MLK Jr. Day Events

Monday marks the 25th observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the U.S.  Signed into law in 1983 by Ronald Reagan and first observed in 1986, the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday faced initial resistance in some states but is now firmly ensconced in our nation’s holiday lineup.  Looking for something to do?  Here’s a quick, though certainly incomplete, list of things going on:

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free admission and special programming.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art will be open from noon to 5 p.m., free.  Special events include gallery tours, films art activities, and a discussion at 4 p.m. in the Toby with poet Mari Evans and jazz musician David Baker.

The Madame Walker Theatre Center will start the celebration of MLK Day with its annual Freedom Walk down Indiana Avenue at 10:45 a.m., followed by a day of performances, speakers, and films.

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park will be open and free, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with both indoor and outdoor activities and programming.

All sites at White River State Park will offer free parking and admission with the donation of canned food items for Gleaners Food Bank.  Visit the Indianapolis Zoo, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the IMAX Theater, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.  The Indiana State Museum, in particular, will be offering special films, performances, and programming for the day.

You can also visit the Corporation for National and Community Service’s MLK Day of Service website to find volunteer opportunities near you.

Lastly, Indiana’s National Park sites in Vincennes, Porter, and Lincoln City will be fee-free the entire weekend of Jan 15-17.