The days ahead of the nationally recognized MLK Day (Jan. 19) — in honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — are packed with education, commemoration and a twist of laughter.
Check out some of the many events happening this long weekend, including appearances from comedian Martin Lawrence and singer Keyshia Cole; creative tributes to civil rights leaders King and the late Georgia Rep. John Lewis; and can’t-miss exhibits all throughout the DMV.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Jan. 15
Un/Bound Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865
11 a.m.- 4 p.m. | Free
Fairfax Museum & Visitor Center, 10209 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030
“Un/Bound Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865” explores the lives of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first captive Africans in 1619 to the abolition of slavery in 1865.
Through powerful objects and first-person accounts, visitors will discover how Virginia’s communities of color achieved freedom and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal.
This traveling exhibit from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture will be on display at the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center Wednesday – Monday until March 9.
Martin Lawrence: “Y’all STILL Know What It Is!” Tour
8 p.m. | $94+
The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Avenue, Forest Heights, MD 20745
Actor, sitcom star and veteran stand-up comedian Martin Lawrence is back on the road in 2026, bringing the joy of laughter to his Maryland roots at the MGM National Harbor Jan. 15-16.
Whether recognized for roles in movies like “Bad Boys” and “Big Momma’s House,” his eponymous TV show “Martin,” or some standup specials of the last couple decades, Lawrence’s next performance promises new material and a renewed take on the comedic icon’s mark in entertainment.
If you’re looking to laugh yourself sick and want to catch a good live show, then don’t wait another second!
Friday, Jan. 16
1 p.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
SPILT art space, 2529 P Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20007
SPILT is pleased to present “SMOKE,” an inaugural exhibition of paintings by D.C.-based artist Russell Katz.
Through stark monochromatic paintings depicting explosions, tangled trees in dormancy, and layered compositions, Katz reflects on the way human activities shape and unsettle the world.
Featuring pieces such as “Smoke BW Large, 2025,” which draws on photographs from World War II, the creative has transformed these archival scenes into symbolic imagery of existence, destruction, and after the smoke dissipates, rebirth.
Works will be on display at SPILT and at the artist’s studio. Click here to arrange a visit to the artist’s studio.
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Free
Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20016
Join the Washington Hebrew Congregation (WHC) in honoring the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King on this special Shabbat.
In celebration of the civil rights leader, members of the interfaith community will gather in unity for worship and songs, food and drinks, along with Connect 4 and arts and crafts for the kids.
Beyond serving as a tribute to King, Friday’s service preludes the MLK Day of Service 2026, set for Monday, Jan. 19.
Celebrating a “day on” rather than a day off, volunteers and community advocates can dive into various on-site projects (subject to change) on Jan. 19, such as:
- Baking blueberry muffins
- Building bookcases
- Decorating Purim bags for Maryland state legislators (Ages 3+)
- Making no-sew blankets and trail mix, to name a few.
Collections of the two-hour drive will include new and gently-used clothing (all seasons, sizes, and genders) and snackable foot items like cup of noodles and cereal cups, soft grain bars/granola bars, among others – all of which can be dropped off at WHC Temple.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Remembering John Lewis: Good Trouble & Black-Jewish Civil Rights Alliance
11:30 a.m. – 1: 30 p.m. | Free
Adas Israel Congregation, 2850 Quebec Street NW Washington, D.C., 20008
From shabbat to the Sunday community day of service, Mosaic Theater Company and Adas Israel Congregation will share stories, challenges and musical inspirations from the late Georgia Rep. John Lewis’ exemplary life of social action and community building.
Saturday will feature Mosaic Artistic Director Reginald L. Douglas addressing the ongoing need for “Good Trouble” – in the words of the late congressman and activist – across cultural differences during a morning service at Adas Israel.
The kickoff event on Friday welcomes Maryland Congressional Rep. Jamie Raskin and a presentation of the upcoming production “Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest,” a musical by award-winning playwright, director and actor Psalmayene 24 set to debut in March.
A First Look: A Festival of New Plays Reading
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Free
Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004
Ford’s Theater presents a reading of “Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest” as part of its A First Look New Play Reading Festival.
A First Look is an artistic incubator for new works that illuminate the stories of lesser-known individuals whose courage and perseverance helped shape the ongoing pursuit of civil rights and equality in America.
In this new musical, Mosaic Theater Company’s Playwright-in-Residence Psalmayene 24 honors the trailblazer many consider to be the legendary “conscience of Congress.” Focusing on his formative years of ages 18-28, “Young John Lewis: Prodigy of Protest” – coming to Washington on March 26 – reveals the humanity and heart of this mighty historic figure.
The musical explores how the murder of Emmett Till motivated Lewis to pursue a life of service, including leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), fighting for civil rights with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and working for nearly two decades in Congress.
A talkback with the creatives will follow the reading.
“Coming Together As One” Traditional African Dance Concert
7 p.m. | $30+
Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20017
Join Dance Place and the KanKouran West African Dance Company to celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the “Coming Together As One” Traditional African Dance Concert.
Featuring signature live drumming and powerful dance, the vibrant cultural ritual aims to honor ancestors and guide toward a brighter future.
With a showing on Jan. 17 and 18, the KanKouran West African Dance Company will also commemorate a 42-year legacy preserving and uplifting West African culture.
Since its founding in 1983, the company enriches American heritage through authentic African dance and drumming while fostering deep intercultural understanding – true to King’s vision of global community.
Come witness artistic excellence while celebrating Black culture and tradition!
Sunday, Jan. 18
The Stars We Do Not See: Australian Indigenous Art
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Free
National Gallery of Art, 6th Street NW & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20565
This eye-opening exhibition introduces North American audiences to the varied visual iconographies of Indigenous Australia, which is made up of more than 250 distinct Indigenous nations.
“The Stars We Do Not See,” drawn exclusively from the collection of Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria, offers a rare opportunity to experience some of the most significant examples of modern and contemporary Australian Indigenous art in all its forms.
From ochre bark paintings and experimental weavings to immersive sound and video art and powerful photographs, this exhibition reveals a rich history of creativity that predates the arrival of the British.
Explore this rich and living history of creativity through over 200 works made by more than 130 artists, including trailblazers Emily Kam Kngwarray, “Star Lady,” and many more.
7 p.m. | $72+
The Hall at Live! Casino & Hotel Event Center, 7002 Arundel Mills Circle #7777, Hanover, MD 21076
Experience the magic of R&B icon Keyshia Cole as she brings her “The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour” to The HALL at Live! on Jan. 18. Relive the emotion, passion and powerhouse vocals that made her debut album a timeless classic!
Monday, Jan. 19
The MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk and Rally and Parade
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Free
Firth Sterling Avenue and Sumner Road SE, Washington, D.C., 20020
The 21st Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk, Rally and Parade returns for another year commemorating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. – and after having to move indoors last year due to the inauguration, it’s back outside!
The Peace Rally kicks things off at 9:30 a.m. on Firth Sterling Avenue and Sumner Road, leading the two-mile trek along the avenue named in honor of the fallen civil rights leader that culminates in the historic MLK Holiday DC Parade at 11 a.m.
Additional highlights for parade participants include the respective Seventh Annual Health & Wellness Fair and Community Clean-up Project, both hosted at PNC Parking Lot (next to Far Southeast) from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information and registration, visit MLK Holiday DC.