Pittsburgh Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join the Pittsburgh community in celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through a variety of events.

10th Anniversary Celebration at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center

August Wilson African American Cultural Center | Friday, January 16, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center proudly presents the 10th anniversary celebration of the Poetry Unplugged series with this year’s edition, Poetry Unplugged: Still Dreaming!, sponsored by Citizens—a powerful evening of spoken word honoring the enduring life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This milestone event brings together an extraordinary lineup of Pennsylvania-based poets who will speak truth to power, illuminate today’s ever-shifting social climate, and remind us of the collective resilience found in Dr. King’s dream.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh | Monday, January 19, 2026 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. King by joining the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh for art activities, learning opportunities, and a space to share your dreams for the future. Activities include:

  • Creating a collaborative dreamscape in the Art Studio
  • Making bookmarks inspired by Dr. King
  • Storytimes at 1 m. and 2p.m. by special guest, Principal Qualisha Zyhier, MA.
  • Hearing Dr. King's speeches read by speakers of all ages
  • Listening to the live music of Lee Robinson and his Roaming Saxophone from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Learning about Dr. King through signage and books throughout the museum
  • And more!
Credit |
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab

Let Freedom Sing!

Kelly Strayhorn Theater | Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Celebrating its 19th annual concert honoring the life of Dr. King, Let Freedom Sing! features appearances by The Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh, Rodman Street Baptist Church Choir, The MLK Festival Singers, and more.

Pay What Moves You pricing is available for this performance at Kelly Strayhorn Theater, and guests are encouraged to bring a donation for the East End Coop Food Pantry.

The Beloved Community: East Liberty’s Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Kelly Strayhorn Theater | Monday, January 19, 2026 at 1 p.m.
Kelly Strayhorn Theater invites you to join us in honoring the enduring vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through The Beloved Community — a day of unity, reflection, and creative expression. This annual celebration brings together artists, neighbors, and changemakers to uplift Dr. King’s dream of justice, compassion, and shared humanity.

Begin the day with engaging activities in KST’s lobby with community partners. Check out After the Dream, an exhibition of portraits celebrating past and future freedom fighters with MLK’s legacy, created by Morgan Overton in the KST Gallery. Then gather in the theater for inspiring performances that celebrate Dr. King’s legacy while imagining a more equitable future for Pittsburgh and beyond. Featuring performances by Hill Dance Academy Theatre, Aryana Kapree, Pastor Deryck Tines, and the Lemington Gospel Chorale and students from ARYSE, with Rev. Dr. Michael Diaz of East Liberty Presbyterian Church guiding the day’s celebration. Together, we honor the power of art to build connection and the collective spirit of the Beloved Community.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House

Westmoreland Museum of American Art | Monday, January 19 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Located in Greensburg, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art will be open for a day celebrating art and community. Special activities include:

  • Unity candle-lighting ceremony
  • Interactive drum circle with the Ibeji Drum Ensemble
  • Musical tribute by Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church
  • Community tables hosted by local organizations
  • Engaging, all-ages art-making activities

2026 Annual MLK Breakfast

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church | Monday, January 19 at 9 a.m.

East End United Community Center in Uniontown will host its 2026 Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast on January 19, 2026.

Credit |
East End United Community Center
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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