Here's a look at Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in and around Milwaukee in 2024
To celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings, service, civil rights activities and his commitment to social justice, there are many events scheduled in Milwaukee and the surrounding communities.
Some are free and others are fundraisers.
MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday of January, and this year it falls on Jan. 15, the actual birthday of the civil rights icon, who was born on Jan. 15, 1929.
Here is a list of some of the events in the area. If there is a community event not listed, contact us to be included in this list.
Please check the dates and times carefully and look at the information on the website before attending an event.
27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Milwaukee
Organized by the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is where people can honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognize the local nonprofit organizations that serve others. There will be speakers and performances of all kinds.
When: 7:30 a.m. (registration); 8 to 9:30 a.m. (program and breakfast) Monday, Jan. 15
Where: Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, 1611 W. Canal St., Milwaukee
Cost: $60 a person (all proceeds support the YMCA's annual campaign that helps ensure that everyone has access to the YMCA's membership and programs)
For more information and to register: Visit www.ymcamke.org/about-us/mlk-celebration
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Pewaukee
At WCTC in Pewaukee, there will be a Martin Luther King Jr. event where Muhibb Dyer will be the keynote speaker. Dyer grew up in the 53206 ZIP code, the most incarcerated zip code in America, where he provided inspiration and helped children in poverty have hope. Note that this event is on Tuesday.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16
Where: AJN Center, Waukesha County Technical College, S Building, 800 Main St., Pewaukee
For more information: This event is free, but you can RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/52py85pd and www.wctc.edu
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. family-friendly morning of learning and service in Fox Point
This family-friendly morning of learning and service will feature story time, music, movement, and various on-site service projects. The service projects will include packing on-the-go winter hygiene kits and on-the-go breakfast bags for neighbors struggling with housing issues.
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15
Where: Congregation Shalom, 7630 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point
For more information: Visit www.kicmke.org/mlk-day-2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Waukesha
At the Waukesha Public Library, there will be family-friendly activities, while supplies last, with the themes of peace and unity to honor Martin Luther King Jr.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15
Where: Waukesha Public Library, 321 Wisconsin Ave., Waukesha
For more information: Visit www.waukeshapubliclibrary.org
A Martin Luther King Jr. craft at the West Bend Library
At the West Bend Library, there will be an elementary-age craft to support MLK's Day of Service
When: 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15
Where: West Bend Library, 630 Poplar St., West Bend
For more information: Visit westbendlibrary.org
40th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration in Milwaukee
Marcus Performing Arts Center will hold its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration which will highlight community youth who every year interpret King's words through art, speech and writing contests. The winners will be showcased at this free celebration and the theme is "What Affects One … Affects All."
When: 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15
Where: Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee
For more information: Visit www.marcuscenter.org/event/40th-annual-mlk-celebration
King Day Celebration at the MLK Community Center
At the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, there will be presentations of music, dance and spoken words honoring Dr. King.
When: Noon on Monday, Jan. 15. An open house follows the program at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in King Park, 1531 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
For more information: Visit https://county.milwaukee.gov/County-Events/King-Day-at-the-MLK-Center
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.
More: Here's where you can find winter farmers markets in Milwaukee and the suburbs
More: New plans for former Punch Bowl Social space include food and drink, entertainment, retail
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Celebrations planned for the Milwaukee area for MLK Day in 2024
