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MLK Day in Greater Hartford: ways to show up, learn, and serve (Jan. 19, 2026)

  • Pastor Ben
  • Jan 10

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, January 19, 2026. Every year, this week gives us a simple invitation: don’t just remember Dr. King—practice what he preached. Pick one event. Bring a friend. Bring your kids. Or show up solo and meet someone new.

And if you know of other MLK Day events in the Greater Hartford area, drop them in the comments so we can keep building a shared list.


Before MLK Day

Thu, Jan 15 — Deliver food boxes to homebound seniors (West Hartford)

A hands-on way to serve neighbors who can’t easily get out.

Fri, Jan 16 — Hartford Public Library kids’ craft: “I Have a Dream”

A great, low-lift way for families to talk about justice and hope.


Monday, Jan 19 — MLK Day events

West Hartford — Annual MLK Celebration (Town Hall Auditorium)

A classic community program focused on Dr. King’s life and legacy.

Hartford — Wadsworth Atheneum: MLK Jr. Community Day

Art-making, performances, and free admission all day.

Hartford — Connecticut Science Center: Open on MLK Day

If you want something family-forward that still fits the day, this is an easy win.

New Britain — NBMAA: “Access for All” Community Day (theme: “Choose Love”)

Free admission, performances, art-making, and guided gallery conversations.

East Hartford — Town of East Hartford MLK Day Commemoration

A public, civic gathering for reflection and unity.

Windsor — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration (Town Hall Council Chambers)

Includes a keynote and offers an in-person or livestream option.

Simsbury — MLK Day Community Celebration + short march

Program at First Church of Christ, then a short march to the memorial and a presentation at the library.


Later that week

Thu, Jan 22 — Hartford Symphony Orchestra: MLK Tribute Concert (“The Fierce Urgency of Now”)

Free concert with optional registration.

MLK Week of Service — United Way of Central & Northeastern CT (Literacy Kits)

A practical “do something” option if you want service that’s simple and scalable (groups or DIY).


A couple close-by (if you’re up for a short drive)

Fri, Jan 30 — UConn: MLK Living Legacy Convocation (Storrs)

An evening program with music, spoken word, and poetry.

Tue, Feb 3 — University of Hartford: 2026 MLK Observance

Free and open to the public.


Quick encouragement (and a simple ask)

If you’re not sure where to start, pick one event that matches your season of life:

  • Family-friendly: HPL craft, NBMAA, Science Center

  • Civic + reflective: West Hartford, East Hartford, Windsor, Simsbury

  • Arts + meaning: Wadsworth, HSO concert

  • Hands-on service: United Way (or the West Hartford food delivery)

And seriously—add other events in the comments (with a link if you’ve got it). I’ll check back and we can keep this list growing.


 
 
 

First Sunday of Advent – #Resist

  • ben2297
  • Nov 30, 2025


First Sunday of Advent.

We light a candle of hope.

Not a soft, sentimental hope,but a stubborn, resistant hope.

Advent is God’s quiet protest against every empirethat tries to own Jesus, wrap him in a flag,or baptize cruelty in his name.

In Resist, I say that no politician, party, or nationgets to claim Jesus as their brand.Advent reminds us why:the King we’re waiting for comes as a refugee baby,born on the margins,building a kingdom of justice, mercy, and radical love.

So today, as we light this first candle,we’re not escaping the world.We’re refusing to give in to fear and hatred.We’re choosing hope as holy resistance.

Come, Lord Jesus.Teach us to resist with love,to wait with courage,and to live like your kingdom is already breaking in.


 
 
 
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