Find ways to get involved in your community to honor and carry forward the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with these MLK Day events in Dane County, Wisconsin.
“I Have a Dream” Scholarship Ball
Women in Focus will host the 37th annual “I Have a Dream” Scholarship Ball and Silent Auction on Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Monona Terrace. The annual gala is an elegant evening of dinner and dancing to honor the vision and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Proceeds support the nonprofit’s college scholarship program, which helps students of color in Dane County reach their higher-education goals.
- Date: Saturday, January 14
- Time: 6 – 11 p.m.
- Location: Monona Terrace Ballroom, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison
- Cost: $100
MLK College Readiness and Success Summit
Get a jump start on college planning by attending the 2023 educational summit in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy and advocacy for equality. The MLK College Readiness and Success Summit is designed to help students and parents understand the college process. The Summit will also provide resources on precollege program opportunities, how to navigate the college admissions process, and scholarship opportunities. High school students of color, first-generation students, and parents are encouraged to attend. Continental breakfast will be provided. Students will have chances to win college school supplies. Space is limited.
- Date: Saturday, January 14
- Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Location: Madison College Goodman South Campus, 2429 Perry St., Madison
MLK Ecumenical Service
Hosted by the King Coalition of Madison-Dane County, the MLK Ecumenical Service joins people together from diverse religious traditions, socioeconomic statuses, ethnicities, and political beliefs to honor Dr. King’s dream of social justice and equality, and to develop a “beloved community” through spiritual inclusivity and recognition of our shared humanity.
- Date: Sunday, January 15
- Time: 4:30 – 6 p.m.
- Location: First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison
Madison-Dane County MLK Day Observance
The 38th annual Madison and Dane County MLK Day Observance will return in person on January 16 at the Overture Center in downtown Madison. The keynote speaker will be Donzaleigh Abernathy, goddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr., daughter of Rev. Ralph Abernathy, and award-winning actress & writer. There will be a sing-in of freedom songs led by Tamera Stanley from 5:15–5:45 p.m., followed by the MLK Day Observance from 6–7:30 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on Madison CityChannel and WORT 89.9FM.
- Date: Monday, January 16
- Time: 5:15 – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Capitol Theater in the Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St., Madison
Wisconsin’s 42nd Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Themed “Let Justice Rule,” the 2023 event continues Wisconsin’s annual celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy in words and music. Program participants include Gov. Tony Evers, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra conducted by Andrew Sewell, the Foundation of Life Praise Band, the Prince Hall Masonic Honor Guard, and the Kalaanjali Dance Company, with guest speaker Laurie A. Carter, J.D., president of Lawrence University in Appleton. Hear the event, free and open to the public, live on Wisconsin Public Radio and on PBS Wisconsin.
- Date: Monday, January 16
- Time: 12 p.m.
- Location: Rotunda in the Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E. Main St., Madison
MLK Day Youth Call to Service
A day of empowering and inspiring content for middle school youth to explore service and activism in Dr. King’s memory! Attendees will be provided lunch and a t-shirt. Space is limited and registration is required.
- Date: Monday, January 16
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Location: Madison Central Library, 201 W. Mifflin St., Madison
Sun Prairie Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Sun Prairie Black and African American leaders and students together to share how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has guided their work and leadership. There will be music and appetizers.
- Date: Monday, January 16
- Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
- Location: Prairie Phoenix Academy, 220 Kroncke #130, Sun Prairie
UW–Madison MLK Symposium – An Evening with Benjamin Jealous
Join in community for an evening with Benjamin Jealous, a social entrepreneur, changemaker, and former NAACP president. Jealous will reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through the lens of his work as a civil rights leader, former investigative journalist, and educator.
Date: Monday, January 23
Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Location: Shannon Hall in the Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. (also offered online)