Crisis
To help combat the failing water systems in the southern states, Capital is collecting water (water bottles, filters, etc.) to donate to the NAACP in Jackson, Mississippi. The neglect of water systems has become not only an environmental issue, but a racial issue as well. Residents in the impacted areas continue to have limited or no access to clean drinking water. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
See full list of activities and register online.
Westerville MLK Jr Celebration
January 16, 2023 at 8 am. Leadership Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Project hosts the 18th Annual Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The theme for this year is The Dream [un]Realized: The fight for housing equality.
The program will feature an esteemed panel including Rachel Kleit, Ph.D., Move to Prosper, Kenneth L. Wright, Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, and Glennon Sweeney, OSU Kirwan Institute. The panel will be moderated by Angela An, 10 TV News.
Tickets are available for $20; register online.
Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center, 1630 Schrock Road Columbus, OH 43229
Martin Luther King Day Celebration at Holy Rosary-St. John
January 16, 2023 at noon. Holy Rosary-St. John Church (660 South Ohio Avenue) celebrates the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
City Year Columbus Advancing Racial Equity Virtual Town Hall
Monday, January 16, 2023 from 12:00-1:00 PM via Zoom. This year’s conversation will focus on youth mental health.
During the town hall, Synettra Coleman (City Year Columbus Board Chair and Vice President of Business Development Manager at JPMorgan Chase) will moderate a panel discussion featuring the following mental health experts:
Dr. Ameena Kemavor, Vice President of Advocacy and Engagement at ADAMH
Gabrielle Hill, founding author at The Anthill Creative, LLC and a licensed school counselor
Dr. Cashea Holyfield, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics in Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s psychology department
Registration for this event is FREE and we encourage all community members to join in on this impactful and relevant conversation! Please register online using this link.
Columbus State Annual MLK Celebration
January 23-27, 2023
Columbus State Community College celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at its 33rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration.
The keynote address will be given by speaker and author Theo E.J. Wilson. As we continue the work of Dr. King to build a better, more inclusive, community, Columbus State is proud to champion his powerful messages with a weeklong series of readings, volunteer opportunities, art installations, and more.
See the full list of activities for the week on the website.
Schools out! Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16
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.
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!
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 events and Season information
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.
Robb McCormick Photography www.robbmccormick.com
Need more options? Here are some other fun things for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Monday, January 16, 2023
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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