10 MLK Day of Service events & celebrations happening across Wisconsin
Honor and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy by volunteering your time, participating in acts of service, and enjoying celebrations.
Every third Monday in the month of January, the country celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by observing a federal holiday, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a day when people nationwide are encouraged to make good use of their day off by making it a “day on.” That is, honoring and continuing the work that Dr. King began and giving back to the community.
Throughout Wisconsin, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s messages and actions by our time to a day of service. Some may argue that it’s more important now to keep fighting to make his dreams and messages a reality, and what better way to do that than by serving your community?
Several events and celebrations will be held across the state—from Milwaukee to Wausau (Dr. King visited this very site in the Spring of 1967) and everywhere in between. To help you find one in your area, we’ve compiled a list of 10 MLK Day of Service events and celebrations.
City Year Milwaukee
Where: Humboldt Park, 3230 South Adams Ave, Milwaukee
When: Monday, January 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
City Year Milwaukee is honoring Dr. King’s legacy and vision by joining together for a day of service. This event is described as a hands-on service that will transform school spaces and work on high-impact projects to support students and staff. The event is free, but organizers ask that you please RSVP.
Kids Impact Community (KIC)
Where: Congregation Shalom, 7630 N Santa Monica Blvd, Milwaukee
When: Saturday, January 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, January 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Congregation Shalom is hosting two opportunities to participate in MLK Day of Service activities. First, on Saturday, kids (aged 9 to 13) can participate in a leadership opportunity to help prepare for the upcoming event. On Monday, the whole family can give back to the community through seven different service projects, including packing cancer care kits, assembling winter hygiene kits, and more. If you plan to come lend a hand, please register each person.
Gateway Technical College (Racine, Darien, Kenosha)
Where: Women’s Resource Center – 1547 College Avenue, Racine
Twin Oaks Shelter – W9665 U.S. 14, Darien
Kenosha Welcome Center – 7403 30th Avenue, Kenosha
When: Friday, January 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (all locations)
All three Gateway Technical campuses are celebrating Dr. King with a day of service. Volunteers will typically help with organizing donations and other small projects at the Women’s Resource Center, Twin Oaks Shelter, and Kenosha Welcome Center. You can register to volunteer online.
Milwaukee Public Library – Martin Luther King Branch
Where: 2901 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Drive, Milwaukee
When: Monday, January 19, All day – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All Monday long (from 9 to 5), the Martin Luther King Branch of the Milwaukee Public Library will be open to celebrate and honor MLK and the community. There are several events scheduled throughout the day, including a Mural of Hope, performances by local groups, a panel discussion with Dr. Robert Smith, spoken word poetry by Milwaukee’s Poet Laureate, Shelly Conley, and much, much more!
Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center (Milwaukee)
Where: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee
When: Monday, January 19, beginning at 12 p.m.
On Monday, join a King Day Celebration at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Guest Speaker, Kenneth R Lock II, will speak on the question “Is It Me Who Must Change?”
UW-Madison Campus
Where: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, Madison
When: Tuesday, January 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This free event at Memorial Union (on the UW-Madison Campus) honors Dr. King’s message and legacy through creative activism with a printmaking event. Attendants can create their own poster inspired by the signage featured during Civil Rights protests or ongoing protest and resistance efforts today. No registration is required.
Program Overture Center for the Arts
Where: Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison
When: January 19, beginning at 5:15 p.m.
For the 41st Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance, the Overture Center for the Arts will be welcoming Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, an award-winning scholar and author whose work champions racial justice, education, and global solidarity, according to the event site. Before Dr. Hill takes the stage at 6 p.m., you can join the MLK Community Choir in a Freedom Song sing-along.
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
Where: Potawatomi Casino Hotel Event Center, 1721 West Canal Street, Milwaukee
When: Monday, January 19, from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
This event, which honors the life and legacy of Dr. King, is sponsored by the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. After registration, networking, and breakfast, local nonprofits will receive awards for their service to the community. This year’s honorees include Outreach Community Health Centers and MICAH (Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope).
Marcus Performing Arts Center
Where: 929 N Water Street, Milwaukee
When: Monday, January 19, beginning at 4 p.m.
To celebrate Dr. King’s birthday, the Marcus Performing Arts Center recognizes young people in the community who submit works of art, speeches, and writing—this year’s theme is “True Peace.”
Marathon Park East Gate Hall
Where: 801 Garfield Avenue, Wausau
When: Friday, January 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wausau’s celebration honoring Dr. King will feature a rich tapestry of activities, powerful speeches, and captivating performances that inspire and uplift, according to the event website. Described as a family-friendly event, this free event is one of joy and a true tribute to everything Dr. King believed. Organizers ask that you please RSVP.
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