Martin Luther King Day in Boston

January 19, 2026

Boston is a special place to celebrate Dr. King's life and legacy. King considered the city his second home, as it was in Boston that he met his wife, Coretta Scott King, and earned his Ph.D. in Theology from Boston University while living on Mass Ave. 

The Roxbury Love Story mural, created by local artists @problak and @gofive, was unveiled in the fall of 2020. Roxbury is where Dr. King was an assistant minister at the Twelfth Baptist Church and where he and Coretta met. In 1965, Roxbury marked the starting point for the Northeast's first Civil Rights March, a procession that culminated on Boston Common, where Dr. King delivered an inspiring and iconic speech.

The Embrace monument is here! Designed by Hank Willis Thomas, an internationally acclaimed African-American conceptual artist, the memorial commemorates the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, and the many civil rights leaders who worked alongside them in Boston.

Book Your Trip

 

Things To Do on Martin Luther King Day

 

The Embrace Monument Jan 14
  • Boston Common
  • Recurring daily

Visit the Embrace monument near the Boston Common Visitor Center. The abstract bronze sculpture is based on a photo of an embrace between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, and celebrates their history in Boston. The Kings met and fell in love here in the 1950s…

Celebrating Service, Community, & Dr. King's Legacy Jan 16
  • Boston Latin School
  • Recurring daily

Since 2006, Boston Cares has celebrated Dr. King’s birthday by bringing the community together through service. The 2026 MLK Weekend will focus on the importance of volunteerism and the many ways individuals can effect change in their community. Join us to celebrate our nonprofit…

MLK Boston: The Beloved Community Weekend Jan 16
  • Various Locations

From January 16 to 19, communities across Boston will come together for moments of reflection, joy, and civic engagement. Powered by Everyone250, this weekend brings together partners dedicated to building a future rooted in equity and shared purpose, including Embrace, Roxbury…

BYSO: Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Jan 19
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) and The Museum of African American History come together to celebrate and honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19, 2026 at 1pm in Faneuil Hall. The tribute to Dr. King will feature classical music, spirituals and freedom songs…

Cambridge MLK Day of Service and Learning Jan 19
  • Central Square Church

The 16th annual Cambridge MLK Day of Service and Learning will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 (2:00 pm-5:00 pm). Many Helping Hands and partners organize one of the largest single-day service events in New England and we are proud that the event has become a Cambridge…

City Year Greater Boston’s MLK Day of Service Jan 19
  • Condon K-8 School

Join us at the Condon K-8 School in South Boston for an impactful day of service on Monday, January 19th, 2026 to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and support our work in school with students. Projects will include packing resource kits for schools and community…

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration 2026 Jan 19
  • George Sherman Union

An annual tradition by The Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground and its partners. *This event is not at the Howard Thurman Center. It will be held at the George Sherman Union. The Howard Thurman Center, the City of Boston, BU African American & Black Diaspora Studies, BU…

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Stone Zoo Jan 19

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo will offer free admission on Monday, January 19. Advance tickets are not required. Join us for keeper and educator chats—your chance to dive into the world of our amazing animals, hear their incredible…

MLK Day Jan 19

Join us for our annual MLK Day Open House. This year, the MFA offers free admission for Massachusetts residents. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by surrounding yourself with art making, performances, and talks with members of our community! Events and Activities Community…

Roxbury Love Story

The Roxbury Love Story mural was unveiled in Fall 2020. We interviewed local artists, Pro Blak & GoFive, to tell us about the inspiration & making of the mural.

Black History Month in Boston

It's February, and with it comes Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the rich and integral role that African Americans have played in the ongoing story of America. Within this…

Boston Found Podcast

Embracing Boston’s Past & Future

Join us on the Boston Found podcast, as Embrace Boston's CEO discusses the journey to The Embrace monument unveiling, the Kings' legacy in Boston, and upcoming projects.

 

More Boston Found podcasts are available on our podcast page or wherever you get your podcasts.