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Each year, Philadelphia honors Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of service and an extended weekend of events celebrating the life of the iconic civil rights leader.
Many Philadelphia museums and attractions — including Woodmere, the National Constitution Center and Eastern State Penitentiary — hold special events and programs throughout the weekend, including free admission days. Those wanting to honor King’s commitment to service can find community volunteer opportunities highlighted by the citywide Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service plus organized neighborhood projects in North Philadelphia, Mt. Airy, West Philly and others across the region.
The long weekend also offers opportunities to explore Philly’s legacy at Black history museums and on Black history tours, support Black-owned shops and restaurants, and catch a stage show or concert featuring Black performers and stories.
And the holiday makes for a great time to visit the ongoing winter festivals at Penn’s Landing, Dilworth Park and Franklin Square, or enjoy Winter Wonder at Longwood Gardens.
Below, find things to do for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Philadelphia along with a selection of other events and activities over the long weekend.
Join Temple University’s Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL) for the special public presentation MLK 365: Keeping the Dream Alive at North Philly’s Tuttleman Learning Center. The event happens the Thursday before MLK weekend this year.
The brunch event features dialogues and activities honoring the work of Dr. King while exploring the ways everyday citizens can continue supporting his enduring legacy of activism and promote racial and social justice to advance civil rights and empower Black and Brown voices across generations.
Expect bold music and ideas, networking, art and storytelling opportunities.
Where: Temple University Tuttleman Learning Center, 1809 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
There are few more meaningful locations to celebrate the holiday than the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP). The Old City attraction offers reduced admission (Saturday & Sunday) and free admission (Monday) for its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Saturday begins with brunch and a screening of the film, Selma. Bonus — visitors can see costumes from the film in the ongoing Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibit.
AMMP invites Sunday visitors to explore radical peace through art making. On Monday, the museum honors Dr. King with a day-long event with youth leadership opportunities, gallery talks and family-friendly activities.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Museum of the American Revolution honors Dr. King’s ties to the legacy of the fight for independence during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend.
The robust schedule of events includes the daily theatrical show entitled First-Person Performance about Elizabeth Freeman, who successfully sued for freedom from enslavement; daily Pop-Up Talks on Phillis Wheatley, who was the first published Black female poet; hour-long gallery tours on Saturday and Sunday to learn about the Black voices of the Revolution; and so much more including the year-long exhibit, The Declaration’s Journey, which coincides with the semiquincentennial.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Join the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia at the Crystal Tea Room in the historic Wanamaker Building for a morning celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy. The barrister’s organization works to empower Black lawyers throughout Philadelphia.
The breakfast event honors notable Philadelphians each year who embody King’s ideals. Those receiving recognition this year include: attorneys Shahirah Brown, La-Toya P. Hackney and Robert Ross, along with local business Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books.
The annual luncheon always draws large crowds (record numbers the past two years!). Tickets range from $80 to $2500.
Where: Crystal Tea Room, 100 E. Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
The Martin Luther King CommUNITY of Greater Kennett hosts the 25th annual Martin Luther King Fellowship Breakfast, followed by the “Be a King” Volunteer Fair in Chester County’s Kennett Square. The day-long event celebrates Dr. King with a morning filled with music, readings from his historic sermons, exhibits, vendors and a spread of food.
The afternoon gathering features a volunteer fair where local organizations in need of help detail opportunities for those looking for ongoing ways to model Dr. King’s legacy of service. Students can participate for free, with a range of ticket options available for others.
Where: Kennett High School, 100 E. South Street, Kennett Square, PA
One of the nation’s top children’s attractions, the Please Touch Museum includes two floors of interactive exhibits and its famous 117-year-old carousel. The museum aims to enrich children’s lives by creating learning opportunities through play.
For the holiday, guests can join a series of special Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities designed to build children’s confidence. The hands-on activities encourage children to make a difference in their worlds through their experiences with textiles, music, performing and visual art and STEM-themed play.
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day — and King’s mission to ensure the U.S. Constitution’s words apply equally to all — with free admission and extended hours at the National Constitution Center.
The day-long celebration includes arts and crafts activity tables, exploration of the Declaration of Independence’s legacy in the Inspired by Independence Show, a dramatic reading of King’s historic I Have a Dream speech and a family concert called Songs Inspired by the Civil Rights Era.
The center also invites visitors to bring school supplies to donate to support Philadelphia’s public school children.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Honor the holiday at historic Eastern State Penitentiary with an afternoon of music and story. Immerse yourself in the two-hour experience centered on the founding American principle of equity.
Through music, readings and stories, you’ll learn about Dr. King’s contributions to the ongoing battle for civil rights and others who carry on his ideals. Swarthmore political science professor Dr. Keith Reeves presents the keynote discussion, followed by a musical performance from Black Breath Collective.
Museum admission gives you live access to the event, which also has virtual participation options.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Elegant Woodmere — located in beautiful Chestnut Hill — invites families to its free-with-registration annual Martin Luther King Jr. Family Festival.
The mid-day event features hands-on art-making celebrating Dr. King and those involved in the Civil Rights Movement, as well as stories of courage and determination in the fight for freedom and racial equality.
At 2 p.m., visitors can participate in an interactive breakdancing and storytelling performance with Hip Hop Fundamentals that focuses on Dr. King’s legacy of spreading love through action. Afterward, guests can explore Woodmere’s art exhibits and expansive grounds.
Where: Woodmere, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
After a day of volunteering, sit back and enjoy the music of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert, hosted this year at Marian Anderson Hall inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
The orchestra has been honoring Dr. King with a concert each year since 1991. Expect musical selections that highlight Black culture, spotlighting the integral role music has played in advancing equality.
