Atlanta hosts multi-day MLK Day 2026 events Jan 12-17 featuring film screenings, awards gala, and performances
Details Released for 2026 King Holiday Observance
Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech to a crowd before the Lincoln Memorial during the Freedom March in Washington, DC, on August 28, 1963. This speech became one of his most famous.
ATLANTA – The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change has announced details for its 2026 King Holiday Observance. This multi-day national celebration will lead up to the federal Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday on January 19. The observance will take place from January 12 to 17 across Atlanta. It will include film screenings, red carpet events, live performances, and the annual Beloved Community Awards.
The 2026 theme is “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way.” This theme focuses on nonviolence as a way to address today’s social challenges. The center said the observance also honors Coretta Scott King’s leadership in preserving Dr. King’s legacy.
Scheduled Events
Events include an opening-night Andscape screening, “Hoops, Hopes and Dreams,” on January 12 at The King Center. This event will be hosted by Dr. Bernice A. King and Julius “Dr. J” Erving II.
A red carpet screening of “Nothing to See Here: Watts” is planned for January 15 at the College Football Hall of Fame. This will be followed by a discussion led by Tip “T.I.” Harris.
The celebration will conclude with the Beloved Community Awards Gala on January 17 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Actor Aldis Hodge will host this event.
2026 Honorees
Honorees for 2026 include:
| Name | Award |
|---|---|
| Viola Davis | Coretta Scott King Soul of the Nation Award |
| Billie Eilish | Environmental Justice Award |
| Robert F. Smith | Salute to Greatness Humanitarian Award |
| Warrick Dunn | Yolanda D. King Award |
Additional honorees include Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman, Dr. Dushun Scarbrough Sr., the LeBron James Family Foundation, Sesame Workshop, and Cisco.
Performers at the observance will include Chance the Rapper, October London, and Goapele. Presenters will include Rockmond Dunbar, Karine Jean-Pierre, Ian Armitage, and Keisha Knight Pulliam. Event registration, tickets, and more information are available through The King Center.
Other Celebrations in Metro Atlanta/North Georgia
2026 Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade:
- Date: 11 a.m. January 26
- Location: Downtown Lawrenceville
- Celebration begins with a ceremony at Gwinnett Justice & Administration Center on Langley Drive, followed by a parade to Central Gwinnett High School. Celebration at 3 p.m. at the high school.
Martin Luther King Day at Atlanta History Center:
- Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. January 19
- Location: Atlanta History Center
- The program “I Influence the Dream” invites visitors to explore Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement through exhibits and talks. Reserve tickets for free.
Martin Luther King Jr. Week at Morehouse College:
- Date: January 18-31
- Location: Morehouse College, downtown Atlanta
- Events include a vesper service, King Day of Service, and a Human Rights Film Festival Screening.
MLK Day 5K: Let Freedom Run:
- Time: 9 a.m. January 19
- Location: First Baptist Church, New Peachtree Road, Doraville
- This 5K Run and Walk is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier.
Sandy Springs MLK Day Family Day:
- Time: 1 p.m. January 19
- This family-friendly event will feature the movie “Our Friend, Martin,” along with activity stations.
