How Madison is Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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There are several community events this weekend and Monday in honor of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s significant legacy. I’m honored to be one of the presenters at the City-County Observance on Monday evening where we will be presenting this year’s Humanitarian Awards.
All the following events are free and an excellent opportunity to connect with neighbors and friends. I’m extremely proud of Madison’s long tradition of service and fellowship on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and during the days leading up to it. I hope you and your family can join with community members to celebrate his profound influence on this nation and the world.
MLK Free Community Dinner
Friday, January 16 | 4:30 – 7:00 PM
Gordon Dining & Event Center | 770 W. Dayton St.
Kick-off the King Holiday weekend with fellowship and the annual MLK Free Community Dinner. Dinner served buffet style will include fried and baked chicken, mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, sweet potato pie, and more. It’s a chance to share a wonderful meal with friends, old and new, in Dr. King’s spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood.
MLK Ecumenical Service
Sunday, January 18 | 4:30 – 6:00 PM
First Baptist Church | 518 North Franklin Avenue
The MLK Ecumenical Service joins people together from diverse religious traditions, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicities and political beliefs to honor Dr. King’s dream of social justice and equality. It also seeks to develop the “beloved community” through spiritual inclusivity and recognition of our shared humanity.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute and Ceremony
Monday, January 19 | Noon
Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda | 2 E. Main St.
The theme of this year's state celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is “The Power of Unity,” a concept that is as timely as ever in 2026. Host Jonathan Øverby welcomes journalist Ahmed Baba as the keynote speaker, along with the presentation of the 2026 MLK Heritage Awards, and music by the Victory Travelers, Brianna Ware-Boggs and Becca May Grant. It's also broadcast live on Wisconsin Public Radio.
City-County Observance
Monday, January 19 | 5:15 pm
Overture Center | 201 State Street
The annual city-county celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day gets underway at 5:15 p.m. with a Freedom Songs Sing-Along. The program at 6 p.m. features the presentation of the 2026 MLK Humanitarian Awards, the MLK Community Choir, and a keynote by author and media commentator Marc Lamont Hill. The event will also be live streamed on Madison City Channel.
This content is free for use with credit to the City of Madison Mayor's Office.