Martin Luther King Day Free Events in Philadelphia

Martin Luther King Day in Philadelphia

‘Celebrating Freedom & the Rights for All Americans’

 

Philadelphia is celebrating Martin Luther King Day, January 20, with many events throughout the City of Brotherly Love. Something of which represented Dr. King and what he stood for. We have compiled a list of events and things to do, some of which are free or have been discounted. Some of these events and or activities will start January 17th and run until the 2oth.

Free & Paid Events & Things To Do January 14 – 17

January 15 – 17 ~ This MLK Day of Service, the National Liberty Museum is thinking about sustainability as service. All weekend long, explore the museum with a special gallery guide to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of activism and service. Explore our galleries to learn about people from around the world who are taking a stand for sustainability, and pick up a special take-and-do bag so you can put sustainable living into practice at home. On Monday, January 17th 12 pm to 3 pm, hear from Urban Creators Farm Manager Shawn as he shares his personal journey in sustainable living and take home your own DIY water filter. Events are free with admission. This activity is free with admission. More Info ~

Location:  321 Chestnut St  |  Phone: (215) 925-2800

  • African American Museum

January 14 – 17! FREE admission on Monday, January 17th! The Museum is offering $2 admission on Friday, January 14 to Sunday, January 16. Due to safety concerns, many of the events will be virtual. You can find all of the details of what is being offered and when. For full schedule of weekend activities, click here.

Location: 701 Arch St  |  Phone: (215) 574-0380

January 17 ~ Eastern State Penitentiary will have free readings open to the public. But the tours of the Penitentiary are standard admission. Visitors will get a chance to look at one of the most influential letters written by MLK, the Letter from Birmingham Jail. The letter was written while MLK was incarcerated. Listen to actors read the letter every day which will occur at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. There will be in-person and online events. For more information, Click Here.

Location: 22nd & Fairmount Avenue  |  Phone: (215) 236-3300

January 15 – 17 ~ The Museum of the American Revolution will celebrate Martin Luther King Day with free programming with museum admission all weekend. The Museum events will be online and in-person that featured diverse programming that discusses a variety of communities during the Revolution who banded together to push boundaries for what they felt was best for themselves, the community, and the world. Enjoy the Museum’s core galleries to learn stories of people of African descent who found freedom on all sides of the Revolutionary War. For more information, Click Here.

Location: 22nd & Fairmount Avenue  |  Phone: (215) 236-3300

  • The Philadelphia Orchestra 

January 17 at 1 pm ~ Martin Luther King Tribute Concert at The Kimmel Center held in Verizon Hall! The Philadelphia Orchestra will have a free concert at 1 pm (doors open at 12:30 pm). The 90 minute concert is conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Even though the concert is free, you must register with tickets. You will also need to follow Philadelphia Pandemic rules, which will be masks and having your Covid vaccination card. ~ Info ~ For tickets, Click Here

Location: Kimmel Center  |  300 S. Broad Street

January 17 ~ The National Museum of American Jewish History will not have any programming this year. For more info on the activities, Click here.

Location: 101 South Independence Mall East  |  Phone: (215) 923-3811

  • Ceremonial Tapping of the Liberty Bell

January 20 ~ Join distinguished guests and more with a ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell at 12 pm at the Liberty Bell Pavilion in honor of Martin Luther King. Ceremony starts at 11:15 am (by special invitation only). Luncheon to follow at Philadelphia 201 at 17th & race Sts at noon (formerly Sheraton). You can purchase tickets. For details, Click Here.

Location: 525 Market St

January 17 ~ The Philadelphia Museum of Art will be open on Martin Luther King Day. Details ~
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Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway  |  Phone: (215) 763-8100

January 17 ~ FREE admission on Monday, January 17! In honor of Martin Luther King Jr’s lifelong for justice, equality, and service for the greater good, The National Constitution Center will have several activities during the day of January 17. There will be the powerful I have a Dream speech at 10:45 am and 1:45 pm in the F.M. Kirby Auditorium. There will also be arts, crafts, a sing along and more. Share your thoughts regarding Martin Luther King Jr on Twitter, using hashtag #TheDream. For more info, Click Here

Location: 525 Arch St  |  Phone: (215) 409-6700

January 17. FREE admission from 9:30 am – 5 pm. The Please Touch Museum will be celebrating Martin Luther King Jr’s day with many activities such as story time, dancing, crafts & more. For details, click here.

Location: 4231 Ave of the Republic  |  Phone: (215) 581-3181

  • Woodmere Art Museum

January 17. FREE ONLINE admission from 2 pm – 3 pm. Enjoy music, his I have a dream speech and more. For details, click here.

Location: 9201 Germantown Ave  |  Phone: (215) 247-0476

Special Projects Of Service On MLK Day ~ Monday, January 17

  • Here is your chance to help out and volunteer at several different locations, and make a difference within your communities. Partake in workshops, training’s, a job fair, a civic engagement expo, a health and wellness fair and other events. For details & more information, Click Here