Now that 2026 has officially begun, people across America are just days away from commemorating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
King was a civil rights activist who advocated for racial equality in the 1950s and 1960s. He was initially the spokesperson for the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
In 1963, King was a critical figure in the “March on Washington,” where he delivered his infamous “I Have A Dream” speech to more than 250,000 people who made their way to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
King went on to become the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
With King as one of the prominent figures behind the Civil Rights Movement, the United States went on to pass both the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act in the 1960s.
King was ultimately assassinated in 1968 in Memphis at the Lorraine Motel.
While his dream remains unfulfilled, Americans remember his legacy and commemorate his life on Dr. Martin Luther King Day.
Here’s more on the commemorative holiday.
When is MLK Day 2026?
MLK Day became a federal holiday in 1983 under President Ronald Reagan.
The signed law designates every third Monday in January as a federal holiday, honoring King. The first official federal MLK holiday was celebrated in 1986.
This year, MLK Day will be on Jan. 19, 2026.
King’s birthday, however, is Jan. 15, 1929.
Ways to celebrate MLK Day with events near Des Moines
Here’s a look at some events in and around Des Moines, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast
The YMCA’s 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. on Jan. 19, at the Drake University Olmsted Center.
The event will feature a panel of local education leaders and an awards presentation recognizing individuals for their work in the community.
Proceeds from the prayer breakfast will support the YMCA’s Out-of-School Time programs for local youth.
Individual tickets for the event are $50 at dmymca.org. Ticket sales will end on January 12.
Grand View University to host MLK Keynote Speaker
Grand View University will host a free MLK Day event at Viking Theatre at noon on January 19.
The keynote speaker for the event is nationally recognized educator and author Kittie Weston-Knauer.
Hope + Elim Church to hold MLK Day Celebration
Hope + Elim will host its MLK Day Celebration on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m.
During the event, guests will be treated to music, poetry and storytelling that honors the late activist.
The event is expected to last for 90 minutes.
Drake women’s soccer to host MLK Jr. Indoor Festival
The Drake University women’s soccer team is hosting an indoor festival at the Drake Field House on Jan. 19.
The festival is for children ages 8 to 11 and will feature soccer games and competitions, known as the “Soccer Olympics.”
Participants are asked to bring outdoor cleats, indoor shoes or tennis shoes, as well as shin guards.
The festival will start at 8:45 and end at noon.
Registration for the event is $69. Parents can register their child for the festival at bulldogsocceracademy.com. However, there is a wait list for anyone interested in registering.
MLK Day Celebration in West Des Moines
The Greater Des Moines Partnership will hold its MLK Day Celebration at the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex on Jan. 19 at 5 p.m.
During the event, Vicky Long Hill, the first Black woman to serve as an assistant city attorney for the city of Des Moines, will be the keynote speaker.
Three Youth Leadership Scholarships and one Community Leadership Award will also be handed out during the event.
Admission is free.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
If you would like your MLK event to be added to this article, please contact Emery Glover at eglover@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When is MLK Day 2026? See events near Des Moines to honor King’s legacy
Reporting by Emery Glover, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
