
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 20, and there’s no better time to get involved in your community.
From historical and artistic engagement to volunteering and community outreach, here are some of the best MLK Day events in Chicago.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Chicago History Museum
Join the Chicago History Museum for one of the family-friendly MLK Day events in Chicago, where they’ll celebrate of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and accomplishments on January 20.
The fun-filled event will feature interactive engagements, live musical performances, and educational resources for getting involved in one’s own community.
The event is included in General Admission, which is free for Illinois residents on January 20!
When: Monday, January 20, 2025 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Chicago History Museum | 1601 N. Clark St.
Admission: Free for IL residents, ticket reservation required.
Echoes of Freedom at Hyde Park Art Center
The Hyde Park Art Center is thrilled to present a day-long celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy on January 10.
The free, all-ages event will feature live musical performances, film screenings, interactive art activities, a zine-making pop-up, and more—making it one of the best MLK Day events in Chicago.
When: Monday, January 20 | 11am-4pm
Where: Hyde Park Art Center | 5020 S. Cornell Avenue
Admission: Free with registration.
MLK Day of Service
The Forest Preserves of Cook County is honoring Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of community service and family-friendly activities at the Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion on January 20.
Volunteers will help clean up litter from around the park while enjoying some hot cocoa and craft-making.
When: Mon, January 20 | 10:00am – 1pm
Where: Dan Ryan Woods Pavilion | S. Western Ave. & W. 87th St.
Admission: Free with registration
Black Creativity Family Day at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Black Creativity Family Day pays tribute to African American contributions to science, art, and technology.
Guests will explore the “Black Creativity – Juried Art Exhibition”, engage in art activations, and participate in other fun events.
Admission to Black Creativity Family Day is included in the price of a general admission museum ticket.
When: Monday, January 20 | 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry | 5700 S Lake Shore Dr.
Admission: Included in GA Ticket
Chicago Sinfonietta’s annual MLK tribute concert
The Chicago Sinfonietta will present “Black Being”, its annual Martin Luther King Jr. tribute concert on January 20 at the Auditorium Theatre.
One of our favorite MLK Day events in Chicago, the evening will feature an immersive orchestral performance honoring Black composers and innovators. Tickets start at $27.
When: Monday, January 20 | 6:30pm
Where: The Auditorium Theatre | 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive
Admission: Tickets available from $27 – $57