Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most remarkable civil rights leaders in history. MLK Saratoga, a volunteer-run, nonprofit organization dedicated to antiracism and honoring Dr. King’s vision of peace and justice for all, produces a four-day Dr. King Celebration Weekend (DKCW) every year around the national holiday observing Dr. King’s birthday.
This year marks the 11th Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend. Multiple events will take place throughout the weekend, honoring and celebrating Dr. King.
The annual celebration includes interactive performances, presentations, and panel discussions, as well as kids' events, and volunteer opportunities. The weekend kicks off on Friday, January 16th with the Inaugural MLK Weekend Celebration Student Arts Showcase. Learn more at MLK Saratoga.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
MLK Saratoga and Skidmore College Present: The Inaugural MLK Weekend Celebration Student Arts Showcase
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Skidmore College, Case Center Second Floor
Featuring artwork, poetry and essays from local students inspired by the theme of this year’s 2026 Dr. King Weekend: “Love is the greatest force in the moral universe; it is the beating heart of the moral cosmos.” Student artwork from Saratoga Independent School, Waldorf School of Saratoga, Maple Avenue Middle School, Saratoga Springs High School, Girl Scout Troop 3866 from Dorothy Nolan Elementary School and an MLK sing-along with Division Street Elementary School.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
Love is the Greatest Force: The Theory and Practice of Nonviolent Resistance
11 am - 12:30 pm
Frederick Allen Lodge
69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
Join nonviolence practitioner Linda LeTendre and Skidmore professor Kate Graney for a workshop about the theory and practice of non-violence. Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy and practice of non-violence and how we can practice non-violence in our lives and in our communities to fight with love for the things that matter to us. .
Family Day at The Tang
2 pm
Payne Room, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery
Skidmore College
Join us for an art-making project inspired by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. Suitable for children age 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. No registration required; supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis
Hubby Jenkins of Carolina Chocolate Drops
8 pm - 10 pm, doors open at 7:30 pm
Caffè Lena
47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs, NY
Caffè Lena, in collaboration with MLK Saratoga, presents an evening with Hubby Jenkins, as part of the Dr. King Celebration Weekend 2026. The Show is FREE and open to the public with reservation. Hubby Jenkins is a Grammy-nominated artist, multi-instrumentalist, and former member of the legendary Carolina Chocolate Drops, celebrated for his riveting performances that honor and illuminate the African American roots of old-time American music. Reserve your spot now.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
“Moral Cosmos” Sunday Gospel Service with the Heavenly Echoes
11 am – 12:30 pm
Dyer Phelps AME Zion Church
122 Crescent Street, Saratoga Springs
Frederick Allen Elks Lodge & Dyer Phelps A.M.E. Zion Church invite you to a Sunday service with Reverend David Baugh featuring the music of the Heavenly Echoes. Join the congregation and community as we celebrate this year’s “Love - the Heartbeat of the Moral Cosmos” theme. Music from 11-11:30 a.m.; Service from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Fellowship to follow. Sponsored by Our Lodge Foundation & MLK Saratoga.
Civil Minds Think Alike
2 pm – 4 pm
Frederick Allen Lodge
69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs
An exploration of Dr. King’s values, how they inspire people, and how they connect with youth today. Led by Saratoga Springs high school students.
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
Dr. King Day of Service
10 am – 12 pm
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church
175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs
Honor Dr. King by Participating In The Dr. King Weekend Day Of Service! Help repair books, make blankets, pet food drive, moon catcher project and more! Stick around to learn about the important work done in the Saratoga community by local organizations. Light lunch by Jackson Soul Catering and Bars without Boundaries following the projects at noon.
Dr. King Weekend Community Celebration
1 pm – 2 pm
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church
175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs
The highlight and culmination of our weekend, this community celebration will feature opening music by Soulist Garland Nelson, local speakers, and a keynote address by Minister Steven Boxley. Please join us to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through our fellowship and community.
Learn more at MLK Saratoga.
