Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Events, Celebrations, Museums & Zoos with FREE Admissions on Monday, Jan 19!
Wondering how to best celebrate the MLK Jr. holiday on Monday, January 19, 2026? Here are a few events to consider as a way to spend the day with an opportunity to reflect on the work and life of a great civil rights leader.
With a day off from school and hopefully work many nearby organizations, zoos, and museums open their doors for free. It’s a great time to be able to take advantage of these free event admissions happening for the day.
MLK Jr. Day Events: Monday, January 19, 2026
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (Seacoast Chapter) Host a Pancake Breakfast
8:30am
South Church, Portsmouth, NH
A longstanding tradition that lapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic will return this year. The Seacoast chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will host a pancake breakfast at South Church, starting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday.
The event is free and has been held since the early 1980s, long before then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen signed legislation in 1991 recognizing the holiday in the state.
Later on, at 12:30 p.m., a guided tour of the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire will be offered.
FREE Admission to The Currier Museum of Art
11:00am – 4:00pm
150 Ash Street, Manchester, NH
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration is a day to remember the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Currier Museum of Art. Enjoy guided tours of Black American artists in the collection, artmaking for all ages and abilities, and an empowering keynote address. This event is free thanks to generous sponsorship from Citizens.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Event with Project S.T.O.R.Y
1:00 – 3:00pm
146 N. Main St., Concord, NH in the Eleventh Letter Writing Gallery
Project S.T.O.R.Y., a nonprofit organization that works with youth from culturally diverse communities in Concord, is hosting its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Event at The Eleventh Letter Writing Gallery. The event will feature a youth panel discussion and speeches by Project S.T.O.R.Y. leaders.
Charm Emiko, the founder and director of Project S.T.O.R.Y., told us the nonprofit started hosting this event after local children expressed concern over the lack of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in their community.
The event is free to attend, but donations are welcome.
Free Admission to the Peabody Essex Museum
10:00am – 4:00pm
161 Essex St., Salem, MA
Join us for a free day at PEM as we celebrate and reflect on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the upcoming exhibition Edmonia Lewis: Said In Stone.
Artist Edmonia Lewis moved continually throughout her life, living in upstate New York, Ohio, Boston, London and Rome, searching for a place where she could thrive as an individual and artist. We invite visitors to reflect on their own identity and search for community, drawing inspiration from Lewis’ life as well as the enduring ideals of justice, equality and inclusion embodied by leaders like King.
Free Admission to Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo
9:00am – 4:00pm
Stoneham, MA and Roxbury, MA
Enjoy both the Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo for free on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Both zoos will be featuring information talks with zookeepers and mystery animal encounters throughout the day.
Free Admission to the The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA)
10:00am – 5:00 pm
25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA
The ICA is offering free admission for all on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19. Free advanced tickets are required. Celebrate the legacy of MLK with art-making and three acclaimed exhibitions, plus relax and recharge in the waterfront ICA Wine + Coffee Bar.
Museum of Fine Arts MLK Day Open House (FREE for MA Residents Only)
10:00am – 5:00pm
465 Huntington Ave, Boston MA
Massachusetts residents can enjoy free admission to the MFA (including special exhibits) on MLK Day. Visitors can take free guided tours, participate in art making, learn about job opportunities at the museum, and watch live performances. Then dance it out to beats by DJ Slick Vick.
Free Admission to the Gardner Museum (SOLD OUT)
11:00am – 5:00 pm
25 Evans Way, Boston, MA
Enjoy free admission (with advanced ticket reservation) to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in honor of MLK Day. In addition to the regular collection, the museum will present storytelling, conversations with community leaders, interactive art making, and live music.
Interested in doing some educational, and fun MLK Jr. crafts? Check out these 10 from Creative Child!
How will you spend the MLK Jr. Day with the kids? Tell us in comments.
