Martin Luther King Jr. Day Opportunities to Volunteer and Celebrate in Philadelphia
Honor the legacy of the civil rights leader with these events and service opportunities.
Martin Luther King, Jr. mural on Lancaster Avenue in West Philly / Photograph by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia
Did you know that Philadelphia is the birthplace of the MLK Day of Service? (True story: It began 30 years ago, with 1,000 volunteers in Philly.) Of course, that’s not our only link to the civil rights icon, who had several meaningful connections to our city, and spent a decent amount of time here. On October 26, 1967, for instance — mere hours before he delivered his “Other America” speech at the then-new Spectrum, part of rousing event that also included Sidney Poitier, Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, and Nipsey Russell — King stopped by Barratt Junior High School in South Philly to ask the children, What is your life’s blueprint?
Also known as King’s “Streetsweeper” speech, its words today are as impactful as they were 50-something years ago: “Number one in your life’s blueprint should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your own worth and your own somebodiness. Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance.”
This Monday, January 19th, we honor the spirit and legacy of the great Martin Luther King Jr. on his national holiday — though in Philly, MLK Day has sprouted into a whole weekend of events — events focused around music, art, readings, volunteerism and more — to honor the American hero and continue his mission.
Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service
Billed as the largest Dr. King Day event in the nation, the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service offers tons of opportunities to learn, build, clean and help on January 19th in the city and beyond. The very long list of events includes community cleanup, donation drives, and more. There’s literally something here for everyone.
Many of these organizations are always looking for volunteers, not just on Monday.
MLK Day Celebration at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia will offer free admission (pre-register online) on Martin Luther King Day for a full day of programming. Expect discussions, hands-on activities, and access to the galleries. The day also begins with an oratorical contest for high school juniors and seniors who will present original speeches “reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy and the meaning of Radical Peace today.” In addition to free admission on Monday, the Phillie Phanatic and a former Phillies player will pay AAMP a visit that afternoon.
10 a.m.-6 p.m., African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street.
Finding Justice Weekend @ Eastern State Penitentiary
The MLK Day programming “centers on the power of accountability, civic action, and the individuals who have challenged systems of injustice,” say Dr. Kerry Sautner, president & CEO of Eastern State. The weekend includes tours of the penitentiary that highlight the voices of civil rights leaders and incarcerated people; as well as hands-on activities including “Freedom Poetry” inspired by Langston Hughes, a kids’ reading station, art-making with artist Mark Loughney. On Monday, ESP hosts a two-hour performance and discussion exploring the nation’s ongoing quest for freedom with storytelling, readings, music, and a keynote discussion with Swarthmore poli sci professor Keith Reeves. (This presentation will also be available online if you can’t attend in person.)
January 17th-19th, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue.
Philadelphia Orchestra’s Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert
Thomas Wilkins conducts this edition of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual MLK Day concert featuring speaker Charlotte Blake Alston. The program includes Samuel Barber’s classic “Adagio for Strings” performed to excerpts from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as other pieces including “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Tickets are free on the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website, but reservations are required because they do sell out.
3 p.m., Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Free Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities at National Constitution Center / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center celebrates MLK Day with free admission, music, activities, performances, a school-supplies drive, and more. There will be a number of live performances, including readings of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and a family concert featuring the interactive children’s music group Two of a Kind playing songs of the Civil Rights era. Plus: story corner, arts and crafts activities and more. Finally, in the spirit of service, the museum is organizing the donation of books and school supplies for Philadelphia school students.
10 a.m.-5 p.m., National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.
MLK Day Family Festival @ Woodmere Art Museum
Woodmere’s annual family-focused MLK Day celebration includes art-making, storytelling and performance. First, hands-on projects and storytelling will honor the words and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as other civil rights figures. Then, Hip Hop Fundamentals will present a program blending breakdancing and storytelling of civil rights history. Admission is free for this event.
12:30-3 p.m, Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Avenue.
MLK Weekend @ Museum of the American Revolution
The museum is celebrating all weekend long with performances, historical re-enactors, hands-on activities, and more. Meet Elizabeth Freeman, a “first-person theatrical performance” about “a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won.” Plus, historical interpreter Joseph Feaster, activities in family-friendly discovery center Revolution Place, pop-up talks, and more.
January 17th-19th, Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street.
MLK Day @ Please Touch Museum
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision through stories, hands-on activities including workshops with Music Theatre Philly, Allens Lane Art Center, and local scientist Nafees Norris. There will also be yoga sessions, story times, and an end-of-day drumline.
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
Justice Fest ’26
Local musicians, advocates, families, and neighbors are coming together to support immigration legal aid organizations in Philadelphia in the spirit of justice, unity, and service. Enjoy live performances, food, stories from local advocates, and opportunities to learn how you can support immigrant rights. Register and learn about the participating organizations here. Donations are encouraged.
1-5 p.m., Crane Community Center, 1001 Vine Street.
Additional reporting by Patrick Rapa.
