Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: A list of suburban events
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 19. Upcoming events, celebrations and services will pay tribute to the civil rights leader.
Ongoing
MLK Food Drive: In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., the city of Elgin’s annual food drive, now in its 13th year, aims to collect 80 tons of food for local pantries through Jan. 18. While food donations are appreciated, cash donations are preferred. Every dollar collected can purchase about 8 pounds of food. Any canned or packaged foods are desired. In particular, small bags of rice or flour, cans of soup, breakfast cereal, canned vegetables, and canned meats are preferred. Items not covered by SNAP benefits — such as toothpaste, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and hand, laundry and dish soaps — also are needed. Food items can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Food for Greater Elgin, 1553 Commerce Drive (enter on the north side where volunteers will help unload); or at Gail Borden Public Library’s customer relations desk, 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. Donations can be made at elginil.gov/1023/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Events.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Panel discussions: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 14 to Feb. 4, in the Meadows Community Room at Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Gail Borden Library and the Elgin Human Relations Commission present a series of panel discussions on the significance of the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. On Jan. 14, “King as an American Theologian and Religious Leader” with Rev. Felicia LaBoy, Rev. David Daubert and Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein; on Jan. 21, “King and Civil Rights” with Dianha Ortega-Ehreth, LaBoy and Vincent Gaddis of Elgin Community College; on Jan. 28, “King and Nonviolence” with Rev. Katie Shaw-Thompson, Rev. Patrick Parks, retired Elgin police Lt. Anthony Rigano, and Daubert; and on Feb. 4, “King and Poverty” with LaBoy, Gaddis and the Rev. Clint Ward. Suggested donation: nonperishable food items, toiletries, or paper products in support of the annual Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Food Drive. Sign up via gailborden.info.
Thursday, Jan. 15
In the Belly of the Beast — King in Chicago: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, in the Rolling Meadows Library Community Room, 3110 Martin Lane. Historian Clarence Goodman will discuss the rise of race issues in the city of Chicago and share stories of how King took on Mayor Richard J. Daley. Register: rmlib.org.
Friday, Jan. 16
Documentary, discussion at MCC: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, in the McHenry County College Luecht Auditorium, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake. Featuring a compelling documentary on Dr. King’s legacy, followed by a conversation on how his message of justice and unity resonates today. Hosted by McHenry County NOW and led by Pastor Norval Brown, this is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and be inspired together. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Free; RSVP via eventbrite.com or mchenryconow.org.
Saturday, Jan. 17
41st annual Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Elgin Community College Building E, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Each year, the Elgin Human Relations Commission presents a weekend of activities celebrating the life and legacy of one of the nation's greatest civil rights leaders, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme is “As You Lift Every Voice, Let Freedom Ring.” A morning of celebration, speakers, prayer, music and remembrance. Local leaders and organizations will be honored as recipients of the Dr. King Humanitarian Award. Doors open at 8 a.m. Breakfast starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. Individual tickets are $30. Tables of eight are available at $240. Tickets are available online at givebutter.com/J3Hrzc. For questions about online ticketing, contact June Wooten at (847) 345-8525 or mygmajune@gmail.com.
56th annual Dr. King Remembrance Dinner: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, Palatine. Illinois Commission on Diversity & Human Relations event raises money for the scholarship fund. Keynote speaker will be Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford with musical performances by Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago. Black-tie optional. $129.25. Visit icdhr.org/king-dinner-tickets.
Sunday, Jan. 18
MLK Day of Service Community Food & Household Essentials Drive: Before or after worship at 9 or 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in the lobby or at the drive-through from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Volunteers available to help unload donations. All donations will go to local pantries. Donation ideas: Household items such as paper towels, toilet paper, dish detergent, which are not eligible for purchase with a Link card; baking mixes that only require water; canned goods with pop-top lids; olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and other spices; coffee; sugar and flour; or Velveeta macaroni and cheese. Visit firstpresah.org.
National Day of Racial Healing, The Rhythm of Humanity: 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Bethel New Life Church, 1771 S. Weisbrook Road, Wheaton. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Craig Howard, Executive Presbyter, Chicago Presbytery. Free. Visit bnlcwheaton.org.
MLK Day Celebration: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. United Methodists of the Northern Illinois Conference honor the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with guest speaker the Rev. Charles Woolery Sr. on “Voices from the Past, Leading Us into the Future.” Worship service with light supper afterward. Bus transportation is available from multiple locations. Free, but registration is requested via umcnic.org/calendar/nic-mlk-celebration-2026.
23rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Concert: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in the Nichols Concert Hall at Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Annual tribute features performances by Music Institute students and community partners. Keynote address by Jonathan Bailey Holland, dean of the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. His opera “The Bridge,” commissioned by Boston Modern Opera Project and premiering in 2026, chronicles Martin Luther King’s years in Boston, narratively framed by the journey to Selma and the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Also, hear the premiere of a work by Hearing in Color Young Composer Abisola Toukourou, which will be performed by Chroma, their new permanent, professional chamber ensemble. The program also features Evanston Children’s Choir, Reach Teach Play, Chicago Musical Pathways, Soul4Real, District 65 students, Alpha Kappa Alpha Gamma Chi Chapter, and the Evanston Art Center. Reserve free tickets at musicinst.org/mlk-26.
MLK Interfaith Community Worship: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at First Congregational Church, 1445 Hinman Ave., Evanston. Guest speaker the Rev. Damien Durr shares reflections on this year’s theme, “More than Ever, We Need Each Other.” Music will be led by Second Baptist Church. Also, a special report from Rev. Michael Nabors and the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Evanston. Sponsored by Evanston Own It and Evanston Interfaith Clergy & Leaders. Free and open to the public. Visit firstchurchevanston.org/events.
Elgin MLK Sunday Celebration: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Join the Elgin Human Relations Committee as they celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship winners. This free event will feature music, dance, local vendors and the announcement of scholarship winners. No registration is required. Visit elginil.gov/1023/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Events.
Chicago Sinfonietta MLK Tribute Concerts: 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville; and 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. This year’s concert honors Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a Black Chicago surgeon who made history in 1893 by performing one of the first successful open-heart surgeries — just months before Dvořák premiered his “From the New World” Symphony. A founder of the first nonsegregated hospital in America, his legacy reminds us that opening hearts is both a medical miracle and a social mission. Also, hear the world premiere of Kathryn Bostic’s “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” adapted from the Hulu film and novel by longtime Sinfonietta cellist Edward Kelsey Moore. Reflect during Joel Thompson’s elegy for Breonna Taylor, featuring cellist Jeffrey Zeigler, before Dvořák’s timeless symphonic finale. Tickets are $35-$75. Visit chicagosinfonietta.org/open-heart/.
Monday, Jan. 19
FaithBridge’s annual MLK Interfaith Prayer Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, 800 S. Route 31. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Norval Ignatius Brown on “Can You Feel a Brand New Day?” Vegetarian breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $30 or $20 for youth, available via faithbridgeinterfaith.org.
DuPage County MLK Unity Breakfast: 8-9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. DuPage County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Committee hosts its third annual celebration with guest speaker Dorothy Counts-Scoggins, a civil rights pioneer and one of the first black students admitted to a North Carolina high school during school integration in 1957. Performances by MLK Unity Choir and Gospel singer Lemmie Battles. All net proceeds go to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Fund of DuPage Foundation. $100. Limited tickets: dupagefoundation.org/MLKDay.
Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast: 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Hoffman Estates village hall, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. The event will include a keynote address, “How MLK Jr. Leveraged the Law to Affect Change,” given by Sunny Hill Elementary School Principal Tony Bradburn, as well as the Holy Archangels Adult Choir. Donations of nonperishable food items or new hats and gloves will be accepted during this event to help restock community food pantries for the winter. Reservations will be accepted on a first come, first-served basis until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, or until the event is full. To reserve a spot, call Hallie Karle at (847) 781-2606 or email Hallie.Karle@vohe.org. Visit hoffmanestates.org.
“Justice & Joy”: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church campus sanctuary and fellowship hall, 815 S. Washington St. in Naperville. Join service projects that support the community. Inspired by Dr. King’s reminder that the pursuit of justice is both a moral calling and a path to shared joy, this gathering offers space to reflect, serve and grow together. All ages are welcome. Visit oursaviours.com.
Dream Big — Stories of Change and Courage: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day creativity and inspiration. In this mini camp with instructor Jeremy Kruse, youth ages 8 to 14 explore themes of courage, kindness, and imagination through acting, singing, and improv. They’ll create original scenes and songs inspired by heroes — real and imagined — who make the world a better place. Guided by professional teaching artists, kids collaborate to tell stories of hope, fairness, and following your dreams. The day ends with a relaxed sharing of their work. $110. Register: gortoncenter.org.
