LIST: Northeast Ohio to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with events

CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio will honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2025 with a range of events celebrating his legacy of equality, justice and service. 

From community discussions to cultural programs and volunteer opportunities, residents across the region can participate in meaningful activities that promote reflection and unity.

Whether virtual or in-person, these events offer a chance to connect and honor Dr. King’s vision. 

3News has compiled the following list of events happening in Cuyahoga, Summit and Stark counties. 

Rock Hall Celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Jan. 20
• 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | 1100 E. 9th Street, Cleveland

The Rock Hall will offer free admission in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Guests can enjoy special programs, musical performances, and exhibits reflecting Dr. King’s influence on music and culture.

MLK Community Open House & Day of Music

• Jan. 20 
• 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 
• Severance Music Center | 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland 

 The Cleveland Orchestra will host free community performances and activities suitable for families. 

More information can be found HERE. 

Cleveland Clinic 2025 MLK Day of Celebration

• Jan. 17
• 8 a.m. (virtual event)

The Cleveland Clinic’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration focuses on food justice, inspired by Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, will serve as the keynote speaker. The program addresses hunger and highlights Cleveland Clinic’s commitment to combating food insecurity. The free virtual event will also be available on-demand.

Cleveland Museum of Art MLK Day Celebration

• Jan. 20
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Cleveland Museum of Art | 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland

Explore activities inspired by Dr. King’s writings, create art, and reflect on his legacy.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History MLK Day

• Jan. 20
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History | 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland

Enjoy free admission, community art projects, and special activities in honor of Dr. King.

Cleveland Orchestra MLK Jr. Celebration Concert

• Jan. 19
• 7:30 p.m.
• Severance Music Center | 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy through music at this special concert.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s Community Arts Center Celebration

• Jan. 20
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Cleveland Museum of Art | 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland

Explore a variety of programs and activities related to Dr. King’s theme of justice and nonviolence.

• Jan. 8
• 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Stephanie Tubbs Jones Building | 3450 Lee Rd., 2nd Floor, Shaker Heights

Seniors (ages 55+) are invited to a creative art-making activity based on the theme “Many Voices, One CommUnity.” No prior art experience required.

Arts-Inspired Celebration

• Jan. 16
• 7 p.m.
• Shaker Heights Middle School Auditorium | 20600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights

A soul-stirring event featuring performances, live music, dance, and an intergenerational art exhibit.

Great Lakes Science Center

• Jan. 20
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 
• Great Lakes Science Center | 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland

In honor of MLK Day, the Great Lakes Science Center is offering free admission to all guests. 

Zap Zone Canton – MLK Jr. Day Celebration

• Jan. 20
• Two-hour time slots are available starting at 10 a.m. 
• Zap Zone Canton | 4820 Everhard Road NW, Canton

Celebrate with unlimited activities, including laser tag, pixel floor and more. 

Akron Art Museum – Free Admission

• Jan. 20
• 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Akron Art Museum | 1 South High Street, Akron 

Celebrate MLK Jr. Day with free admission to the museum, featuring a specially designed gallery guide and family-friendly activities.

Akron Urban League – Annual MLK Breakfast

• Jan. 20
• 8 a.m.
• Hilton Akron/Fairlawn | 3180 W. Market Street, Akron

Join the Akron Urban League in honoring Dr. King’s legacy at their annual breakfast. Tickets and sponsorships are available.

Akron Zoo – MLK Jr. Day Celebration

• Jan. 20
• 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Akron Zoo | 500 Edgewood Avenue, Akron

Enjoy a day at the zoo with special activities and exhibits in honor of Dr. King.

Stow’s MLK Community Conversation

• Jan. 20
• 6:30 p.m.
• Stow City Hall | 3760 Darrow Road, Stow

Join the community for a conversation featuring local speakers discussing the continued importance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.