Local MLK Day Of Service Events This Weekend
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The MLK Day of Service, celebrated annually on the third Monday of January, honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by transforming a federal holiday into a national day of community service. Rather than simply taking a day off, this is a chance for people across the U.S. to take action, embodying Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice, and service for all.
This day serves as a reminder of Dr. King’s belief that “everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” It encourages individuals, groups, and organizations to collaborate for the common good. From cleaning up parks to mentoring students or creating care packages for those in need, the MLK Day of Service provides countless ways to make a difference. Popular activities include food drives, neighborhood beautifications, or hosting workshops on social justice topics.
The impact of volunteering reaches far beyond the immediate results. For individuals, acts of service foster personal growth, empathy, and a sense of purpose. For communities, these efforts strengthen bonds, address unmet needs, and open doors to meaningful change.
Getting involved is easy. Search for local volunteer opportunities through community centers, schools, or online platforms. You can also create your own service project, inviting friends and family to join.
The MLK Day of Service isn’t just a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s dream—it’s a call to action. Together, through service, we can continue his mission to build stronger communities and a more just society for all.
There are many events around the triangle to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. See below.
Jan. 17-25: Activate Good’s Dignity Week – While MLK Day is officially observed on the third Monday of January, Activate Good amplifies this day of service into Dignity Week: a week-long opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy by addressing pressing needs in the Greater Triangle’s most underserved neighborhoods. See a list of volunteer opportunities.
Jan. 19: 10th Annual MLK Jr Speech Reenactment – This 10th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration, will be held at Millbrook UMC from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Pryor-Bradford Christian Ministry Center worship area. There will be a reenactment of Dr. King’s Mountaintop speech and participate in a discussion. There will be activities specifically for elementary age children, and childcare for children aged 0-5. Following the discussion, there will be pizza and dessert.
Jan. 20: United Way’s MLK Day of Service – A student-driven service event for children, youth and teens to participate in group art projects, volunteerism, panels and workshops.
Jan. 20: Impact Series: Chamber Treasures Music by Black Composers – Faculty and students of the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute invite the public to join a celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. when they perform music of black composers at a free concert.
Jan. 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast – This event takes place at the Rocky Mount Event Center and starts at 7 a.m. The featured speaker is Jaki Shelton Green, ninth Poet Laureate of North Carolina.
Raleigh MLK Day Events
Friday, Jan. 17 | Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Kickoff Event45th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
Starting at 9 a.m., join local leaders, clergy, and community for the Triangle MLK Holiday Weekend kickoff event and wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to honor his life and as a symbol of solidarity towards achieving a more beloved community.
Saturday, Jan. 18 | National Day of Racial Healing Community Dialogue
You are invited to take part in a community dialogue in recognition of the Kellogg Foundation’s National Day of Racial Healing. Please click this link to register. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Monday, Jan. 20 | 7:15 a.m.
45th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
WRAL is a sponsor of for the 45th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast “Mission Possible: The Power of Justice and Radical Love.” This inspiring in-person event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doors open at 6 a.m., with breakfast served until 8 a.m. The program begins at 7:15 a.m., featuring keynote speaker Dr. Donna Coletrane Battle.
Monday, Jan. 20 | 11 a.m.
The 45th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial March
Departs at 11 am from State Capitol Building, Edenton Street Side, Downtown Raleigh
10 a.m. March Assembly Lineup
11 a.m. March Begins
Inviting all civic organizations, community leaders, and families to join us for the Annual Memorial Tribute March to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, Jan. 20 | The 45th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Noon Observation
Monday, Jan. 20 | The 45th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening Musical Celebration
More details to come
Apex MLK Day Events
Friday, Jan. 17 | 6:30 pm
Black Authors Exhibit at the Halle Cultural Arts Center (237 N. Salem Street)
K-12 Youth Poem and Short Essay Contest Winners Presentation
Saturday, Jan. 18 | MLK Unity March & Breakfast Reception
8 a.m.: Gather for March at Apex First Baptist Church (419 S. Salem Street)
9 a.m.: March begins at Apex First Baptist Church and goes down Salem Street toward Town Hall Campus
Around 9:30 a.m.: MLK Commemoration Breakfast Reception in the Apex Senior Center (63 Hunter Street) with speakers
Sunday, Jan. 19 | 11 a.m.
