Martin Luther King Day is a Federal holiday, and Martin Luther King Day is a holiday in the state of Minnesota.
All events are on Martin Luther King Day, Monday January 16 2012, unless otherwise noted.
Events and Celebrations on Martin Luther King Day in Minneapolis and St. Paul
Martin Luther King Celebrations in Powderhorn Park. Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board hosts several events on Martin Luther King Day. At Powderhorn Park, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, organized in collaboration with the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association, will feature Aztec dancers, a youth choir, West African drumming, hip-hop and salsa dancing, and a Martin Luther King Jr. tribute song, activities for youth, and authentic soul food provided by Soul Sisters.Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park Celebration is held in the Minneapolis park bearing Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's name, this celebration features emcee Danni Starr, local radio host and former Ms. Minnesota International, and keynote speaker Bernadeia Johnson, Superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. Entertainment, performances from local artists, food and drink.
Martin Luther King Feeding the Dream Community Food Drive The third annual “Feeding the Dream” Community Food Drive is underway at all Minneapolis Parks recreation centers. Bring non-perishable food donation to your local recreation center, or to the Powderhorn Park or Martin Luther King Park events.
22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast is held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This year's keynote speaker is human rights activist Nontombi Naomi Tutu, the daughter of South African Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his wife Nomalizo. The event also has several other speakers, and musical performances. Tickets are $30.
Martin Luther King Community Breakfasts. The St. Paul Area Council of Churches host community breakfasts at churches and across the Twin Cities: White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church in Mahtomedi, First Lutheran Church, St Matthew's Catholic Church, and Mt Olivet Baptist Church, in St Paul. Tickets are required, and a suggested donation of $5 per ticket is requested, children are free. You must register for tickets by January 9.
St. Paul Central High School and Concordia University Annual Martin Luther King Celebration A day of events starts with rally at St. Paul's Central High School Auditorium, followed by a march from the school to Concordia. Participation in the march and all other events is open to all, and positive banners and signs for the march are welcomed. A celebration at Concordia University follows, with presentations, music, dance, spoken word and poetry performances.
Augsburg College Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation The Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation features speaker T. Mychael Rambo, an actor, vocalist, and educator, and affiliate professor and recruitment coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance at the University of Minnesota. Monday, January 16, 1 p.m.
Minneapolis Community and Technical College: Martin Luther King Day of Service. A Community breakfast at MCTC with keynote speaker Dr. Verna Price, followed by a day of community service projects with organizations around Minneapolis. Participation is open to all. Register to participate at MCTC's website.
The Minnesota History Center 1968 Exhibit The year which saw the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, is remembered at the Minnesota History Center in a major exhibition reflecting on Dr. King's assassination and other events from that most tumultuous year.
Bell Concert at Minneapolis/Hennepin County Courthouse. The Tower Bell Foundation perform an annual Martin Luther King concert on the courthouse's bells, featuring songs of peace and patriotic music. Pending confirmation - check the Tower Bell Foundation website for event details.
Attractions and Things to do on Martin Luther King Day
Most shopping malls, museums and attractions, and many businesses and offices will generally be open as usual on Martin Luther King Day. Hours may be different for Martin Luther King Day, so call for hours. The Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Childrens Museum of Minnesota are open.Metro Transit buses and trains will be running a normal weekday schedule on Martin Luther King Day.
More information: What's Open and What's Closed on Martin Luther King Day in Minneapolis/St. Paul
