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Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Martin Luther King Jr.’s spirit is alive and well this year, and you can honor his work and memory across Massachusetts leading up the federal holiday on January 20, 2025. In monuments, performances, exhibits, and more, you can experience, honor, and learn about Dr. King’s legacy with the events below.

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Greater Boston

The Embrace Monument
Boston Common

Visit the Embrace monument near the Boston Common Visitor Center.  The abstract bronze sculpture is based on a photo of an embrace between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and celebrates their history in Boston. The Kings met and fell in love here in the 1950s, when he was a doctoral candidate at Boston University’s School of Theology and she had a fellowship at the New England Conservatory of Music.

As a public space devoted to conversation, education, and reflection, the Embrace reminds viewers of our shared humanity, and honors the King’s ideal of fostering a “beloved community” in which everyone can realize their role in bringing about a more just society.

The memorial is set within the 1965 Freedom Plaza, which commemorates the legacy of local leaders dedicated to working for civil rights and social justice. During the plaza’s design, community members were invited to nominate individuals who served as a “voice of and for the people” from 1950-1970.

 

Hear Her Sing for Freedom
Multicultural Arts Center, Cambridge
January 17 -19

Join us January 17th – 19th as we honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by returning to the stage last year’s hit performance Hear Her Sing for Freedom. In this production, we focus on the legacy of Coretta Scott King, whose role in the Civil Rights Movement is often underrepresented. In fact, she presented concerts to fund the movement, and was responsible for the salaries of many of the men employed at the SCLC! In Hear Her Sing for Freedom, visitors will have the chance to experience what it might have been like to witness Coretta Scott King perform a Freedom Concert.

 

Boston Children’s Chorus: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert
Symphony Hall, Boston
January 20

Join Boston Children’s Chorus on a journey as we explore the intersecting paths of two iconic figures in the fight for civil rights: Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. In Road to Freedom, we delve into the complex and multifaceted relationship between these two towering figures, highlighting their shared struggles, divergent tactics, and ultimate contributions to the fight for equality.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, though often portrayed as ideological opposites, shared an unwavering commitment to the cause of civil rights and a common vision of freedom and dignity for all. Through powerful music and poignant narratives, we trace their respective journeys from disparate beginnings to their converging paths in the pursuit of a common goal: the realization of a more just and equitable society.

Join our singers as we continue to walk the Road to Freedom, inspired by the grit and courage of those who came before us, and determined to create a world where we are all truly free.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Stone Zoo
Stone Zoo, Stonham
January 20

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Stone Zoo will offer free admission on Monday, January 20, 2025.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Franklin Park Zoo
Franklin Park Zoo, Boston
January 20

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Franklin Park Zoo will offer free admission on Monday, January 20, 2025.

 

55th Annual MLK Memorial Breakfast
Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
January 20

The 55th Annual Martin Luther King Memorial Breakfast celebration will gather under the banner: Freedom Isn’t Free. The event features political activist, philosopher, academic, and author, Angela Davis.

This celebration helps raise awareness about the essential significance of education in the pursuit of social justice. King reminds us that “The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.”

As part of the Annual Breakfast, we recognize the contributions of community leaders while also giving out scholarships to students in Boston to invest in our leaders of tomorrow!

 

BYSO: Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Strand Theatre, Dorchester
January 20

In collaboration with the Museum of African American History, the tribute to Dr. King will feature classical and spiritual pieces performed by young musicians from BYSO’s intensive community program alongside distinguished leaders who will evoke the power and the promise of the civil rights hero through remarks, readings, and spoken word.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Day of Service
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
January 20

Join us as we celebrate and honor the legacies of activism here in the City of Boston! In this very special program, we invite you to learn and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, their mark on social justice movements today, and why we still dream.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Free Admission at the ICA
Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston
January 20

The ICA is offering FREE admission for all on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 20. Free advanced tickets are required and will be available to reserve beginning on Sunday, January 19 at 10 a.m.

Celebrate the legacy of MLK with art-making and three acclaimed exhibitions, plus relax and recharge in the waterfront ICA Wine + Coffee Bar.

