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You are here: Home / Holidays / Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Champaign-Urbana and Central Illinois

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Champaign-Urbana and Central Illinois

January 11, 2026 By From The Editors

Discover the events happening in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Champaign-Urbana

 

And other ways to enjoy a long weekend with your family in Champaign-Urbana

Looking for family fun over the long weekend observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Champaign-Urbana? We’re here to help! Almost all schools, preschools, and even many daycares are closed in observance of MLK Jr. Day, which is Jan. 19 this year. Add the University of Illinois to that, and it’s a rare opportunity to enjoy some family time together.

So what should you do? We’ve provided you with some ideas for fun events that are close. We’ve also provided a list of events related to Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Some of these events are geared toward U of I students.

If you’re looking for a fun and inexpensive day trip, check out our article about MLK Day in Indianapolis, where there are many excellent attractions open with thematic events appropriate for the day.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Champaign-Urbana

 

Local observances are listed on our calendar, although some are not actually on Jan. 19.

Recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at these events near Champaign-Urbana

Annual Countywide Dr. MLK, Jr. Celebration

Date: 01/18/2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana

Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Unity Breakfast

Date: 01/19/2026
Time: 8:30 am
The Vineyard Church
1500 N Lincoln Ave, Urbana

MLK Day at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Date: 01/19/2026
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
212 N. Sixth St, Springfield

MLK Day of Service at KayBee

Date: 01/19/2026
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
KayBee Community Cafe
102 E Lafayette St, Monticello

Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service

Date: 01/19/2026
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
McKinley Foundation
410 E. Daniel St., Champaign

All-You-Can-Eat Specialty Lunch Buffet Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Date: 01/20/2026
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Neil Street Blues
301 N Neil St, Champaign

Looking for more things to do on MLK Day?

MLK Day of Service at KayBee

Date: 01/19/2026
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
KayBee Community Cafe
102 E Lafayette St, Monticello

MLK Day Skate at UI Ice Arena

Date: 01/19/2026
Time: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
University of Illinois Ice Arena
406 E. Armory, Champaign

MLK Day - No School Skate

Date: 01/19/2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Skateland Savoy
208 W Curtis Road, Savoy

All-You-Can-Eat Specialty Lunch Buffet Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Date: 01/20/2026
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Neil Street Blues
301 N Neil St, Champaign

Filed Under: Educational Fun, Free Activities, Holidays, Things To Do in CU, Winter Activities Tagged With: champaign, Coronavirus, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, mlk day, urbana

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