If you have some time off in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, why not commemorate the civil rights activist at events across the city? Here are some ways to give back, learn, and celebrate over the long weekend.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Jan. 17 through 19
AAMP will host special programming throughout Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, along with free and reduced admission options. Activities include a film screening of “Selma,” a plant-based brunch, and a miniature mural design activation. The museum is also in need of volunteers to run the events.
Re-Entry Community Farm
Jan. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Spend the morning out in West Philly making the neighborhood cleaner and greener. Help clean up Re-Entry Farm and the surrounding areas, then stick around for light refreshments and an explainer on environmentally conscious trash disposal.
Germantown United CDC
Jan 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join Germantown United CDC, Love Thy Hood, and several other Germantown-based organizations to clean Central Germantown’s commercial corridor and build garden beds for the neighborhood.
West Philadelphia YMCA
Jan. 19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The YMCA is celebrating all day long with family-friendly activities. Stop by for storytime, crafts, film screenings, and service projects.
Philabundance
Jan. 19, 11 a.m.
Assist 100 individuals, nonprofits, and corporate partners in packing backpacks with meals at Philabundance’s Roxborough warehouse.
If you can’t make it out, Ensemble Arts and Philabundance are kicking off a food drive on Monday with a free Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert. Visit Marian Anderson Hall at 3 p.m. to catch the show and donate approved food items. There will also be donation bins located across Ensemble Arts venues until Feb. 8.
Joyful Readers
Jan. 19, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Frances E. Willard Elementary School in Kensington is seeking volunteers to paint murals throughout the school and run a literacy-themed carnival.
Justice Fest ‘26
Jan. 19, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, in collaboration with local immigrant rights organizations, is hosting a community music festival at Crane Community Center. The event will have live performances, stories from advocates, and opportunities to support immigrant rights in Philadelphia.
Interested in more service opportunities? Find a volunteer site near you through the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service website.
