Celebrate MLK Day in Indianapolis: Top Free Activities to Honor the
Celebrate MLK Day in Indianapolis: Top Free Activities to Honor the Legacy
Source: Agence France Presse / Getty
Celebrate MLK Day in Indianapolis: Top Activities to Honor the Legacy
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Indianapolis, the Praise Indy Report has you covered. Indy offers a variety of activities that honor Dr. King’s legacy through education, community service, art, and fun. Here’s a list of free events for all ages:
Attend a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Monument Circle
🗓️ Thursday, Jan. 16, 6 p.m.
📍 Soldiers and Sailors Monument, 1 Monument Circle
Join the Indiana Civil Rights Commission for a special wreath-laying ceremony and light show. This downtown event kicks off the weekend’s celebrations. Don’t miss the award ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse on Friday at noon, which will also be live-streamed.
Experience Art, Music, and Spoken Word at Newfields
🗓️ Sunday, Jan. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road
🎟️ Free Admission
Celebrate MLK Day with performances by Deckademics, iibada Dance Company, and spoken word artist Bruce Ford. Reserve your free tickets online for a day filled with creativity and inspiration.
Dive into Dr. King’s Speeches Beyond “I Have a Dream”
🗓️ Sunday, Jan. 19, 3 – 5 p.m.
📍 Virtual Event
🎟️ Free Admission
Explore Dr. King’s lesser-known speeches and writings in IU Indianapolis’ “Beyond the Dream” conversation series. Register online to join the discussion and gain a deeper understanding of his powerful messages.
Inspire Kids to Serve the Community
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
📍 Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave.
🎟️ Free with Registration
Seeds of Caring partners with the Madam Walker Legacy Center to engage kids (ages 2-12) in service projects. Activities include creating cleaning kits, breakfast kits, and art for neighbors in need. Reserve a spot online.
Explore Free Exhibits at the Eiteljorg Museum
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St.
🎟️ Free Admission
Enjoy free admission to the Eiteljorg Museum, featuring art-making stations, a community drum circle, and the holiday-themed Jingle Rails exhibit.
Watch Dr. King’s Speeches at the Indiana Historical Society
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St.
🎟️ Free Admission
Design a shopping bag for Charity Cares Clothing Closet, contribute to a mural, or listen to recordings of Dr. King’s speeches in the IHS theater. Donations of socks, underwear, or money are encouraged.
Write Your Own Speech at the Indiana State Museum
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St.
🎟️ Free Admission
Get inspired by Dr. King’s speeches, contribute to a mural, and write your own speech. Enjoy free parking at the White River State Park garage (first come, first served).
Take an Art Class and Join a Drum Circle at the Children’s Museum
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St.
🎟️ Free Admission
Kids can join artist Rebecca Robinson, hear stories inspired by Dr. King’s quotes, and enjoy special activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserve free tickets in advance if you’re not a museum member.
Visit the Indianapolis Zoo (and Support Gleaner’s Food Bank)
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St.
🎟️ Free Admission
Enjoy a day at the zoo for free and support Gleaner’s Food Bank with a donation. Admission is part of White River State Park’s MLK Day programming.
Hike Eagle Creek Park and Learn About Dr. King
🗓️ January 12-26
📍 Earth Discovery Center, Eagle Creek Park, 5901 Delong Road
🎟️ $6 per car (Marion County residents) or $7 (non-residents)
Take a peaceful half-mile walk while completing an MLK-themed quiz. Quizzes are available even when the center is closed.
Lace Up Your Skates at the Fun Factory
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 12 p.m.
📍 Fun Factory, 175 Southern Plaza Drive
🎟️ $12
Enjoy skating, all-you-can-eat pizza, and games with family and friends. Tickets include skate rentals and a $2 game card, with free entry for parents and guardians.
Ice Skate at Bicentennial Unity Plaza
🗓️ Monday, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Bicentennial Unity Plaza, 117 S. Pennsylvania St.
🎟️ Free Admission
Skate for free downtown, with complimentary pizza, hot chocolate, and parking. Don’t miss the live music and educational activities celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy.
