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

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.

• Time: 12:00–3:00 PM (per the event listing)

• Info: MLK Day of Service (St. James Episcopal, West Hartford) 

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.

• Time: 3:30 PM

• Info: Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” Craft (Hartford Public Library) 

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.

• Time: 10:00–11:30 AM

• Info: Town of West Hartford – Calendar of Events (MLK celebration listing) 

Hartford — Wadsworth Atheneum: MLK Jr. Community Day

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

• Time: 12:00–4:00 PM (activities)

• Info: CTvisit listing with details + ticket link 

Hartford — Connecticut Science Center: Open on MLK Day

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

• Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Info: Connecticut Science Center – Open for MLK Jr. Day 

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

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

• Time: Starts at 11:00 AM (free admission all day)

• Info: New Britain Museum of American Art – MLK Day Community Day 

East Hartford — Town of East Hartford MLK Day Commemoration

A public, civic gathering for reflection and unity.

• Time: 12:00–1:00 PM (in front of Town Hall)

• Info: East Hartford – MLK Jr. Commemoration 

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

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

• Time: 2:00–3:30 PM

• Info: Town of Windsor – MLK Day Celebration (calendar listing) 

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.

• Time: 2:00 PM

• Info: Simsbury MLK Day Community Celebration (Patch event listing) 

Later that week

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

Free concert with optional registration.

• Time: 7:00 PM

• Info: HSO – The Fierce Urgency of Now (MLK Tribute Concert) 

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).

• Info: United Way – MLK Week of Service 

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.

• Time: 6:30 PM

• Info: UConn Daily Digest listing 

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

Free and open to the public.

• Time: 12:45 PM (Lincoln Theater)

• Info: University of Hartford – 2026 MLK Observance 

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.