Social Justice Sunday at Apex First Baptist Church
Monday, Jan. 20 | National Day of Service
For 2025, Apex is partnering with Brown Bag Ministries to pack bagged lunches that will be distributed to surrounding counties.
Brown Bag Ministries: Packing Food Bags for People in Need
Date: Monday, January 20th
Time: 9 to 10 a.m.
Location: John M. Brown Community Center
Click here to sign up for the Brown Bag Ministries service opportunity.
The 2025 National Day of Service will also include donations for the White Oak Foundation. Donations are being collected through Jan. 17 at the following locations:
John M. Brown Community Center (53 Hunter St)
Apex Town Hall (73 Hunter St)
The Halle Cultural Arts Center (237 N Salem)
Donation needs include:
Kleenx
Lysol Wipes
Crayola markers
Crayola crayons
Hand soap
Unscented baby wipes
Preschool age books (Requested Authors: I Will Love You Forever – Carol Jayne Church, Eric Carle, Laura Numeroff, Jane Yolen, Arnold Lobel, Jerry Pinkney)
Cary MLK Day Events
Dreamfest is a weekend of both community and Cary-sponsored events celebrating the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin L. King Jr.
Friday, Jan. 17 | Farming While Black: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
After the screening, engage in a dynamic panel discussion with Brea Baker, author of Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership, and a member of the Triangle Black Farmer’s Market Collective.
Saturday, Jan. 18 | MLK Children’s Program: “Tellebration”
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King at the annual “Tellebration” Children’s Program from 10 a.m. to noon at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center. This vibrant event promises a day full of engaging arts and crafts, along with captivating live storytelling.
Saturday, Jan. 18 | 2025 Dreamfest Cultural Celebration: “Stronger Together: Cultivating a Community of Compassion!
Activities begin at 5 p.m. and performances start at 6:30 p.m. There will be speakers, performances, a children’s arts and crafts zone and more fun. See a full list of events.
Saturday, Jan. 19 | MLK Interfaith Service
Christ the King Lutheran Church warmly invites individuals of all faiths to join us in a celebration honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This special event will bring together our diverse community to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equality, and peace.
Saturday, Jan. 19 | It Takes a Village: Community Meal & Discussion
In the spirit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., you are invited to join the Coalition for Better Tomorrows for dinner, fellowship, and engaging self-exploration games. Together, we’ll explore policy-making, the racial wealth gap, and how we can work toward Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality. Join us for an evening of meaningful discussions and community connection as we build a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. This is a free event but registration is required, click here to register.
Saturday, Jan. 20 | MLK 5K Walk for Hope
In honor of the MLK Day of Service, Mt. Zion Church has partnered with the Town of Cary to participate in the MLK 2025 Dreamfest weekend to honor Dr. Martin L King Jr’s legacy through service. The MT Zion family, friends, and the community are invited to lace up the tennis shoes/ sneakers/ kicks and walk for hope in a 5k event. Each year the church sponsors a community charity to collect much-needed items on their behalf. This year we will be collecting nonperishable food for Dorcas Ministries.
Saturday, Jan. 20 | Day of Service
A list of MLK Day of Service events in Cary
Friday, Jan. 24 | Meet The Artist: Eric McRay
Join us for an exciting opportunity to meet artist Eric McRay at his art exhibition titled Cultural Ambrosia. This showcase features his stunning collage and mixed media works that celebrate diverse cultural narratives. Enjoy a free reception, where you can engage with the artist and explore his creative vision.
Garner MLK event
Sunday, Jan. 19 | Day of Celebration
The Garner community will gather for its annual celebration of the life and legacy the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Garner Performing Arts Center (742 W. Garner Road). A unity walk will start at 3 p.m. with participants gathering in the GPAC parking lot. The formal program in the GPAC auditorium will begin at 4 p.m.