Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

In honor of this African-American activist, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties offer these Martin Luther King Jr. Day events.

On Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, our nation honors perhaps the greatest Civil Rights activist: Martin Luther King Jr.

In southeast Michigan, local spots do their part by offering plenty of family-friendly Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in celebration of this man and all he accomplished.

Here, you will find a list of inspiring speeches, craft activities, exhibits and more in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, and beyond to commemorate Dr. King.

Search the list and find the right way to teach your kids about the Civil Rights movement, and bring up conversations about race and racism, this MLK Day.

United We Walk at West Bloomfield Middle School

Jan. 15, 2023

Participants celebrate MLK Jr.’s birthday at the 29th annual walk at West Bloomfield Middle School. This year’s theme is, “I Have A Dream…1963-2023.”

20th Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March at St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church

Jan. 16, 2023

Join the Detroit Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Committee for the 20th Annual March and Rally. The theme this year is “Six Decades of Mass Movements, The Struggle Continues.” The event will feature speakers and artists active in the movements.

Celebrate MLK Day at Clinton-Macomb Public Library – North Branch

Jan. 16, 2023

Ages 3-12 are invited to North Branch to hear a story and make a craft to celebrate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King: Birthday Celebration at the Fox Theatre

Jan. 16, 2023

Join Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. as he hosts “Let Freedom Ring,” a free public event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis at the Detroit Film Theatre

Jan. 16, 2023

See rare footage of Dr. King’s speeches, protests and arrests at this showing of King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis. The film is 185 minutes long and includes an intermission. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Jan. 16, 2023

Celebrate MLK’s life with free admission to the museum, historical presentations, artifacts and hands-on fun. Registration required. 

MLK Children and Youth Program at University of Michigan – Modern Language Building

Jan. 16, 2023

This youth program for MLK Day features performances by Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Elizabeth James, Reverend Jones and Rock Williamson.

MLK Community Prayer Breakfast at Thurston High School

Jan. 16, 2023

Enjoy the 25th annual MLK Jr. Community Prayer Breakfast at Thurston High School. They will be accepting donations for personal care items.

MLK Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit

Jan. 16, 2023

Families can enjoy an MLK event that features educational workshops and programming, lecture, film and a prayer breakfast. 

MLK Day Celebration with Akili Jackson at Ypsilanti District Library-Superior

Jan. 16, 2023

Join the library for a celebration of the vision and life of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. 

MLK Day Ceremony and Candlelight Walk at The Roeper School

Jan. 16, 2023

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with workshops, treats, entertainment, candlelight walk and a ceremony.

MLK Day Community Celebration at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill

Jan. 16, 2023

Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a community celebration at The Village Theater at Cherry Hill. Pre-event features light refreshments and viewing of P-CCS student art. The main stage event will include P-CCS student presentations, as well as a special performance by the Stan Barnes and Friends band.

MLK Family Day at Painting with a Twist in Ferndale

Jan. 16, 2023

Create your own MLK Day masterpiece at this Ferndale spot. Good for ages 7-plus. Registration required.

MLK Peace Walk & Ceremony at Hope United Methodist Church

Jan. 16, 2023

This 38th annual commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme will be “The Global Impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

MLK Service Project at Ypsilanti District Library-Michigan Avenue

Jan. 16, 2023

Help sew fleece hats to give to Hope Clinic and Demonic. Donate trial-size hygiene products to give away as well.

Robert Jones & Matt Watroba at The Ark

Jan. 16, 2023

Come out to the Ark to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with musical partners, Robert Jones and Matt Watroba.

Storyteller Gwendolyn Lewis as Coretta Scott King at the Chelsea District Library

Jan. 16, 2023

Celebrate MLK Day and learn more about the Civil Rights Movement from the perspective of Dr. King’s wife, Coretta Scott King.

Looking for another way to celebrate MLK Day this year? Check out our list of at-home day of service ideas for more. 

This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.


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