Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped pave the way toward a new future. One without segregation. One where discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin is prohibited. One where King’s dream, which he so famously shared in 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, is closer to reality.
King’s impact is celebrated yearly in King County and Seattle during MLK Day events and rallies. We’ve rounded up five events happening in January 2024 below. Know about more that could use a shoutout? Add them to our calendar.
24th Annual MLK Unity Party @ Clock-Out Lounge
Sunday, January 14th
Join local legendary radio station KEXP at Beacon Hill’s Clock-Out Lounge for its annual MLK Unity Party. DJs like Supreme La Rock and Riz will play a live broadcast from the venue, inviting the city (and world) to celebrate MLK’s mission and the musicians he continues to impact.
UPDATE: SOLD OUT! LISTEN LIVE ON KEXP!
📅 Sunday, January 14th
⏰ 6 pm til late
🎟 $12 advance | $15 door
📍 Clock-Out Lounge: 4864 Beacon Ave S, Seattle
2024 MLK Day of Service @ Multiple Locations
Monday, January 15th
Check United Way of King County’s database of volunteer opportunities around King County for MLK Day 2024. From needing hands for Valentine card making for elders to organizing MLK march and rally peacekeepers, United Way’s list has opportunities to help you make the most of the holiday.
📅 Monday, January 15th
📍 Locations around King County
💻 Click here for opportunities
King Day 2024 @ Northwest African American Museum
Monday, January 15th
Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) celebrates with its annual King Day, featuring movies, music, and motivational speakers. This year, the museum will debut a new exhibit and other activities.
📅 Monday, January 15th
⏰ 10 am – 5 pm
🎟 Free
📍 Northwest African American Museum: 2300 S Massachusetts St, Seattle
MLK Jr’s Dream Unfinished @ Garfield High School
Monday, January 15th
An epic day of educating, organizing, and rallying at Garfield High School, the Seattle MLK Jr. Coalition will present activities at and around the Central Seattle high school all day. An opportunity fair starts the day at 8:30 am before workshops, a rally, and a march that kicks off at the Garfield High School Gym at 12:30 pm.
📅 Monday, January 15th
⏰ 8:30 am – 6:30 pm | Schedule here
🎟 Free
📍 Garfield High School: 400 23rd Ave, Seattle
A Tribute to Billie Holiday @ The Royal Room
Monday, January 15th
South Hudson Music Project will feature vocalist Johnaye Kendrick in this tribute night to the legendary Billie Holiday on MLK Day 2024. Kendrick, a professor of music at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, will be joined by Geoff Harper (bass), D’Vonne Lewis (drums), Al Keith (trumpet), Wayne Horvitz (piano), Haley Freedlund (trombone), and Jonathan Doyle (sax/clarinet).
📅 Monday, January 15th
⏰ Doors 6:30 | Music 7:30
🎟 Admission by donation to the South Hudson Music Project
📍 The Royal Room: 5000 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
