9 ways to celebrate MLK Day in Alabama

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is this Monday, January 19. It’s not just a day off from work or school, it’s a chance to honor and learn from one of America’s greatest voices. Throughout the state, where Dr. King worked tirelessly, and this weekend is an opportunity to continue his legacy through community.

Read on to see what’s ahead + plan your weekend.

33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast in Selma

The 33rd annual breakfast by the Selma Chapter of The Links will host Dallas County District Court Judge Vernetta Perks Walker as they raise funds for scholarships + promote the Black Kidney Awareness Resource + Education (K.A.R.E.) program.

• When: Mon, Jan. 19 | 9AM
• Where: Selma Convention Center | 211 Washington St.
• More information

Martin Luther King Day Celebration in Montgomery

The Montgomery Martin Luther King Day Committee has a long weekend full of events + ways to learn, celebrate + honor MLK and his work in Alabama and nationwide. Events include an oratorical contest, the Jazz and Lyric Celebration concert, parade, day of service + more.

• When: Thu, Jan. 15 – Mon, Jan. 19
• Where: All over Montgomery – from Alabama State University and Troy University (Montgomery) to The Sanctuary to volunteer opportunities across the city
• More information

The 12th Annual MLK Community Celebration in Montgomery

Montgomery Public Schools students will join the Alabama Boys + other talented artists in a program to honor Dr. King.

• When: Fri, Jan. 16 | 10AM + 7PM
• Where: The Davis Theatre | 251 Montgomery St.
• More information

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Celebration Parade in Huntsville

The 2026 MLK parade in Huntsville is being put on by the Brothers of the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity! Join them in downtown for this year’s theme – “Keeping the Dream Alive” – honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

• When: Sat, Jan. 17 | Noon
• Where: Downtown Huntsville | Grandstand at the intersection of Church Street + Holmes Avenue NW
• More information

2026 Athens-Limestone County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in Athens

The King Unity March will begin with a wreath laying before moving to the Veterans Museum for the annual MLK Program and Essay + Art Contest.

• When: Mon, Jan. 19 | 9AM
• Where: Alabama Veterans Museum + Archives | 114 W. Pryor St.
• More information

Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast + Youth Participation Day in Anniston

Talladega Mayor Ashton Hall will make an appearance as this year’s keynote speaker. Hall, a Talladega native, became the youngest elected mayor in Talledega history at just 22 years old. The program will showcase local youth giving the community a taste of dance, poetry + more.

• When: Mon, Jan. 19 | 9-11AM
• Where: Anniston City Meeting Center | 1615 Noble St
• More information

Realizing the Dream Committee’s Events + Activities in Tuscaloosa

This weekend of events is organized by a committee made up of representatives from Shelton State Community College, Stillman College, the Tuscaloosa chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference + The University of Alabama, all in the greater Tuscaloosa area. The lineup will feature nationally acclaimed voices in film, ministry + music.

• When:
  • Legacy Banquet + Awards: Fri, Jan. 16 | 6:30PM
  • Concert: Sun, Jan. 18 | 7:30PM
  • Unity Day: Mon, Jan. 19 | Begins at 8AM
• Where:
  • Legacy Banquet + Awards: Sellers Auditorium | 240 Paul W Bryant Dr
  • Concert: Moody Music Concert Hall | 810 2nd Ave
  • Unity Day: Begins at Beulah Baptist Church | 3100 25th St S
• More information

MLK Day Litter Cleanup in Birmingham

Turn MLK Day into a day on, not a day off by giving back to the Birmingham community with Black Warrior Riverkeeper. Join the cleanup effort—children are welcome with an accompanying adult, and all supplies including gloves, garbage bags, and litter pickers will be provided.

• When: Mon, Jan. 19 | 9AM
• Where: 421 Red Lane Road
• More information

King Day in Birmingham

Take advantage of free admission to the chock-full King Day at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Enjoy a performance by the Carlton Reese Choir and Classified Alias Music, a roundtable discussion, participate in genealogy workshops and a painting workshop.

• When: Mon, Jan. 19 | 10AM-5PM (ticketing ends at 4PM)
• Where: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute | 520 16th St N
• More information
• Check out more events in Birmingham here.

Are there more ways to honor MLK Day 2026 in Alabama? Let us know what we missed on social at @thebamabuzz.