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Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed this year on Monday, Jan. 19, is a federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King, including his fight for civil rights and racial equity.
The annual holiday is also designated as a National Day of Service.
Here’s a list of events and service opportunities to check out in the Charlotte area this weekend:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday Parade
Location: 8th Street & North Tryon Street to 3rd Street
When: Saturday, Jan. 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Thousands are expected to turn out for the city’s annual MLK Jr. Day Parade this weekend. Spectators can look forward to more than 100 community organizations, local marching bands, step teams and other performers.
Back to the Basics P.E.A.C.E. Basketball Showcase
Location: West Charlotte High School | 2219 Senior Dr, Charlotte, NC 28216
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m.
Organized by the nonprofit Back to the Basics Academy, this yearly showcase unites local youth from all backgrounds “in the name of teamwork, sportsmanship and amateur athletic competitions,” city officials said. Event tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
National Observance
Location: Covenant Presbyterian Church | 1000 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204
When: Sunday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m.
Rev. Dr. Peter M. Wherry will join Fordham University associate professor and author Christina Greer for “a powerful conversation” about critical moments in our nation’s history. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session led by award-winning journalist Tonya Rivens.
CMS Arts and Writing Showcase
Location: Charlotte Ballet | 701 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Monday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m.
This annual awards program recognizes the talents of Charlotte-Mecklenburg School students through visual art, spoken word, dance and musical performances inspired by the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
MLK Day of Service Community Cleanups
Location:
- Albemarle Road McDonald’s | 6301 Albemarle Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212 | 10 a.m. – noon
- Archive CLT | 2023 Beatties Ford Rd #500, Charlotte, NC 28216 | 10 am. – noon
- Freedom Drive Shopping Center | 2400 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208 | 10 a.m. – noon
- Lawyers Road Park + Ride | 6750 Lawyers Rd, Charlotte, NC 28227 | 10 a.m. – noon
- St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church | 1600 Norris Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206 | 10 a.m. – noon
- Stratford Richardson YMCA | 1946 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208 | 10 a.m. – noon
- W Sugar Creek McDonald’s | 1201 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213 | 10 a.m. – noon
When: Monday, Jan. 19
Volunteers can join Keep Charlotte Beautiful and community partners for seven different cleanups happening across the city. Registration is encouraged, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Lunch will also be provided.
MLK Day 2026: Instruments for Change
Location: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture | 551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
This daylong event honors the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the “enduring connection between the arts and activism,” according to the center’s website. Attendees can look forward to a photo exhibit celebrating jazz legends from the 1920s-1980s; hands-on arts and crafts; a screening of the 1999 animated film “Our Friend, Martin”; two panel discussions; live performances and more.
MLK Family Day
Location: One Independence Center | 101 N Tryon St #1210, Charlotte, NC 28202
When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
This free event invites families to take part in storybook readings, hands-on crafts and performances honoring the legacy and impact of Martin Luther King, Jr.
United Way MLK Call to Service
Location: The Park Expo + Conference Center | 800 Briar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m.-noon
The United Way of Greater Charlotte will honor Dr. King’s legacy through “hands-on service projects” meant to uplift the community, the organization said. Volunteers will help assemble snack packs and back-to-school supply kits for youth and families. Attendees will also get the chance to connect with local nonprofit groups and win bingo prizes.
2026 MLK Day Peace Walk + Community Breakfast
Location: Charles Mack Citizen Center | 215 N Main St #2527, Mooresville, NC 28115
When: Monday, Jan. 19, at 9:30 a.m.
This Mooresville event kicks off with a peace walk at 9:30 a.m. (participants should arrive by 8:45 a.m.), followed by a breakfast program “that pays tribute to Dr. King’s visionary leadership,” officials said. The event is free., but tickets are required.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Location: David B. Waymer Recreation Center | 14008 Holbrooks Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 3-5 p.m.
Attendees can expect light refreshments and mobile museum displays featuring 400 African-American artifacts and Civil Rights Era memorabilia, including news articles, books, plaques and biographies honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Service
Location: University City UMC | 3835 W W.T.Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28269
When: Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m.
Locals are invited to join “a time of worship, reflection and a recommitment” to the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The featured guest speaker is Rev. Dr. Hanna Broome. Additionally, winners of the 2026 Children’s and Youth Essay-Art Contest will be announced during the service.
This story was originally published January 16, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
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Tanasia Kenney
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