MLK Day 2020: Celebrations And Volunteer Events In Washington

SEATTLE, WA — Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed around the country on Monday, Jan. 20. The federal holiday takes place on the third Monday of every January, commemerating the birth and life of Dr. King.

In Washington, King County was officially re-named in honor of MLK in 1986.

With many businesses closed and school out of session, there are plenty of ways to get out of the and enjoy the celebrations or participate in volunteer events.

Here are a few highlights:

KING COUNTY

38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

Put together by Seattle's MLK Jr. Organizing Coalition, the festivities begin Monday morning at Garfield High School. The events lead up to downtown march and rally outside Seattle City Hall.

Where: Garfield High School (400 23rd Avenue, Seattle)

Opportunity Fair: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Workshops: 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Rally: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
March: 12:30 p.m. - Rally

Event Page

NAAM King Day

Seattle's Northwest African American Museum will put on its annual King Day program, feautring interactivite stories for children and a day of films showcasing the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is free and open to all.

Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: 2300 Massachusetts Street, Seattle

Event Page

Plant Seattle's Future Forests

As part of the annual MLK Day of Service, volunteers will be planting trees and plants along the West Duwamish Greenbelt. Organizers will provide free pizza and live music, and families are encouraged to attend.

Where: Pigeon Point Park (1901 Southwest Genesee Street)
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Event Page

There are also tree plantings planned at Seattle's Solstice Park, and Bellevue's Wilburton Hill Park.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Health Fair

The annual celebration takes place in South Bellevue this year at the Factoria Square Mall Southeast. Organizers have more than 20 health-related resources on-site, including a blood donation van. There will also be some live entertainment.

Where: Maketplace@Factoria (4053 Factoria Square Mall Southeast, Bellevue)
When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Event Page

United Way of King County lists several volunteer opportunities Monday for the MLK Day of Service.

PIERCE COUNTY

Martin Luther King Day of Caring

Neighbors are invited down to three Tacoma parks Monday morning to help spruce up our public spaces. All ages can participate and the city will provide all necessary tools.

Where:
Point Defiance Park (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Titlow Park (9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Center at Norpoint (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)

Event Page

MLK Day at the Washington State History Museum

Free admission all day in honor of Dr. King. Tacoma Arts Live's Civil Rights Tour will perform "Get on the Bus," and visitors can check out an exhibition about the dozens of African-American men who changed America.

When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: 1911 Pacific Avenue (Tacoma)

Event Page

5th Annual MLK Food Sovreignty Day of Action

Volunteers are invited to the Peace Community Center to help start seeds for local farmers, transplant strawberries, spread woodchips, and create art. A family-friendly event.

Where: 2106 South Cushman Avenue (Tacoma)
When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Event Page

You can find a list events in Tacoma on the city's website. The city of Lakewood has more events scheduled in the month of February.