Ceremony, theater, free admissions mark Martin Luther King Jr. 3-day weekend
A variety of events and free admissions mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. The federal holiday honors the life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader.
Monday’s weather will be the driest of the three-day weekend, according to forecasters, making it a good day to visit state and national parks, all of which have free admission.
Indoor events include a City of Tacoma ceremony and King-themed theatrical performances at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma.
Commemoration
Tacoma’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration includes the presentation of Community Service Awards. The award honors an individual or group dedicated to serving the community. The event begins at 11 a.m. Monday at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Commerce St.
Urban Grace Church presents “Redeeming the Prophetic Vision”, the 17th Annual MLK Jr. Event at The Evergreen State College, 1210 6th Ave. in Tacoma, 2-4 p.m. King’s life and his call for peace and justice for all people will be honored. More information can be found at the Urban Grace website.
History Museum
The Washington State History Museum is offering free admission on Monday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Three free theatrical performances at the museum will bring to life King’s legacy.
Tacoma Arts Live presents the original production, “11 Days in the Life of Dr. King,” featuring spoken word, dance, music, shadow play and historic images. Shows are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
At 3 p.m., Living Voices presents “The Right to Dream: Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s”. The play follows the struggle and sacrifice for Black civil rights through the eyes of an African American activist growing up in 1960s Mississippi.
The museum is at 1911 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma.
Service
Metro Parks Tacoma is holding its MLK Day of Service on Monday. The event honors King’s legacy by strengthening community ties, the agency says on its website.
Volunteers are asked to gather at Point Defiance Park 9 a.m.-noon to remove Scotch broom and other invasive plants so that native plants can grow in their place. Check the park website for details: metroparkstacoma.org/event/mlk-day-of-service/.
State and national parks are free
All Washington state parks and national parks are free on Monday.
State parks in Pierce and Thurston counties include: Nisqually, Kopachuck, Penrose Point, Joemma Beach, Tolmie, Eagle Island, Hope Island, Millersylvania and Flaming Geyser.
Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks will have free entry.
The U.S. Forest Service will waive standard recreation use fees Monday. That includes managed picnic areas, boat launches, trail heads and visitor centers.
Other weekend events
On Sunday, the Lunar New Year is being celebrated at the Eastside Community Center. A free vegetarian lunch, dance groups, live music, martial arts, calligraphy writing and more will be presented in English and Vietnamese at the center, 1721 E. 56th St. in Tacoma 1-4 p.m.
Monster Jam brings its fleet of big trucks performing incredible feats to the Tacoma Dome for multiple shows Friday-Sunday. Check their website for details and tickets.
