Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 in the United States

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader.

Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Public Holiday?

This is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day.

What Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, also known as MLK Day, is a federal holiday observed nationwide and recognized by all 50 states.

The day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader whose most well-known areas of advocacy include civil rights and racial equality, voting rights, nonviolent resistance, economic justice, fair housing, and opposition to militarism and poverty.

MLK Day commemorates Dr. King’s leadership in the American civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Through peaceful protests and powerful speeches, he challenged racial segregation and inspired a nation to pursue social justice.

The holiday is designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to volunteer and give back to their communities.

When Is It Celebrated?

The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January, close to Dr. King’s birthday on January 15. The date follows the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, passed by Congress in 1968, which schedules certain holidays on Mondays to create uniform annual observances and more frequent long weekends.

What’s Open, What’s Closed?

Non-essential government departments, banks, and many corporate offices are closed. Most schools and colleges are closed. However, many grocery stores, retailers, and restaurants tend to remain open.

Public transit systems may operate on a reduced schedule. It’s always best to check local transit timetables and store opening hours in advance.

How Do People Observe MLK Day?

Americans observe the holiday in many ways, often focused on remembrance, education, and service:

• Attending memorials, speeches, or church services
• Participating in marches and parades
• Volunteering for community service projects, such as food drives or neighborhood cleanups
• Visiting civil rights museums and historical landmarks

A Brief History of the Holiday

Following Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, calls to honor his legacy began almost immediately. Years of public advocacy followed—including a nationwide campaign led by his wife, Coretta Scott King, and musician Stevie Wonder, whose 1980 song “Happy Birthday” became an anthem for the cause.

In 1983, the US Congress passed legislation establishing the holiday, and President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law. Over a decade later, in 1994, President Bill Clinton signed the King Holiday and Service Act, which established MLK Day as a day of service, and encouraged people to volunteer in their communities as a way to honor the life of Dr. King.

Even though the first official observance took place in 1986, it wasn’t adopted by all 50 states until 2000.

Why Do We Celebrate It?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed to recognize Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement and his role in advancing equality, voting rights, and nonviolent social change in the United States. When signing the legislation that established the holiday in 1983, President Ronald Reagan stated:

“Our nation has decided to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by setting aside a day each year to remember him and the just cause he stood for.”

The holiday encourages Americans to participate in volunteer activities that support and strengthen their communities. Many people mark the day by attending commemorative events, engaging in service projects, or learning more about Dr. King’s work and its historical impact.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.