MLK Day of Solidarity — Building Bridges Across Black and Latine Communities: 9-10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, online. Join United Way of Metro Chicago in examining a sometimes overlooked part of King’s message: solidarity between marginalized communities. Here in Chicago, adjacent neighborhoods Little Village — also called South Lawndale — and North Lawndale are working together to help both communities through their One Lawndale initiative. Join a conversation with Luis Gutierrez, founder and CEO of Latinos Progresando; and Rodney Brown, CEO Of New Covenant DC. Register: liveunitedchicago.org.
Mr. V’s Day Off: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Join award-winning music educator Bill Vaananen in celebrating human rights and the legacy of Dr. King, along with other activities including performing a version of the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. There will be other favorite Mr V. songs and stories along with some new surprises. For ages 4-11. $55 for 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m.; $110 for the full day. Register: gortoncenter.org.
Geneva Public Library MLK Day of Service: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. Seventh St., Geneva. Inspired by Dr. King’s vision, take meaningful action through volunteer activities that support and uplift the community. Drop-in. Free. Visit gpld.org.
Glenview Community Church MLK Day of Service: 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 19, at Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. Projects include hygiene kit packing, sandwich making, window rescreening, creating pet blankets, writing notes of encouragement and more. Free. Visit gccucc.org.
Highland Park Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Park Fitness, 1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. On-site service projects, engaging presentations, and special performances to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Free. Visit pdhp.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Family Event: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. Family-focused celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ongoing influence on the fight for civil rights. Enjoy hands-on engagements, musical performances, and opportunities to learn about how to become more civically engaged. Free. Visit chicagohistory.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: 10-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Gather in the basement of the fellowship hall for a variety of family-friendly projects, including making Linus Blankets, blessing bags, UMCOR Health Kits, dog biscuits for The Buddy Foundation, place mats for Wheeling Township Home Delivered Meals, Night Ministry meals, valentine cards for The Pinta Pride Project, and more. Also, off-site activities are available at Feed My Starving Children, both in Schaumburg and Libertyville, as well as Bernie's Book Bank in Lake Bluff. Visit fumcah.com.
Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast: 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Edgelawn, Aurora. Fox Valley Christian Ministerial Alliance’s annual event, with the theme “Strength to Love,” features dedicated prayer segments followed by a complimentary breakfast. Reservations are requested as space is limited. For reservations, contact Peggy Hicks at (630) 849-5415 or (630) 423-1010. Visit instagram.com/aahc.il/.
MLK Day at the Volo Museum: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, children 12 and younger get free admission to Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens. Visit volocars.com.
MLK Day of Service: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Peoples Community Church, 670 S. Lambert Road, Glen Ellyn. The annual workshop will feature Muddassir Siddiqi, College of DuPage president; Leslie Ford, licensed clinical social worker; Deborah Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair; and Ernie and Carolyn Gibson, 2026 MLK Legacy Honorees and former DuPage NAACP presidents. Visit pcc-onlinechurch.org.
Support Over Stigma MLK Day of Service: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at 250 S. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. Volunteers will help pack Meals in a Bag for veterans, outreach snacks for homeless veterans, Squad Snacks for first responders, and more. Sign up for a shift via facebook.com/SupportOverStigma/.
Seventh annual Walk for Warmth: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at First United Methodist Church, 516 Church St., Evanston. A short program at 11 a.m., followed by a choice of a two-mile walk past the many faith communities that house Interfaith Action’s overnight shelter or an around-the-block walk. Free; donations appreciated. Visit interfaithactionofevanston.org.
“Strollin’ Down MLK”: 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. Rev. and Mrs. King walk through America today in this interactive, two-character, one-act play produced by Kingdom Impact Theater Ministries, in association with the Elk Grove Village Interfaith Council. Free, donations optional. Visit tinyurl.com/StrollinPOP.
MLK National Day of Service Project Drop-In: Noon to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road, Darien. This year, make toys for shelter pets at the West Suburban Humane Society. Free. Items will be collected to donate; for a list of items needed, visit ippl.info.
MLK Teen Day Restoration: Noon-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington. Join the Forest Preserves of Cook County in improving the natural community by helping remove invasive species. Tools provided. Sign up via fpdcc.com/event/mlk-teen-day-restoration/.
