Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King's Legacy in Indiana

Bloomington: Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Join the City of Bloomington for the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration event on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Buskirk Chumley Theater. This year’s theme, Soul, Spirit, and Sacrifice: Honoring the Legacy of Coretta Scott King and the Women Who Faced America to Save U.S., will feature community leaders, a performance by world-renowned mezzo-soprano Marietta Simpson, and an inspiring keynote speech from Dr. Traci Parker.
This free, un-ticketed event will begin at 6:00 P.M. with doors opening at 5:30 P.M.

Indianapolis: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Free museum admission. Celebrate the life, achievements, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with special musical performances and activities.

The museum is open during regular hours. Special Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities conclude at 3 p.m. Free tickets will be available beginning Jan. 9, 2026.

Indianapolis: Newfields

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an inspiring day of artistic expression, cultural connection, and community. Family and friends are invited to come together and reflect on Dr. King’s vision of justice, peace, and equality through the power of the arts.

Create a symbolic memory pin for a community work of art and make one to take home and enjoy family-friendly storytime sessions featuring Black authors, a digital walk through The King Center archives, a guided wellness activity, special musical performances, and a presentation featuring guest scholar, Corey N. Reed, PhD.

450 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Join us for a day of reflection, creativity, and community connection. Participate in a hands-on service project designing bags for the Concord Neighborhood Center and explore our Wall of Reflection honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Families can enjoy meaningful crafts inspired by themes of peace, unity, and community. Don’t miss a special presentation by Susan Hall Dotson, “Dr. King’s Visits to Indiana,” celebrating the profound impact of his time in our state. Visitors are invited to bring in donations to support HVAF of Indiana.

Crafts, activities, and a reflection station will be available from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Museum exhibits open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

1200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222

For over 20 years, White River State Park and its attractions have celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by providing FREE admission.

On this day, White River State Park and its attractions partner with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to raise funds to provide meals for Hoosiers facing hunger. Guests are encouraged to donate online at any attraction on MLK Day. One in seven Hoosiers is facing hunger. For every $1 donated, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana can provide up to 6 meals for neighbors in need across 21 counties. $20 can provide 120 meals! 

500 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Eiteljorg Museum with FREE admission for all visitors! Honor Dr. King’s legacy through art, culture, and community engagement. The day will feature a special community drum circle performance, inviting you to experience the unifying power of rhythm and music. Plus, get creative with hands-on art-making activities designed to inspire people of all ages.

Additionally, the Eiteljorg Museum is teaming up with other attractions in White River State Park by partnering with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to raise money to provide meals for Hoosiers in need. You can give now by clicking this link.

700 West Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

NCAA Hall of Champions joins the other White River State Park attractions in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by offering free admission and partnering with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana Inc. to raise money to fight hunger. Step into the shadow of legends at the NCAA Hall of Champions, donate to change a life, and honor the legacy of one of the greatest activists to ever live.

201 US Hwy 27, Fountain City, IN 47341

Enjoy free admission to the Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site in Fountain City in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday! Guided tours are available at 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. It is highly recommended to call the site at 765.847.1691 to pre-register for a tour time. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. 

650 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204

Enjoy free museum admission as we honor the legacy and contributions of Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrate Dr. King’s spirit of collaboration for positive change and reflect on the country’s past 250 years with a community mural and hands-on activities, and live performances from local artists. Visitors are encouraged to donate to Gleaners Food Bank at wrsp.in/gleaners-ism. Free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the White River State Park garage. This free admission day is sponsored by the Lacy Foundation.

All Indiana Historic Sites

All open state historic sites are offering free admission on Monday, Jan. 19.* If you’re planning a visit, please reach out to the site in advance regarding available tour times and special programs offered that day.

*Gene Stratton-Porter and Whitewater Canal state historic sites are not open this time of year.
 

4750 West 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is offering free admission to all visitors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, Jan. 19). All galleries and activities within the Museum are included in admission, though track tours are an additional fee.