 

MLK Day Open House at the MFA
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
January 20

Join us for our annual MLK Day Open House, presented in partnership with Citizens. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to “Georgia O’Keeffe and Henry Moore”—for Massachusetts residents. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by surrounding yourself with art making, performances, and talks with members of our community!

 

Cape Cod & the Islands

Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Breakfast
The Coonamessett Inn, Falmouth
January 20

Includes special presentation to L.I.N.K., recipient of the No Place for Hate Civic Leadership Award. Live music, good food & conversation.
Collecting these donations for the Falmouth Service Center: Apple juice (64oz.), pancake mix, canned chicken, ketchup, juice boxes, baby wipes

 

North of Boston

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
January 20

Join us as we celebrate the legacy and leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Come explore America, A Hymnal, David Boxer’s The Black Books, Alison Saar’s Weight and other works that examine social justice, identity and freedom across the generations.

 

MLK Day of Service
Concord Museum
January 20

Gather at the Concord Museum to prepare Kids’ Bags that provide kid-friendly meals and snacks for a child in our local community. An activity for the whole family, decorate and assemble bags to help ensure a child has access to healthy food. Hosted by the Concord Museum Contemporary Leaders and in partnership with Open Table.

 

South of Boston

Celebrate Dr. MLK, Jr.
Plymouth
January 17 – 19

Friday, January 17 – “I AM MLK Jr.” 7pm – Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums –  Free Admission.

Saturday, January 18 – MLK Day of Service – Register Here.
*Collecting Food Donations for the Hungry
*Assembling Kindness Kits for the Homeless

Sunday, January 19 – Plymouth Church of the Pilgrimage
10:30 a.m. – Ecumencial worship service
12 p.m. – Light lunch – Register Here.
1 – 3 p.m. Afternoon program
Speaker: Rev. Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq. President & CEO – Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts

For full details Check Here. Or, check on the Event Website.

 

No Place for Hate MLK, Jr. Day Food Drive – Day of Remembrance and Service
Wellspring Multi-Service Center
January 20

Hull No Place for Hate along with Wellspring will be once again sponsoring a day of remembrance and community service in honor of MLK Jr. There will be a food drive at Wellspring Multi-Service Center along with a program of short readings, music and community involvement. Please spread the word among your family and friends.

All are welcome to drop in and drop off food donations between 10-11:30 am.

 

Luther King Day Sports Card & Autograph Show
enVision Hotel, Mansfield
January 20

Cardboard Promotions Big Sports Card & Memorabilia Show, M. Luther King Day holiday, Monday, January 20, 8:30 to 2:15, Holiday Inn Dedham. 85 Vendor Tables, Buy-Sell-Trade, Card Grading, Free Hourly Door Prizes, $3 admission, under 12 free. Autograph Guests:  former Celtics Dana Barros and wrestling Hall of Famer Tito Santana.  Rt. 95 to Rt. 1 to the Holiday Inn

 

Western Massachusetts

MLK Day Service Fair
Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, Florence
January 20

Looking to make a difference after Election Day? Or does your organization need volunteers and support? Whether you want to honor MLK Day with meaningful acts of service, find new ways to engage in your community, or represent an organization doing good work, this event is for you! We’re bringing together two groups: Individuals eager to connect with impactful organizations and initiatives.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration
Greenfield Community College
January 20

For over two decades Greenfield Community College has been celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. This year’s 26th annual event features a program appropriate for all ages with dance, arts and crafts, education, music, food and a keynote presentation. More details to come!

 

MLK Weekend Gallery Tours: Norman Rockwell and Civil Rights
Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge
January 18, 19 and 20

Join us as we celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with free programs focusing on the themes of civil rights, social justice and activism.

Rediscover Norman Rockwell’s iconic paintings of the 1960s that powerfully captured the complexities of contemporary life in a racially diverse country and expressed the artist’s long-standing belief in the democratic values of tolerance and equality.

MLK DAY 2025
MassMutual Center, Springfield
January 20

Each year, as we gather to honor the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and peace. This year’s theme, “Pursue Justice. Persist in Peace,” captures the essence of Dr. King’s philosophy and provides a framework for how we are to approach the myriads of challenges that persist today.

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