Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, January 19. There are events throughout New Jersey in celebration of Dr. King’s memory. We’ve rounded up events that emphasize unity, tolerance and service to honor his legacy.
January 10
In The Words of Dr. Martin Luther King
Two River Theater, Red Bank
There will be a constitutional sound bath, a discussion on Dr. King’s book “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” and remarks by The Fortune Tellers, Ranney School Diversity Club and New Jersey Orators. Dr. Aaron X. Smith from Temple University will speak about African American studies and Africology. Presented by the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center and Two River Theater, and sponsored by the New Jersey Martin Luther King Commission.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Education/Scholarship Luncheon
Pines Manor, Edison
Oziel Grand Chapter OES and its charity foundation will introduce Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., a professor in the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University, and a political analyst for MSNBC.
January 12 – February 6
Card Making and Letter Writing
All 9 branches of Mercer County Library System
Families and groups of all ages can write letters and create heartfelt cards for homebound Mercer County Meals on Wheels patrons in honor of Dr. King’s spirit of service to others. All materials will be provided. You can stop any branch during regular hours.
January 14
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony
Saint Phillips Baptist Church, Hamilton Twp.
Reflect on Dr. King’s timeless message of hope, equality and justice in a tribute to his vision and commitment to change. Presented by CYO Bromley, Saint Phillips Baptist Church, the John O. Wilson Center, and the Baháʼís of Hamilton. Keynote speaker is Mayor Doug Palmer, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Rocco will receive the Spirit of the Community Award.
Justice 101: The Civil Rights Movement: Finding Justice and Calling on the Declaration of Independence
Virtual; presented by Eastern State Center for Justice Education, Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
The conversation will feature leading voices in prison history and carceral justice, challenging your thoughts on the meaning of civil rights and the history of the movement behind bars.
January 15
Be a King
New Brunswick Free Public Library, New Brunswick
Kids in kindergarten to sixth grade can come for storytime followed by a group art project.
January 16
Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Manchester Township High School, Manchester
The Manchester School District Gospel Chorus will perform after discussion the impact of Dr. King.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Breakfast
Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club, Farmingdale
The YMCA of the Jersey Shore has put on a community breakfast for the past 37 years, inviting community leaders and honorees to share their thoughts. This year’s keynote speaker is children’s book author and playwright Carmen Rubin.
The Dream Lives
North Brunswick Senior Center, North Brunswick
The ceremony will include guest speakers, musical selections, and a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
January 17
Youth Activism Kits
Princeton Public Library, Princeton
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service by picking up a Youth Activism Kit, geared toward kids in kindergarten and older. The kits were made by teen volunteers through SOL (Service, Outreach, and Leadership).
MLK Day of Service
RCE of Burlington County, Westampton
You’ll get free pizza and snacks after volunteering on a number of service projects that benefit the community.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Community Cleanup
Alms Center, Bridgeton
Members of the American Littoral Society will lead you in a cleanup of the wooded area along Pamphylia Avenue.
Dr. King Read-In & Luncheon
The Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, Atlantic City
Read parts of Dr. King’s speeches and reflect on his life and legacy. There will also be a performance by Atlantic City High School’s choir and live jazz band, followed by lunch for everyone who reads.
January 17 – 19
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend 2026
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia, PA
Activities this weekend will cross the service and legacy of Dr. King with the lessons learned during the American Revolution. Learn about the Declaration of Independence, listen to talks on influential Black women Phillis Wheatley and Elizabeth Freeman, hear about civil rights, unpack a sea chest, look at objects that were used in protests, and take a tour of the galleries dedicated to Black voices of the Revolution.
The Civil Rights Movement: Finding Justice Weekend
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, PA
The activities this weekend are dedicated to the legacy of Dr. King, such as a Finding Justice self-guided tour, hands-on activities inspired by The Civil Rights Movement, poetry, a family story station, and an immersive 2-hour experience on MLK Day.
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Germantown, Philadelphia, PA
The community cleanup along Greene Street will include garden bed assembly and planting.
January 19
MLK March of Resistance
Martin Luther King Statue, Newark
Join hundreds of community members for a march from the MLK statue to Newark City Hall and back to the statue.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 2026
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick
The Day of Service agenda includes a community conversation, the packaging of hygiene kits, music, and bagged lunches.
Unity in Diversity
Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick
The celebration of culture and community includes music, soul food and conversations.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Stockton University locations in Galloway, Woodbine, Atlantic City and Hammonton
Over 900 students, community members and community partners take part in roughly 25 projects both on- and off-campus.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties, Margate
Volunteers are needed in different shifts to pick up and deliver food in Mays Landing, as well as sort-and-stock in JFS’ Margate office.
MLK Day Celebration
Town Hall, Manalapan
The Rev. Julian La Rosa Cooper of Saint James A.M.E. Church will present this ceremony, along with guest speaker the Rev. Dr. Catina Jackson.
MLK National Day of Service
Ocean City
Start your morning with a cleanup of the city, followed by a soul food lunch and ceremony at Ocean City Tabernacle.
MLK Volunteer Day
Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees
Create toys for the shelter pets and learn about ways you can help the animals in your community.
Do Not Erase Our History
Columbia High School, Maplewood
The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race will host its 25th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance. The theme calls attention to the importance of truth, memory and historical understanding in building the Beloved Community. There will be keynote speakers, readings from Dr. King’s writings, music and dance by Columbia High School’s Chorus and Special Dance Company, remarks from local clergy, an afternoon reception, and the lighting of luminaries.
Community Day: Martin Luther King Jr.: Stronger Together
Newark Museum of Art, Newark
Admission to the museum is free today, so you can explore the theme of “Stronger Together” through performances, hands-on activities, and other special events for the day.
Dr. King’s Dreams for “We the People”
Temple Emeth, Teaneck
The Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Committee of Bergen County will celebrate Dr. King, the Constitution of the United States, and the Declaration of Independence, with thoughts by Jeremy Feigenbaum, Solicitor General of New Jersey, with the presentation of merit awards and scholarships.
2026 MLK Day of Service
West Windsor Arts, West Windsor
West Windsor Arts sought donations for RISE Community Services, Children’s Home Society, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Letters Against Isolation, Millhill Child and Family Development, HiTOPS, UNICEF of West Windsor and PEI Kids, and now volunteers will assemble care packages.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast
The Gibson House Community Center, Marlton
The annual breakfast has the theme: From Declaration to Dream: 250 Years of the American Promise. The event will reflect on the nation’s journey toward equality. Students will honor Dr. King’s life and work.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
Malcolm X Memorial Park, Philadelphia, PA
Tools and guidance will be provided as you work around the park in a Day of Service.
MLK Jr. Day of Service
Historic Fair Hill, Philadelphia, PA
Come together to clean up the neighborhood, while sharing the words and songs that commemorate Dr. King.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Matinee
Sony Hall, New York, NY
The Harlem Gospel Choir, one of the most famous gospel choirs in the world, will perform in honor of MLK.
January 20
Walking in the Dream: A Day of Service & Reflection
Minnie B. Veal Community Center, Edison
Decorate rocks for the Community Rock Garden in honor of Dr. King with a message of peace, love or hope.
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