Ways to Honor and Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2026

Published January 9, 2025

Ways to Honor and Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

MLK Day is a time to celebrate the progress of the Civil Rights Movement while also recognizing that we still have work to do as we move toward equality, equity, peace, and justice. MLK Day is not just a “day off.” It’s a “day on.” Listed below are various ways we can serve in the community and educate ourselves—not just on MLK Day, but all year round.

Experience

Visit Stone of Hope in MLK, Jr. Park

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Park is located in the historic Lower Waverly area near Five Points and features the Stone of Hope, a concrete and stone fountain at the entrance featuring plaques with quotes from Dr. King. The memorial includes natural elements—water, stone and trees—to underscore the themes of justice, democracy and hope.

Location: 2300 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29205

A Storytelling Celebration: Continuing Dr. King’s Dream

Hosted by the Friends of African American Art & Culture at the Columbia Museum of Art. This year’s theme, “The Power of Continuing Dr. King’s Dream,” honors Dr. King’s extraordinary work and the rich tradition of storytelling.

Description: The 6th annual storytelling performance celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Location: Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street (Main at Hampton Street), Columbia, SC 29201

Date: Monday, January 20

Times:
Line dancing: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Storytelling: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Art insights and highlights: 3:00–4:00 p.m.

Price: Free

King Day at the Dome

Description: This annual event sponsored by the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP begins at Zion Baptist Church before processing to the State House grounds. It is scheduled to end at noon. The theme for this year’s celebration is “The Time Is Now.”

Date: Monday, January 19

Time: March begins at 8:00 a.m. at Zion Baptist; speakers begin at 10:00 a.m. at the State House

Locations:
Zion Baptist Church, 801 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201
South Carolina State House, Gervais and Main Streets, Columbia, SC 29201

MLK Day Film Series

Description: AARP South Carolina is hosting an MLK Day film series to create space for learning, reflection and dialogue about our shared history. The event is free, but registration is required.

Date: Monday, January 19

Time: 11:00 a.m. – Rosenwald; 1:15 p.m. – Selma; 1:45 p.m. – Hidden Figures

Location: Nickelodeon Theater, 1607 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Register: Honor MLK Day in Columbia, SC

Service Opportunities

The Arc of South Carolina’s Annual PB&J Making Competition

Description: The sandwiches created during this event will be distributed to local hunger-relief organizations, helping to combat food insecurity in the Columbia area.

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Time & Location: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (or until supplies run out), Russell House Ballroom (second floor, #207), 1400 Greene Street

Cost: Free

Bring: Peanut butter, jelly, and sliced bread (or donate in advance at The Arc of SC Headquarters, 254 Corley Mill Rd., Lexington)

Register: Registration Form

More opportunities: volunteer.uway.org/need

In-Person Tours

Columbia SC 63’s Main Street Civil Rights Walking Tour

Description: “Columbia SC 63’s Main Street Tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Columbia’s Civil Rights noteworthy and moving stories.”

To book: columbiasc63.com/tour

Note: Private tours must be groups of 5 or more. A self-guided option is available.

Virtual Tours

Education

Kids