Martin Luther King Jr. Day(MLK Day)
MLK Day
American federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and the civil rights movement, observed with community service and remembrance events.
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<holidayfyi-holiday slug="mlk-day"></holidayfyi-holiday>Key Information
- Calendar System
- gregorian
- Date Rule
- Third Monday of January
- Public Holiday
- Yes
- Origin
- 🇺🇸 United States
About this Holiday
American federal holiday on the third Monday of January honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s civil rights legacy and dedication to racial equality, observed with community service and remembrance events.
Countries (1)
Upcoming Dates
| Date | Country | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Jan. 18, 2027 | 🇺🇸 United States | Yes |
| Monday, Jan. 17, 2028 | 🇺🇸 United States | Yes |
| Monday, Jan. 15, 2029 | 🇺🇸 United States | Yes |
| Monday, Jan. 21, 2030 | 🇺🇸 United States | Yes |
Related Holidays
Martin Luther King Jr. Day by Year
Frequently Asked Questions
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year in the United States. It falls near Dr. King's birthday on January 15, 1929. The holiday was first observed as a federal holiday in 1986.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a US federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who advocated for racial equality through nonviolent means. He is best known for his 'I Have a Dream' speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday observed exclusively in the United States. All 50 US states officially recognize it, though some states also celebrate it alongside other state holidays. Dr. King's legacy is commemorated internationally through events and tributes outside the US.
Yes, MLK Day is a federal public holiday in the United States. Federal offices, banks, post offices, and most schools are closed. Many state and local governments and private employers also give workers the day off.
MLK Day is often called a 'Day On, Not a Day Off,' encouraging Americans to volunteer and perform community service. Traditions include attending commemorative events and speeches, visiting civil rights memorials, participating in service projects, watching documentary films about Dr. King, and reading his speeches and writings.
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