Community events will occur from Jan. 18 through Jan. 24 and are free and open to the public.

Every year, the city supports organizations that honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and explore his work in the context of the Boulder community.

This year, the city's Human Relations Fund, with support from the Office of Arts and Culture have provided funding for several community events and exhibits to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026. Community events will occur from Jan. 18 through Jan. 24 and are free and open to the public. Find information provided by event organizers below.

  • Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Boulder JCC, 6007 Oreg Ave, Boulder, CO 80303. Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Dr. King's Everlasting Message. Hosted by the Second Baptist Church Boulder, this event will include vignettes performed by local actors, music by local youth honoring jazz legend George Morrison, film excerpts, and speeches that bring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s messages of justice, love, and nonviolence to life. Through storytelling, music, and reflection, both in person and online, the program invites participants to connect Dr. King’s legacy to today’s challenges and to reflect on their own responsibility in building a more just and united community. Learn more and reserve your spot for this event on Eventbrite.
  • Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO, 80302. Motus Theater presents, in honor of Dr. MLK Jr. Day: Youth Behind & Beyond Bars: Stories from the Frontlines of the Juvenile Justice System. Motus Theater presents their 4th annual arts-based event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight against poverty and racism, with special guest musicians, The ReMINDers. They will present musical responses to Motus’ Youth Behind & Beyond Bars autobiographical performance, which shares the experiences of adults who survived the juvenile justice system. Boulder County DA Michael Dougherty will sit with the storytellers to co-read their narratives and reflect publicly on their impact. You will leave inspired and ready to carry out the legacy of Dr. King Jr.’s work in support of juvenile justice reform that centers youth and community solutions. Learn more on the Motus Theater website.
  • Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Chamber of Commerce Boulder, 2440 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302. Community Action, Celebrate Diversity, Champion Equity. Hosted by the Ilalle Hill Organization, this event will include educational presentations and a keynote honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, followed by film viewing, youth storytelling, and interactive discussions centered on justice, equality, and civil rights. Through song, dance, art, prayer, and community-led cultural experiences, including traditional South Sudanese and East African food and crafts, the event creates a welcoming space for reflection, dialogue, and collective action toward a more inclusive and equitable Boulder. No RSVP is required for this event.

For additional information about the Human Relations Fund, visit the city’s website.

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