Each January, communities across the Triangle unite to honor the life, legacy, and mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through meaningful gatherings, service projects, and celebrations of unity. The Triangle MLK Event Schedule highlights free and low-cost MLK Day events across Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding communities, hosted in partnership with local businesses, churches, universities, nonprofits, and civic organizations.
From wreath-laying ceremonies and interfaith prayer breakfasts to community dialogues, memorial marches, worship services, film screenings, and volunteer opportunities, these events invite residents of all ages to reflect, engage, and serve.
Friday, January 16
Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Kickoff
46th Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Raleigh
📍 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens
1215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Raleigh
Sponsoring Partner: Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA)
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Aaron McNair, II, Pastor, Mt. Moriah Community Church
This annual kickoff ceremony honors Dr. King’s enduring legacy with a formal wreath laying and reflections from faith and community leaders.
Saturday, January 17
National Day of Racial Healing – Community Dialogue
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Durham
📍 St. Joseph’s A.M.E. Church
2521 Fayetteville Rd, Durham
For the third consecutive year, the YMCA of the Triangle hosts a community gathering in recognition of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s National Day of Racial Healing. The event features dialogue, reflection, and musical performance designed to inspire action toward a more just and equitable world.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Chalice Overy, Pullen Memorial Baptist Church
Partners: North Carolina Central University, Triangle MLK Committee, Durham MLK Committee, First Chronicles Community Church
Corporate Sponsor: Wells Fargo
🔗 Learn more: ymcatriangle.org/mlk-weekend
Monday, January 19
46th Annual Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Durham (RTP)
📍 Sheraton Imperial Hotel
4700 Emperor Blvd, Durham
Doors open: 6:00 a.m. Breakfast served until 8:00 a.m. Program begins: 7:15 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Jemonde Taylor — priest, environmentalist, community organizer, and griot whose work explores the intersection of race, Christianity, Blackness, and culture.
46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial March
11:00 a.m. | Downtown Raleigh
📍 Departs from the State Capitol Building
100 Edenton Street, Raleigh
10:00 a.m. – March Assembly Lineup 11:00 a.m. – March Begins
Community members, families, and civic organizations are invited to join this powerful annual march honoring Dr. King’s life and legacy. The Lightner Y Achievers will lead the YMCA of the Triangle’s presence.
46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Noon Ecumenical Service
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Raleigh
📍 Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts – Meymandi Concert Hall
2 E South St, Raleigh
Sponsoring Partner: Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Joseph Stevenson, Pastor, Macedonia New Life Church
MLK Day of Service – YMCA of the Triangle
All Day | Multiple Locations
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. YMCA branches across the Triangle will host volunteer projects that bring together staff, members, and community residents in service to others.
🔗 Details: ymcatriangle.org/mlk-weekend
More MLK Week Events Across the Triangle
🎬 Documentary Film Screening: Origin of the Dream
Thursday, January 22 | 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by NC State University Libraries
This powerful documentary explores Dr. King’s first-ever use of the phrase “I Have a Dream”—delivered months before the March on Washington—and the influence of poet Langston Hughes. The screening is followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers and scholars.
🎤 MLK Day of Action: Confronting Injustice with Courage
Tuesday, January 20 | 5:30 p.m. (Program at 6:00 p.m.)
Hosted by UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
Featuring Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Helene Cooper of The New York Times, this conversation and Q&A explores journalism, courage, and accountability in honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
📚 Dream Big Book Drive & Community Celebration
Monday, January 19 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. | Durham
📍 Boxyard RTP
Hosted by Book Harvest, this free, family-friendly MLK Day celebration combines music, performances, activities, and a massive children’s book giveaway promoting literacy and equity.
🗣️ 11th Annual MLK Speech Reenactment
Sunday, January 18 | 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Raleigh
📍 Millbrook United Methodist Church
Experience a live reenactment of Dr. King’s “Three Evils of Society” speech, followed by intergenerational discussions, youth activities, and food.
🎶 MLK Community Celebration
Monday, January 19 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Celebrate MLK’s legacy with music, complimentary food, cocktails, and community connection featuring DJ Fatz.
Celebrate, Reflect, and Serve
Whether you attend a worship service, join the memorial march, engage in dialogue, watch a documentary, or volunteer during the Day of Service, MLK Weekend in the Triangle offers countless ways to honor Dr. King’s vision of justice, unity, and community empowerment.
👉 For more local MLK events, civic happenings, and community guides, visit DoRaleigh.com.
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