On Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, our nation honors perhaps the greatest Civil Rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr.
In metro Detroit, 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 metro Detroit to commemorate Dr. King.
Search the list and find the right way to teach your kids about the Civil Rights movement along with conversations about race and racism this MLK Day.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events in Metro Detroit
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at Detroit Public Library – Main Branch
Jan. 17, 2025
- Address: 5201 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
All ages can learn about Martin Luther King Jr. by traveling back in time with the movie, Our Friend Martin at this celebration.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Jan. 18-20, 2025
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: $36/ages 12-plus, $25.50/ages 5-11, free/ages 4 and under; Free museum admission and parking on Jan. 20, 2025
Learn about the contributions Dr. King made to the civil rights movement and other civil rights artifacts, including the Rosa Parks bus. This event offers musical performances, an original play, live performances and more.
United We Walk at West Bloomfield Middle School
Jan. 19, 2025
- Address: 6000 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township
- Cost: Free
Participants celebrate MLK Jr.’s birthday at the 31st annual walk at West Bloomfield Middle School. This year’s theme is “Continuing the Dream: Building Bridges of Unity.”
22nd Annual Detroit MLK Day Rally & March at St. Matthew’s-St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 8850 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Join the Detroit MLK Committee for the 22nd Annual March and Rally. The event will feature speakers and artists active in the movements.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at Clinton-Macomb Public Library – North Branch
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 54100 Broughton Road, Macomb
- Cost: Free
Ages 5-12 are invited to North Branch to hear a story and make a craft to celebrate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate MLK Day at Clinton-Macomb Public Library – South Branch
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 35679 Southbound Gratiot Ave., Clinton Township
- Cost: Free
Ages 5-12 are invited to North Branch to hear a story and make a craft to celebrate the life and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Day Celebration at Ypsilanti District Library-Superior
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 1900 N. Harris Road, Ypsilanti
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a performance by Ypsilanti Youth Choir and a hands-on craft.
MLK Day Ceremony and Candlelight Walk at The Roeper School
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 41190 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: Free
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with student-led discussion and activities, hot chocolate, donuts, cider, entertainment, a march, candlelight and a ceremony.
MLK, Jr. Day at The Wright
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free with museum admission
The theme this year is, “The Strength to Dream.” Families can enjoy an MLK event that features educational workshops and programming, lecture, film and a prayer breakfast.
MLK Peace Walk & Ceremony at Hope United Methodist Church
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 26275 Northwestern Highway, Southfield
- Cost:Free
This 40th annual event commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme is “Social Justice Through Inclusion Equity and Diversity.”
Scientist Spotlight: MLK Jr. Day Celebration at U-M Museum of Natural History
Jan. 20, 2025
- Address: 1105 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
Meet U-M scientists of color and learn about their research through interactive tabletop activities.
This article was updated on Jan. 13, 2025, by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update includes adding family friendly MLK Jr. Day events to the MetroParent.com calendar and highlighted included the best MLK Jr. Day events to check out with your family. For questions, contact Kari at kari@metroparent.com.
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