Happy New Year, Cleveland. We here at Signal Cleveland thank you for your continued support. May 2026 be filled with good health, wealth and peace. As Martin Luther King, Jr. Day quickly approaches, there are plenty of events in and around Cleveland for you to celebrate the holiday. 

For those who may not want to attend a formal gathering, MLK Day is also a day of service. Volunteering at an organization you are passionate about, or simply helping your neighbor shovel snow, are both ways to acknowledge the day.

Let’s take a look at 10 MLK Day events for you and your family to enjoy.

MLK Appreciation Day

  • When: Thursday, Jan. 15, from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
  • Where: Cleveland Public Library MLK branch, 10601 Euclid Ave.
  • Details: Take photos with library staff, play games, collect library swag and celebrate the birthday of Dr. King. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, click here.

MLK Open House and Day of Music

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave.
  • Details: Enjoy a day of live music, singing and storytelling. This event will also feature interactive activities throughout the center, free family portraits and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. For more information, click here.

Cozad-Bates House

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
  • Where: Cozad-Bates House, 11508 Mayfield Road
  • Details: There will be two live performances, starting with a re-enactment of the story of Sara Lucy Bagsby, a runaway slave who was captured in Cleveland, followed by a spoken word performance by Sparrow’s Fortune. This event is free, but registration is required. To reserve your spot, click here.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Day

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Cleveland Museum of Art: Ames Family Atrium, 11150 East Blvd.
  • Details: A free, day-long celebration honoring the life of Dr. King. There will be live music, spoken word, storytelling, dance and more. Attendees are also invited to attend one of the newest exhibits, “Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses,” free of charge. For more information, click here.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Where: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 E. 9th St.
  • Details: Enjoy free admission, extended hours and a full lineup of activities and live performances throughout the day. Registration is required. To register or to view the schedule of events, click here.

Great Lakes Science Center

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave.
  • Details: Free admission. There will be special programming, science shows, $5 DOME movies and more. For more information, click here.

Zelma George Skate Party

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Where: Zelma Watson George Recreation Center, 3155 Martin Luther King Blvd.
  • Details: Enjoy themed skating at Zelma George. The first session will be a “Minion luau” skate, the second session will be a “jam” skate. All sessions are $9; skate rental is $5. For more information or to view additional programming, click here.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd.
  • Details: Explore the glasshouses of the garden while enjoying crafts, nature resources and more. For more information, click here.

Maltz Museum

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Maltz Museum, 2929 Richmond Road
  • Details: Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King at the museum. There will be a treasure hunt, crafts and a screening of “Amend: The Fight for America,” a mini-series that traces the Civil Rights Movement from the 1800s to today. For more information, click here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026

  • When: Monday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Where: Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Dr.
  • Details: There will be 3D movie screenings, crafts, wildlife talks, animal encounters and more. For more information, such as a schedule of events or where to park, click here.

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.