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Here is a list of MLK Day events around Iowa.

Cedar Falls
Celebrate the Cultures of the Cedar Valley
When: January 15 | 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Diamond Event Center, 5307 Caraway Lane, Cedar Falls
About: Come experience cultures, complete hands-on projects, and learn something new about diversity in our community. More than a dozen exhibits will highlight Dr. King’s vision of a united world.

Cedar Rapids
MLK Now 2024
When: January 15 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Building, 50 2nd Avenue Brg, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
About: MLK Now 2024 will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 50 2nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids. “Recreating Black Economies: Changing Policies and Practices.” Renowned speakers, community influencers and guests; live entertainment and performing arts; mini-carnival, DIY activities and gaming fun. Free event; free transportation provided from Iowa City.

Clinton
36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
When: January 14 | 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Clinton Community College Auditorium, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton
About: Join us to listen to keynote speaker Chris Britton and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

Coralville
MLK Day Events and Activities
When: January 15 | 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Coralville Recreation Center and Coralville Public Library
About: 2:00-4:30 pm at Coralville Recreation Center (1506 8th St.):

• Help paint a community mural in the Recreation Center. Sign up to paint from 12:00-4:00 pm (see above)
• 2:00-3:00 pm: Live music from Blake Shaw
• 3:15-4:30 pm: Live music from Charlotte Blu
• Activities with the Iowa Children’s Museum
• Create an MLK collage: Words Are Powerful
• Participate in a community service project
• Recreational games in the gym: Nine Square in the Air, spot shot contest, and obstacle course
• Refreshments provided by local businesses

4:30-6:30 pm at Coralville Public Library (1401 5th St.):

• 4:30-5:45 pm: Live music from Blake Shaw
• 5:30 pm: Community reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech
• Volunteer information fair: learn about local volunteer opportunities in Coralville and Johnson County
• Participate in a community outreach project
• Refreshments provided by local businesses

Davenport

Friends of MLK Winter Gala
When: January 20 | 5:00 p.m.
Where: Rogalaski Center 518 W. Locust St., Davenport
About: Dress up in your finest attire and get ready for a night filled with joy, laughter, and inspiration. This in-person event promises to be a memorable experience, bringing together individuals who share a common goal of promoting equality, justice, and peace.

Throughout the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live music, delightful refreshments, and engaging conversations with fellow attendees. Our program will include thought-provoking speeches, highlights of some of the history that will be in the MLK Park, and a chance to reflect on the impact of Dr. King’s teachings on our society today.

By attending the Friends of MLK Winter Gala, you are supporting our ongoing efforts in advancing Dr. King’s dream of a world free from discrimination and prejudice. Together, we can continue to build bridges, foster understanding, and create positive change in our communities.

Des Moines
I Have a Dream Virtual 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, 26.2 
When: January 14 to January 31
Where: Learn more by clicking here
What: Join us in commemorating the life and legacy of the great Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., on his dedicated federal holiday, January 15, 2024. In honor of his profound impact, we are proud to present our fourth annual “I Have A Dream” virtual race!

Throughout the month of January 2024, including the significant date of January 15th, you can take part in our “I Have A Dream” virtual races. Choose from various distances, including 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, and 26.2, and complete the race at your convenience, anywhere you prefer.

Your participation not only celebrates the incredible contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but it also contributes to a meaningful cause. A remarkable 15% of each registration fee will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI).

11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast
When: January 15 | 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Where: The Knapp Center, 2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines, IA
About: The YMCA’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast brings together residents, business and government leaders and representatives of community nonprofit organizations to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and promote his message of peace, justice and opportunity for all. The theme of the 2024 event is “Building Health in Spirit, Mind and Body: Addressing Barriers to Mental Health Equity.” The keynote address will be delivered by Chamique Holdsclaw, WNBA Hall of Fame member and Olympic gold medalist, who has dedicated her life’s work to mental health and wellness activism.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration with Dr. Ian Roberts
When: January 15 | 4 p.m.
Where: Des Moines Public Library 1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines
About: Join us for our annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of the Des Moines Public School District. He has over twenty years of experience in education, and you can read more about his experience via DMPS.

Dubuque
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration 2024: Leading with Strength of Soul
When: January 15 | 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Grand River Center, 500 Bell St., Dubuque, IA 52001
About: Join face & voices for this annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m., and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Ruth Haley Barton, an author, spiritual director, teacher, and founder of the Transforming Center Ministry. Tickets can be purchased here.

Forest City
MLK Jr. Day Celebration
When: January 15 | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Boman Fine Arts Center, 225 John K Hanson Dr., Forest City, IA
About: In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Waldorf will be having a day of celebration to honor Dr. King Jr.

