Indianapolis, January 10, 2026

Indianapolis will host a series of events and activities on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, providing a range of opportunities for community members to reflect on his legacy. Key events include the 35th Annual MLK Indiana Holiday Celebration at the Indiana Statehouse, free admission to local attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo and The Children’s Museum, and the 44th Annual MLK Day of Celebration at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, along with various landmarks for reflection and service throughout the city.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Indianapolis

Indianapolis offers a variety of events and activities to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026. Here’s a guide to the key celebrations and opportunities for reflection and service throughout the city.

35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Location: Indiana Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St.

Details: The Indiana Civil Rights Commission invites the community to gather with partners, community members, and state leaders to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy. The program will feature uplifting remarks, a musical performance, and a special wreath presentation by the Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. This event is free and open to the public.

Free Admission at Local Attractions

Several Indianapolis museums and attractions are offering free admission on MLK Day, providing opportunities for families to engage in educational and cultural experiences:

• Indianapolis Zoo
  Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  Location: 1200 W. Washington St.
  Details: Enjoy a day of free admission at the Indianapolis Zoo. Visitors are encouraged to donate to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, with online giving available through participating attractions.
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
  Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Location: 3000 N. Meridian St.
  Details: The museum celebrates MLK Day with special programs and musical performances honoring Dr. King’s life and achievements. Free tickets are required and become available starting January 9, 2026.
• Eiteljorg Museum
  Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Location: 500 W. Washington St.
  Details: Explore Western art and Native American culture with free admission and family-friendly programming. This is also the final day to experience Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure before it closes for the season.
• Indiana State Museum
  Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Location: 650 W. Washington St.
  Details: The museum offers free admission with hands-on activities and opportunities for reflection. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations for Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the White River State Park garage.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
  Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  Location: 4750 W. 16th St.
  Details: The museum is offering free admission to all visitors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All galleries and activities within the museum are included in admission, though track tours are an additional fee. Free tickets can be reserved online ahead of time or as a walk-up ticket.
• Indiana Historical Society
  Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Location: 450 W. Ohio St.
  Details: This free-admission day features hands-on service projects, a Wall of Reflection, and activities exploring Dr. King’s impact in Indiana. Families are invited to bring donation items supporting veterans and their families through HVAF of Indiana. Advance tickets are encouraged.
• NCAA Hall of Champions
  Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  Location: 700 W. Washington St.
  Details: Sports-loving families can explore all 24 NCAA sports through interactive exhibits, simulators, and trivia challenges with free admission.
• Newfields
  Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  Location: 4000 Michigan Rd.
  Details: Newfields hosts a day of art-making, storytime, performances, and gallery tours, plus a special presentation by guest scholar Corey N. Reed, PhD. Families can create “Make-One Take-One” memory pins for a collaborative community artwork while enjoying a day centered on reflection and service.
• Free Skate at Elevance Health Rink
  Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  Location: Elevance Health Rink at Bicentennial Unity Plaza
  Details: Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with free ice skating at Elevance Health Rink. Skating is free, but reservations are required to ensure everyone has skates and a spot on the ice. The rink’s covered pavilion, sunken ice surface, and warming stations help keep the experience comfortable in a variety of winter weather. Limited food and beverage options will be available, and concessions will be open for purchase.

44th Annual MLK Day of Celebration

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Avenue

Details: Join the community at the historic Walker Theatre for the 44th Annual Day of Celebration, presented by the Indianapolis Foundation, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early arrival is highly recommended, as seating is first come, first served and not guaranteed.

Additional Opportunities for Reflection and Service

Beyond the events listed above, Indianapolis offers several landmarks and institutions where residents can reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and engage in service:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Landmark for Peace Memorial
  Location: 1702 N. Broadway St.
  Details: Visit the Landmark for Peace Memorial, a sculpture honoring the contributions of Dr. King and Robert F. Kennedy. The memorial features bronze portraits of both leaders reaching out to each other, symbolizing unity and reconciliation.
• Crispus Attucks Museum
  Location: 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
  Details: Explore exhibitions on local, state, national, and international African American history at this museum located within Crispus Attucks High School. The museum preserves Black history with displays that celebrate the school’s culture, sports, and industrial arts, as well as displays that honor history beyond its walls.

Participating in these events and visiting these sites provides meaningful ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring impact on the community and the nation.

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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER

The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.