The annual concert remains free, but you’ll need to reserve general admission tickets — offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The holiday celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains a day devoted to service, giving the local community a chance to participate in good deeds and volunteering.
The oldest and largest MLK Day service event in the country celebrates 31 years in 2026. The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service began in 1996, with more than 2.6 million people volunteering at the event since its inception. Temple University hosts the region-wide event this year. To learn how to participate, head to Global Citizen’s website.
In addition, numerous organizations host days of service across the region. Here’s a run-down of service-related events to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
Where: Various locations including Historic Fair Hill Cemetery, 2901 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
It’s always a good time to support Philly Black-owned businesses, and Martin Luther King Jr. weekend offers the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite shop, boutique or restaurant.
Hit up spots like the YOWIE hotel and lifestyle dayshop in Queen Village, get your read on at Fishtown’s Harriett’s Bookshop (named in honor of Harriet Tubman) and Hakim’s Bookstore in Cobbs Creek (one of the oldest Black-owned booksellers in the nation), feel pampered at Salon Tenshi and Dope Botanicals, or order your favorite dishes from Abyssinia, Doro Bet and other amazing Black-owned restaurants.
Where: Various locations including Dope Botanicals, 257 S. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Explore Black history in numerous Philadelphia museums. Visit under-the-radar institutions that remain open over the holiday weekend, like The President’s House (once home to George Washington) or the Paul Robeson House (former residence of the esteemed activist, actor, athlete and singer).
Check out specialty institutions like The Colored Girls Museum, the Aces Veterans Museum and the Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery. Or discover important shrines like the Richard Allen Museum at Mother Bethel AME Church, Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church and Historic Eden Cemetery.
Philadelphia’s art museums also regularly offer a number of permanent and limited-time exhibitions spotlighting Black artists, including the ongoing Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibition at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Check individual locations for hours.
Where: Various locations including Aces Veterans Museum, 5801 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Another great way to discover Philly’s extensive Black history is by joining a tour of the city’s important past. The Black Journey offers several guided excursions across monuments and sites in the Historic District, while Philadelphia Historic African American Tours’ step-on excursion meets at the Independence Visitor Center.
Or take a DIY approach on curated walking tours such as Black History on South Street: A Self-Guided Tour and The Philadelphia Inquirer’s self-guided Anti-Slavery Walking Tour and Black History Historical Marker Tour. Check individual websites for schedules.
Where: Various locations including Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Black art takes the stage with a number of plays and musicals at Philly theaters showcasing Black creators and Black-interest storylines, like the Lantern Theater Company at St. Stephen’s Theater’s production of Blues for an Alabama Sky (February 15 through March 15, 2026). Set in 1930s Harlem, the play captures the final days of the Harlem Renaissance as cultural shifts and economic uncertainty make for tough times.
Opening a few days after MLK weekend, the Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer-prize winning playwright James Ijames’ Good Bones (January 22 through March 22, 2026) at the Arden Theatre Company confronts issues of gentrification in a humorous yet biting one-act play.
Where: Lantern Theater Company at St. Stephen's Theater, 923 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Catch great Black musicians, singers and comedians performing at several of the city’s fantastic concert venues over the long weekend.
Enjoy an evening of syncopated beats and good vibes at Reggaefest at The Fillmore Philadelphia on Friday, January 16, 2026. Take in a show at City Winery featuring Maysa’s Blue Velvet Soul Experience on Saturday, January 17, 2026 or Algebra Blessett on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
If you’d prefer some laughs, Helium Comedy Club features actor/comedian Guy Torry for five shows over three days (January 16-18, 2026).
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA
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City Winery, 990 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA
Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Join in on the holiday weekend fun as Winter in Dilworth Park continues in front of City Hall. Lace up your skates (BYO or rentals available) for an up-to-90-minute skating session at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink (best to make reservations in advance).
Warm up with comfort food, quick bites, beer, cocktails and a toasty firepit at the ski chalet-style Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. And don’t miss out on some beautifully quiet reflection among the whimsical topiaries, plant beds and reindeer sculptures in the Wintergarden at Greenfield Lawn.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Historic Franklin Square celebrates the season with a trio of family winter attractions alongside relaxing firepits and a warming tent, with Frosty’s Fireside Lodge offering cocktails and seasonal treats.
Chilly Philly Mini Golf, Center City’s only outdoor mini-golf course, showcases 18 holes featuring local landmarks decked out with merry lights. The Ben Franklin-inspired Electrical Spectacle Light Show illuminates the square every half-hour with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to seasonal tunes. And channel your inner Olympian with Street Curling, a slightly competitive and always chill combination of curling and tabletop shuffleboard (advance tickets required).
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend marks the opening weekend of the annual Winter Wonder exhibit from the horticultural minds at Longwood Gardens.
Escape the chill and bask in the warmth of the beautiful new West Conservatory (part of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience) as it begins its peak flowering season, where Cape primroses, African violets and more fill up the space in purple and white while hundreds of orchids bloom magnificently. Outdoors, the gardens’ 400 acres pop with yellow and orange witch hazel, while winter grasses provide texture to the landscape.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
As America turns 250 in 2026, one of the city’s signature events — 52 Weeks of Firsts — celebrates a different “first” in Philly’s history. On MLK weekend, the “Saturday Firstival” happens at Fireman’s Hall Museum, celebrating the first volunteer fire company.
The Fireman’s Hall Museum showcases the art and science of firefighting through the last three centuries. So, in addition to visiting the super cool antique fire trucks on site, you can learn more about the history and legacy of service of Black firefighters in the city, including the forced segregation of all-Black company Engine #11.
Where: Fireman's Hall Museum, 147 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
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