Iowa City
UAY and ICPL Dr. King Series for Youth
When: January 12, 19 and 26| 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: UAY Swaim Center, Clock Tower Plaza, 355 Iowa Ave.
About: Middle and High Schoolers are invited to UAY Swaim Center to discuss the work of Dr. King through books, art and advocate for tangible ways to implement his work that continues the universe’s arc bending towards justice.

MLK Day Family Storytime
When: January 15 | 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: ICPL Storytime Room
About: Learn about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through stories, songs, short films, and a craft. Family Storytime is recommended for all ages and includes both shorter and longer activities combined with action games and activities.

MLK Day Celebration at Mercer
When: January 15 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Mercer Park and Aquatic Center
About: Observer MLK Day with us with literary outreach and access to books. We will be creating and decorating Little Free Libraries that will be placed around the community. Please consider donating to our gently used book drive!

University March and Community-Wide Celebration
When: January 15
Where: University of Iowa
About: Join the University of Iowa as we march together in unity, fostering collaboration across our community.

Screening of ‘The Road to Justice’
When: January 16 | 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Iowa City Public Library Meeting Room A
About: The Office of Equity and Human Rights and the Iowa City Public Library will host a community screening of The Road to Justice to recognize the National Day of Racial Healing. A facilitated discussion led by Dr. Negus Sankofa Imhotep will follow the screening.

The Road to Justice follows two groups on a civil rights tour through the American South as they reckon with our painful legacy of racial injustice. The first, a group of predominantly Black middle school students from Chicago, and the second, a group of older Americans who lived through the 1960s Civil Rights era. They come face to face with the leaders and everyday heroes whose courage and perseverance paved the way for future generations. View the trailer here.

Service Day – Kit Building for Those in Need
When: January 20 | 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Student Activity Center (260 IMU)
About: Come together to make a positive impact by assembling kits for individuals facing various challenges.

Indianola
Punch 9 for Harold Washington – Film Screening
When: January 13 | 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Kent Campus Center, Black Box Theater
About: Producer and Des Moines native Sonya Jackson presents Punch 9 for Harold Washington, an award-winning 2021 documentary by Tallgrass Productions chronicling the election of Chicago’s first Black mayor in 1983.
Co-sponsored by the Black Student Union, Culver Public Policy Center, and Office of Multicultural & International Affairs.

Simpson Dialogue – MLK Jr. Day
When: January 15 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Kent Campus Center, Hubbell Hall I and Black Box Theater
About: Students are invited to register for a Simpson Dialogue program on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues with lunch to follow. Dialogue program to be held 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in Hubbell Hall I (North); lunch with Dialogue debrief and reports to be served 11:30am – 12:30pm in Black Box Theater.

Marion

MLK Day Event – Community Event
When: January 15 | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 143 Marion Blvd., Marion, IA
About: Let’s celebrate together! Get ready for an awesome MLK Jr. Day bash on January 15! Come join the fun as we celebrate unity, diversity, and Dr. King’s legacy. Bonus activities for all ages in multiple playtime slots, including a traveling exhibit from the African American LIbrary.

Peosota

MLK Event Share your DREAM!
When: January 15 – January 19 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Lower Level Atrium, Northeast Iowa Community College, 8342 NICC Dr., Peosota, IA 52068
About: Write your Dream as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. FInd the display board in the cafe and join the NICC community and share our DREAM! Make sure to view the Underground Railroad traveling exhibit provided by the African American Museum of Iowa.

Sioux City
When: January 14 | 6 p.m.
Where: First Congregational Church of Chris, 4600 Hamilton Blvd.
About: Robert Tiefenthaler, the first African-American Iowa District 3 judge, will be the keynote speaker at the Sioux City NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.The MLK Community Choir will also be singing.

West Des Moines
Free Tours & Book Giveaways
When: January 14 | 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Jordan House Museum, 2001 Fuller Rd.
About: Take a free tour of the historic Jordan House Museum and take part in book giveaways.

Greater Des Moines Partnership Multi-Cultural Reception
When: January 15 | 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave.
About: Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will be filled with thought-provoking discussions, education exhibits, and scholarships and community awards. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of a community-driven celebration that invites all to stand united in creating a world where justice is upheld.

WDM MLK Day Celebration
When: January 15 | 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: MidAmerican Energy Company Rec Plex, 6500 Grand Ave.
About: Join us to hear from our keynote speaker, Rich A. Salas, Ph.D., Chief Diversity Officer at Des Moines University. Enjoy some refreshments and our Youth Scholarship and Community Leadership Awards presentations.