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Martin Luther King Day will be observed Monday, January 19th, 2026. Here are a few ways you and your kids can observe the holiday together around Milwaukee.
Dr Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration
January 19 @ 4:00 pm at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
This annual birthday celebration has been a Milwaukee tradition for more than 30 years. Since 1984, Milwaukee has stood alongside Atlanta as one of the only cities in the country to host an annual celebration in honor of Dr. King’s birthday.
Kids Impact Community’s MLK Day of Service 2026
January 19th, 2026
Congregation Shalom (7630 N Santa Monica Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53217)
Project Website
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a kid-focused morning of learning and service–ideal for ages zero-tween and their grownups. They will welcome a special guest speaker for story time, music, movement, and various on-site service projects, including assembling winter hygiene kits, snack packs, and cancer care kits.
Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center event
Monday, January 19th at noon
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in King Park, 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
Each year, they celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an event of music, dance, spoken work, and more. The presentation is at the King Center auditorium.
Meet the Watson Family at the Milwaukee Public Museum
Stop by the Streets of Old Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Public Museum and learn about the Watson family, who played a vital role in establish Milwaukee’s black community.
Explore their family history through images and objects that illustrate this vibrant era in the city’s black heritage. Free with admission.
Kids’ Art Days: Felt Appliqué (MLK Day)
Stop by the Grohmann Museum on MLK Jr. Day for free admission and a hands-on Kids’ Art Day from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.In the Lower Level stART Lab, kids can create a felt appliqué inspired by quilt art—exploring how quilts tell stories and reflect African American traditions through imagery and symbolism.
MLK Jr. Day of Service at Bay Shore Lutheran Church
January 19, 2026 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Families are invited to honor Dr. King’s legacy through hands-on service projects that make a real difference locally and beyond. Kids can help assemble sandwiches and care kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness, create cards for veterans and families at Ronald McDonald House, make pet toys for a local shelter, and more. Advance sign-up is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Talking to kids about Martin Luther King Jr.
Recognizing a federal holiday affords the perfect opportunity to talk with kids about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. Depending on your child’s age, you can talk with them about interesting factual information, or delve deeper into topics surrouding racism.
National Geographic has put together 10 interesting facts about Dr. King that you can use as a springboard for a discussion.
And what better way to commemorate this important day than by actually watching Dr. King’s historic speeches? Here is a link to Dr. King’s full “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington and his “I Have Been to the Mountaintop” speech.
MLK Dream Classic
This thrilling event, set for Monday, January 19th, 2026 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Kern Center, features six dynamic Milwaukee City Conference boys basketball teams.
Experience the energy and talent of local student-athletes as they showcase not just their skills on the court, but also their positive impact within the community.
For game tickets and more details, visit the Hometown Ticketing website. Don’t miss out on this exciting tribute to MLK’s enduring influence through the spirited world of high school basketball!
What other ideas do you have for celebrating Martin Luther King Day with your kids?
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