Glenview Public Library MLK Day of Service: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road, Glenview. Serve your neighbors through hands-on projects led by local community organizations. Projects recommended for third graders through adults. Free. Visit glenviewpl.org.
Wilmette Public Library MLK Day of Service: 1-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette. There will be drop-in stations to pack activity kits and make cards and friendship bracelets for patients at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Free. Visit wilmettelibrary.info.
Diverse Communities United MLK Day Celebration: 2-3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Former Second Church of Christ, Scientist, 2715 Hurd Ave., Evanston. Youth & Opportunity United’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, bringing together youth, families, and community members to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy through youth-led performances and art. Free. Reserve a spot at eventbrite.com.
My Voice, My Health, My World: 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 Second St., Highland Park. Insight Advocacy presents “My Voice, My Health, My World,” a project in which youth share how they are empowered to become advocates for their own health. Includes music from Highland Park High School jazz band, student presenters and guest speaker Dr. Dimple Dimani at 11:45 a.m., a free screening of “City Rising: Youth and Democracy” (season 3, episode 1) at 3 p.m., and more. Reserve a free ticket at wayfarertheaters.com.
MLK Day of Service: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in Elmhurst Public Library’s Kossmann Room, 125 S. Prospect Ave. Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. by building community through service projects. The library will have hands-on activities for all ages and ability levels. Service hours will be awarded to students. No registration required for this drop-in program. Visit elmhurstpubliclibrary.org.
Aurora’s 41st annual MLK Ceremony: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora. This year’s ceremony features keynote speaker Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union and president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, and a leading national voice in the fight for educational equity, labor rights, and racial justice. A former high school social studies teacher, Davis Gates has been instrumental in building a movement that connects labor organizing to the broader fight for community well-being and structural change. The evening also will include: educational workshops on Dr. King's legacy and philosophy; and youth and adult performances, including local choruses and artists. Donna J. Williams MLK Service Awards presented to residents who exemplify a radical service ethic. MLK Youth Liberation Awards honoring students for their advocacy and leadership. Free, but registration is required at aurora-il.org/MLK2026.
Celebrate MLK Day with Story Jam: 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Story Jam’s annual MLK Day celebration spotlights diverse voices with lively music and true personal stories. Proceeds will benefit organizations aiding immigrant groups and Chicago families affected by recent events. $23.87-$29.43. Visit evanstonspace.com.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, online and in person at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Celebration Campus, 919 S. Washington St., Naperville. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing with a free evening program. Visit oursaviours.com/home/news-events.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Racial Justice in Real Life: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Wheaton College’s Blanchard Hall, Room 339 Lecture Hall, 501 College Ave. in Wheaton. In “How Do Christians Find Rugged Hope and Create Enduring Change,” hear stories from two new books about how ordinary Christians faithfully pursue racial justice. Christine Jeske (anthropology), author of “Racial Justice for the Long Haul,” and Karen Johnson (history), author of “Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice,” will talk with Vince Bacote (theology) about what they learned about race, Christianity, and faithful perseverance. Sponsored by the history department, the department of anthropology, sociology, and urban studies, and the Center for Applied Christian Ethics. This event is free and open to the public. For information, contact history department at (630) 752-5130 or history@wheaton.edu. Visit wheaton.edu/calendar-of-events.
Saturday, April 18
MLK Unity Brunch: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Abbington Banquets, 3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn. Alliance for Civic Engagement hosts its third annual celebration with speakers, performances, award presentations, recognition of community members, networking, and brunch. Due to conflict with a campaign obligation for keynote speaker, Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, the Unity Brunch has been rescheduled from Jan. 24. Emcees Robin Robinson, former longtime FOX 32 Chicago News anchor, and Chicago WVON Radio host Atiba Buchanan, and a performance from the dance group Praize Productions. Tickets include access to the After Brunch Social from 6 to 10 p.m. at Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill, 431 W. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook. VIP ticket holders will receive details directly regarding the VIP Meet and Greet, including logistics and itinerary. Event proceeds will enable ACE to fund scholarships opportunities for students and to expand its mission of fostering community engagement and civic involvement through public forums, strategic planning sessions, voter registration, and educational programs. Cost for Brunch and After Brunch is $150, VIP is $200, or After Brunch only is $50 via eventcombo.com. Contact: info@aceofbolingbrook.org. Visit facebook.com/AllianceForCivicEngagementACE.