Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a powerful day of reflection, service, celebration, and community across the Triangle. From marches and prayer breakfasts to volunteer opportunities, family activities, food deals, and evening entertainment, there’s something meaningful (and fun) happening in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and beyond.

Below is your complete guide to MLK Day events across the Triangle.

🎉 All-Day Deals & Specials

National Popcorn Day at Cinemark

All Day | $5 | Cinemark (participating locations)

Bring your own bucket and fill it up for just $5 in celebration of National Popcorn Day.

Krispy Kreme MLK Day Doughnut Deal

All Day | Discounted | Krispy Kreme (multiple locations)

Buy a dozen doughnuts and get a dozen Original Glazed for just $1.

✊ MLK Day Ceremonies, Marches & Services

46th MLK Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | FREE | Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Research Triangle Park

Hosted by the Triangle Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, this longstanding tradition brings together faith and community leaders.

MLK Day National Day of Service – Apex

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | FREE | John M. Brown Community Center, Apex

Fuquay-Varina MLK Day March & Celebration

9:00 AM | FREE | First Baptist Church, Fuquay-Varina

Durham MLK Committee March

10:30 AM | FREE | NC Mutual Building Plaza, Durham

46th Annual Martin Luther King Memorial March

11:00 AM | FREE | North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh

46th Annual MLK Jr. Noon Ecumenical Service

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | FREE | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh

King Day: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | FREE | John Chavis Memorial Park, Raleigh

Durham MLK Community Rally & Program

12:00 PM | FREE | First Presbyterian Church, Durham

Durham MLK Committee Religious Service

6:00 PM | FREE | Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Durham

🌱 Volunteer & Day of Service Opportunities

MLK Outdoor Day of Service

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | FREE | Stevens Nature Center, Hemlock Bluffs (Cary)

MLK Outdoor Day of Service

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FREE | Good Hope Farm, Cary

MLK 5K Walk for Hope

10:00 AM | FREE | Mt. Zion Church, Cary

Dream Big MLK Day Book Drive & Community Celebration

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | FREE | Boxyard RTP

🏒 Sports, Social & Community Fun

Hockey Pre-Game & Tailgate: Hurricanes vs. Sabres

12:00 PM | FREE | Raleigh Brewing Company, Raleigh

EagleFest Photography Workshop

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | FREE | Jordan Lake Dam

Silent Reading Club

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | FREE | The Glass Jug Downtown Durham Taproom

Early Karaoke

6:00 PM | FREE | The Northside District

College Football Championship Watch Party (Sound On)

7:00 PM – 10:30 PM | FREE | The Williams House Craft Taproom, Cary

Cosmic Chuckles: Weekly Comedy Show

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | FREE | Flying Saucer, Raleigh

Board Game Night

7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | FREE | Moon Dog Meadery & Bottle Shop, Durham

Air Hockey Tournament

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | FREE | Boxcar Bar + Arcade, Raleigh

Why MLK Day Matters in the Triangle

MLK Day is more than a day off — it’s a Day On. Across the Triangle, communities gather to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service, faith, dialogue, and togetherness. Whether you’re volunteering, marching, worshiping, or simply spending time with family, these events reflect the spirit of unity that defines the region.

Stay Connected with DoRaleigh

DoRaleigh is your trusted source for Triangle event guides, civic happenings, community celebrations, and local experiences.

👉 Bookmark DoRaleigh.com and check back daily for what’s happening