Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a national initiative to strengthen communities, bridge barriers between different groups of people, and create solutions to social problems. For this important annual occasion – and the only national holiday dedicated as a National Day of Service – we’ve put together a list of several engaging and FREE ways your family can learn about the lessons of Dr. King and honor his legacy. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is January 20, 2025 – get all the details for what’s going on in Austin below.
— MLK Day March, Festival, and Food Drive @ various locations
Monday, January 20 | 9:30 am | FREE
The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9:30 am on the south steps of the State Capitol for a rally. At the conclusion of the rally, participants will walk to Huston-Tillotson University for anMLK Festival. The family friendly festival will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever! A vendor application can be downloaded for those interested in purchasing booth space. For questions and information, please contact Carol Wright by email at [email protected].
— MLK Day Parade & Street Festival in Leander
Monday, January 20 | 10 am – 2 pm | FREE
In collaboration with the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission, the City of Leander observes and honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a march and celebration. The March will be at 10 am, followed by Mainstage perfromances from 11 am – 2pm. The celebration will feature perfromances from dancers, musicians, and spoken word artists. Get all the info here.
— MLK Day Events in San Marcos
Multiple event dates beginning Jan. 18
San Marcos’ Annual Kids’ Event will be held on January 18 at the San Marcos Public Library from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. The registration deadline is January 11, 2025, and you can register your kids here.
Then, on Monday, January 20, there will be a Wreath Laying Ceremony, and an MLK Walk & Celebration. Registration is required for all of these events, and is due by January 11. You can get more info and register here.
— MLK Day Food Drive in Pease Park
Monday, January 20 | Noon – 5 pm |
In honor of MLK Day, Pease Park Conservancy is hosting a donation drive for the Austin community. Food items will be donated to a local food pantry, and period products and diapers will be donated to Austin Diaper Bank.
Most needed items include: peanut butter, canned chicken breast or tuna, canned low-sodium vegetables, fruit in its own juice, dry pinto beans, brown rice, dry pasta, nonfat dry milk powder, 100% whole grain cereal, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, canned entrees. In addition to food items, period products needed are: tampons, pads, and liners. Diapers needed are: size newborn – 6, and pull-ups.
Volunteer
If you’re interested in volunteering, click the link(s) below to register and learn more:
Check out our round-up of even more MLK Day events here.
Header photo via Austin MLK Day Celebration FB Page
