Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of these events in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary and surrounding areas, in 2026.
Please follow each link for the necessary details, to register, and to check for any changes.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 19, 2026, but not all the events take place on that day. We are highlighting a few events, but please scroll down for a day-by-day list of MLK Day events in the Triangle. There will be many more listed there. In addition, visit Activate Good for a list of volunteer opportunities for MLK Day.
Also, please check our (soon to be updated) list of what’s open and closed on MLK Day in the Triangle.
You might also be interested in:
- Subscribing for Triangle on the Cheap’s daily emails
- Free things to do this week in the Triangle
- Free and discount museum days in the Triangle
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Highlighted Events
Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee Events
Triangle Martin Luther King. Jr. Committee Events
Date: January 16 to 19, 2026
Time: Varies
Place: Various
Cost: Free
Features: The organization hosts several events, including a Memorial March, an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, a wreath laying event and more.
Celebrating the Legacy Through the Arts
MLK: Celebrating the Legacy Through the Arts
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Place: W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This free community celebration features visual art displays, open mic poetry, performances, arts and crafts, discussions and more.
Book Harvest Dream Big MLK Day Book Drive Celebration
Book Harvest Dream Big MLK Day Book Drive Celebration
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Place: Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Features: Free books for kids, plus entertainment, hands-on activities and more
MLK Commemoration Weekend in Apex
MLK Commemoration Weekend in Apex
Date: January 16 to 19, 2026
Time: Varies
Place: Multiple venues
Cost: Free
Features: The Town of Apex’s MLK Weekend events include a National Day of Service, a unity march and breakfast reception, and a Black authors exhibit.
Dreamfest: Town of Cary’s MLK Celebration
Dreamfest
Date: January 16 to 19, 2026
Time: Varies
Place: Varies
Cost: Many events are free
Features: The Town of Cary’s Dreamfest includes film, discussion, calls to service, a children’s program, cultural arts celebration and more.
Town of Carrboro’s MLK Jr. Youth Celebration
Carrboro’s MLK Youth Celebration
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Place: Carrboro Century Center, 100 N Greensboro Street, Carrboro, NC
Cost: Free
Features: The event is planned by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP Youth Council and the Carrboro Youth Council. It features student speakers, music, poetry, trivia and more.
King Day at Chavis Park
King Day: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 12 to 3 p.m.
Place: John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free
Features: This celebration will showcase Dr. King’s work through service, children’s activities and more.
21st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Fuquay-Varina
MLK Day Celebration in Fuqay-Varina
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: March starts at Falcon Park, 105 Falcon Drive, Fuquay-Varina, and ends at First Baptist Church of Fuquay-Varina, 105 N West Street, where the celebration will take place.
Cost: Free
Features: The celebration includes breakfast, speakers and more.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration in Wake Forest
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration in Wake Forest
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, 237 Friendship Chapel Road, Wake Forest,NC
Cost: Free
Features: Creative performance, writing and art.
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