Nashville is preparing to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr day on January 19, 2026 and the undeniable impact that he made in the fight for civil rights. We have created a list of activities, events, and volunteer opportunities happening over the next few days to celebrate his legacy and his dream for equality in 2026. This year’s theme is also poignant: “Legacy in Action: Continuing the Dream through Service, Justice, & Unity” presented by Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship (IMF), which has organized the Nashville Celebration for MLK Day since 1989. Learn more here.
January 11 – 2026 IMF/MLK Women of Faith
Join the IMF for the 4th Annual Women of Faith Panel, a signature event of the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship’s MLK Week hosted by Scarritt Bennett Center’s Racial Justice Ministries. This year’s theme, “Legacy in Her Hands: Women of Faith Keeping the Dream Alive,” celebrates the women who carry Dr. King’s vision forward—resisting despair, nurturing hope, and building the Beloved Community through service, justice, and unity.
January 15 | 5pm | Vanderbilt’s MLK Day Commemorative Event
Author, civil engineer and Nashville native Cheryl McKissack Daniel will headline the Vanderbilt University Martin Luther King Jr. Day Speaker Event on Thursday, Jan. 15, kicking off the university’s 2026 MLK Commemorative Event Series. The conversation, which is part of Dialogue Vanderbilt’s 250 Conversations on America: Civil Discourse in Action series, is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Sarratt Cinema.
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music, captivating performances and culinary delights to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in style.
Bring your youth out for a day of workshops around social justice, activism, and community. This year’s Intergenerational Panel will be a part of the activities from 9:30am – 11:00am. The intergenerational panel will discuss how their activism, knowledge, opportunities, and messaging have influenced their leadership and advocacy.
January 14 – Youth Worship Service
Enjoy an amazing youth-led, uplifting experience filled with vibrant worship, energetic liturgical dance, and a powerful message brought to you by youth and young adults in the city of Nashville! Service will take place at First Baptist Church Capitol Hill at 3:00pm.
Want to participate in the service? Choir rehearsals will be held on January 11 and 18.
January 19 – MLK Day March at 9:00am
Join the community as they come together to pay homage to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his fight for social justice and civil rights by marching down Historic Jefferson Street to the TSU Gentry Center.
January 19 – MLK Day Convocation at 10:00am
Finish your MLK Day celebration at the TSU Gentry Center.
January 19 | 12pm | MLK Day at NMAAM
Join the National Museum of African American Music as they celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What does Dr. King’s dream mean to you? Your message will become part of the living history of this day. Throughout the museum, guests are invited to create their own civil rights posters reflecting hope and vision for the future inside our Community Education Center. Explore the museum’s permanent exhibits, celebrating the rich history of African American music.
January 24 – MLK Day Joint Day of Service in Nashville
On Saturday, Jan. 25, students from all of Nashville’s colleges and universities will come together at Meharry Medical College for a kickoff event and then volunteer at community service projects across the city. See link to registration form. Registration is strongly suggested.
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