This year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day marks the first year the federal holiday is not included on the list of entrance fee-free days to national parks, a choice made by the Trump administration towards the end of 2025. Despite this regression and ongoing attacks on civil rights nationwide, the Bay Area stands strong with a range of events this weekend to honor King’s enduring vision.
From volunteer opportunities to live performances, here’s a roundup of select ways to commemorate the day.
MLK2026
Ongoing through Jan. 19, 2026
Various locations, San Francisco
MLK2026 features a week of programs exploring human and civil rights in a time of technological and legal uncertainty. Events include conversations with distinguished thinkers, a tribute to Howard Thurman, prayers, music, readings and workshops on diversity and immigration. The week also includes the MLK Labor and Community Breakfast, the Willie B. Kennedy Civic Service Award, a memorial reflection, and a music festival. Free commemorative passes for Bay Area transit systems are available for attendees.
Oratorical Festival and Poetry Slam
Jan. 17, 2026
Marina Community Center, San Leandro
The power of words will take center stage as San Leandro students perform original and well-known works that celebrate King’s message of peace and social justice. The day also includes live entertainment, crafts and light refreshments.
In the Name of Love: A Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Jan. 17, 2026
Paramount Theatre, Oakland
A night of music-driven celebration, Living Jazz remembers King’s legacy while also paying tribute to the revolutionary sounds of Bay Area icon Sly Stone. Former Sly and the Family Stone bassist Rustee Allen joins the night alongside an ensemble of powerful singers and musicians — including Kev Choice, Adrian Marcel, Black London, Martin Luther McCoy, August Lee Stevens and B DeVeaux — performing reimagined versions of classics like “Everyday People” and “Dance to the Music.”
44th Annual March for the Dream
Jan. 19, 2026
Various locations, Sacramento
This community walk honors King’s legacy and desire to strengthen community. Starting at Sacramento City College, marchers will walk the 4.6-mile route to the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. The first mile will be symbolically walked in silence as a protest to ongoing injustices and as an opportunity to reflect on the past.
MoAD Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free Community Day
Jan. 19, 2026
Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco
The Museum of the African Diaspora opens its doors for a full day of free admission and programs honoring MLK. The schedule includes performances from Prescott Circus Theatre and the Glide Memorial Ensemble, as well as a presentation by Mahealani Uchiyama, who explores the connections between MLK and Indigenous rights movements in Hawai’i. There will also be a scavenger hunt to explore the museum’s current exhibitions.
March to Reclaim MLK’s Radical Legacy
Jan. 19, 2026
Various locations, Oakland
This 12th annual march centers around King’s “uncompromising vision for anti-capitalist, anti-war, racial and economic justice.” The march anchors the Anti-Police Terror Project’s Two Weeks of Action, which consists of various trainings, discussions, and community events.
The Urban Peace Movement, Youth Together, AYPAL, 67 Sueños, BAY-Peace and CURYJ are all participating as part of this year’s youth contingent, which will feature events like an art build and political education workshop.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Film Festival
Jan. 19, 2026
African American Museum and Library, Oakland
For a full day of film screenings, AAMLO will show five documentaries that trace back to major moments in Black history and the civil rights movement. Including Mighty Times: The Children’s March and MLK/FBI, all films are kid-friendly, inviting families into a space for learning and celebration.
29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Jan. 19
Alan Harvey Theater, Piedmont
For their 29th annual MLK Day celebration, the Piedmont Anti-Racism and Diversity Committee is offering a program featuring a keynote presentation by congresswoman Lateefah Simon. There will also be performances by the Destiny Junior Company dance team, a writing showcase and more.
Democracy as a Verb: Building on Dr. King’s Legacy in Contra Costa
Jan. 20, 2026
Contra Costa County Administration Building, Contra Costa
Contra Costa County celebrates King’s legacy with an hour-long ceremony honoring the 2025 Humanitarian of the Year and Student Humanitarian of the Year. The event includes live recognition, community reflections, and a free buffet lunch. Streaming is available online and on Contra Costa Television.
Volunteering/Day of Service
Antioch MLK Day of Service
Jan. 19, 2026
Various locations, Antioch
For Antioch’s MLK Day of Service, volunteers will restore the Antioch Skatepark, tackling projects from graffiti removals to bench restorations, while other volunteers will lead the way for an art-filled senior day of engagement at the community center. The day also highlights the Alameda Unified School District Poetry Contest, where students grade 3 through 12 from across the district share their poems under the theme of “Keeping The Dream Alive In Our Community.”
16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Jan. 19 2026
Lodestar School, Oakland
The 16th annual MLK Day of Service brings together community members for a range of volunteer projects organized in collaboration with Higher Ground, ROOTS Community Health and Lighthouse Community Public Schools. Activities include a mural painting, greenway beautifications and follower installations, as well as cleanup and restoration efforts at Sobrante Park, MLK Shoreline, and San Leandro Creek.
Santa Rosa Day of Service
Jan. 19, 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Santa Rosa
Volunteers can help clean up Martin Luther King Jr. Park in the South Park area of Santa Rosa, hosted by Community Baptist Church and the Community Equity Foundation. Picking up litter, spreading mulch, weeding and general polishing-up are the order of the day. Tools and snacks provided.
East Bay MLK Day of Service
Jan. 19, 2026
Various locations
Volunteers can sign up for groundskeeping at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Grove or for shoreline cleanup at either Oakport Staging Area or Arrowhead Marsh.
MLK Tree Planting and Resource Fair
Jan. 19, 2026
951 O’Connor St., East Palo Alto
Canopy and Ravenswood City School District have partnered together to plant trees at the space that will become East Palo Alto’s largest infant-toddler childcare center. Happening simultaneously will be an MLK park cleanup, which is followed by a barbecue lunch and resource fair. Free shuttles are available for volunteers to travel between sites.
San Jose MLK Day of Service
Jan. 19, 2026
Rainbow Park, San Jose
San Jose nonprofit Our City Forest is hosting a tree planting volunteer opportunity for their day of service. Volunteers will learn the basics of tree planting from digging holes to mulching soil.