01/24/25 - 01/24/25
CWRU's Martin Luther King, Jr. Conv...
Case Western Reserve University
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01/25/25 - 01/25/25
Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus Gran...
Cleveland Public Library, Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch
Live in the heart of a cultural hub. From newly constructed townhomes to charming single-family homes to luxury hotels, living in University Circle has never been more appealing.
With strong anchor institutions and an abundance of arts & cultural as well as private sector businesses, University Circle is one of the largest employment drivers in the state of Ohio.
There is nowhere else in Cleveland with the density of world-class educational resources as University Circle. Preschools, grade schools, high schools, and prestigious universities call this neighborhood home.
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. in University Circle
"I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with University Circle. Enjoy special programs and activities in honor of Dr. King throughout the week of Sunday, January 19 through Saturday, January 25.
Special for Monday, January 20 only!
A free shuttle bus will run every 15 minutes from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. between select institutions. Hop on and hop off at any of the listed locations! The CircleLink Shuttle will continue their regular daily service throughout the district.
Looking for a lunch break?
The University Circle Inc. Community Room (stop #1) is hosting local food trucks from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Carter's BBQ
- Squash the Beef
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Concert
The Cleveland Orchestra
This free concert, led by The Cleveland Orchestra’s associate conductor Daniel Reith, features soprano Laquita Mitchell and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Chorus, an all-volunteer community chorus directed by Dr. William Henry Caldwell. Aseelah Shareef, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Karamu House, will be the evening’s host.
The program takes the audience on a journey through the life of civil rights leader and author Coretta Scott King, the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The music selections depict her growth as an accomplished soprano and activist, who used music to inspire, uplift, and mobilize people during the Civil Rights movement and beyond.
Sunday, January 19
7:00 p.m.
Free Admission
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Concert
The Music Settlement
The Music Settlement’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Concert has become a time-honored Cleveland tradition. Curated by TMS’ very own Linda Allen, this year's concert will feature performances from TMS faculty, students, board members, and a guest appearance from well-known jazz vocalist Evelyn Wright. Among the selections will be music by Cleveland composers Dolores White and H. Leslie Adams, as well as an original composition from TMS piano instructor Anne Wilson.
Sunday, January 19
3:00-4:30 p.m.
Free admission
Cozad-Bates House
University Circle Inc. & Restore Cleveland Hope
Restore Cleveland Hope will offer special stories and activities for children of all ages on MLK’s Birthday. Come join us as we celebrate and learn from our history. The Underground Railroad Interpretive Center at the Cozad Bates House is located on the corner of E 115th St and Mayfield Road in University Circle in the historic Cozad Bates House. The Underground Railroad Interpretive Center at the Cozad Bates House is open to the public each Saturday for free tours about the Underground Railroad from 12:00-4:00 p.m.
The BlueLink Shuttle stops directly in front of the Cozad-Bates House.
Monday, January 20
12:00-4:00 p.m.
Free Admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Join the Cleveland Museum of Art on Monday, January 20, for a free daylong celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Explore Dr. King’s legacy through artmaking with Zygote Press, contribute your voice to a community weaving, experience film, music, and dance performances, and enjoy free, complimentary cookies. Visitors can also experience the blockbuster Picasso and Paper exhibition for free.
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Free Admission
MLK Community Open House & Day of Music
The Cleveland Orchestra
Visitors of all ages are encouraged to enjoy performances by community ensembles throughout the building and enjoy hands-on activities in a casual atmosphere. Tickets are not required.
The day’s lineup includes The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, Blakk Jakk Dance Collective, Tiamoyo Chorale, The Stix Quintet, DJ Lily Jade, The Dance Centre, and students from Cleveland Orchestra Learning Programs.
Monday, January 20
11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Free admission ($7 parking in CWRU garage 29)
MLK Day
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Visit the Museum for free this Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a meaningful exploration of Dr. King’s legacy and his connection to science, community, and Cleveland.
What to Expect
- Visualizing Dr. King’s legacy: Reflect on Dr. King’s profound impact through a series of posters featuring his inspiring quotes and historical photographs of his visits to Cleveland.
- Special MLK-themed buttons: Collect exclusive MLK-themed buttons at three stations throughout the Museum.
- Complimentary hot chocolate: Warm up with a free cup of hot chocolate, courtesy of Levy Restaurants, in Origins Café.
- Community art projects: Contribute to something bigger through interactive opportunities to share your voice and dreams:
- “Share Your Dream” board: Add your own aspirations and reflections to a collaborative art installation.
- Reflection Room: Step into this video storytelling space to share your community story, thoughts, or hopes. Your contribution may become part of a larger video project for our website, social media, and future community initiatives.
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Free admission
MLK Day
Cleveland History Center
Enjoy full access to all galleries with free admission to the Cleveland History Center. Rides on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel are available for $3/ticket to ride. The WRHS Genealogy Committee will assist guests to start creating their own family tree. Guests are encouraged to take time to explore the Smithsonian Exhibition Solidarity Now! 1968 Poor People's Campaign which explores one of the most important grassroots movements of the civil rights era: the Poor People’s Campaign of 1968. This movement started by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that continued after his untimely assassination.
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Free admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Enjoy free Admission to Cleveland Botanical Garden on MLK Jr. Day! Visitors are invited to explore our exotic glasshouses and play in our Perennial Playspace. Be sure to stop by our tree cookie activity table from 11:00 am-2:00 pm to make a craft you can take home, participate in a community art project, and learn about how to access more benefits from plants and trees.
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Free admission
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with free admission, performances, and activities throughout the Rock Hall.
- Share your dreams on the “I Have a Dream” Wall, Level 0
- Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” on a loop in the Forest City Theatre.
- Don Cornelius’ “Soul Train” all day in Foster Theater
- Protest sign making, Level 0, 10 AM – 1 PM
- Artifact Spotlight guide, available as hard copies or digitally through QR code.
- Performances on the Indoor PNC Stage featuring:
- 11 AM – 11:30 AM Rainey Dance Performance
- 12:30 PM – Fleshman Singers
Monday, January 20
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Free admission
Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation
Case Western Reserve University
This year's moderated conversation for Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation at Case Western Reserve University will be given by the Honorable Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer of The Barack Obama Foundation in the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Ballroom in the Tinkham-Veale University Center.
Friday, January 24
12:45 p.m.
Free admission (registration required)
Grand Opening of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Campus
Cleveland Public Library
Join them as they unveil the vibrant new campus dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Explore our state-of-the-art facilities while enjoying live entertainment, activities, books, giveaways, and more!
Saturday, January 25
12:00-4:00 p.m.
Free Admission
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