Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is January 19! Celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by taking advantage of special offerings in Downtown Indianapolis on the holiday. FREE admission to Downtown’s top attractions, appearances by local celebrities and more help make this year’s tribute to the iconic civil rights leader a fun, meaningful one for the family!
Don’t forget: metered parking Downtown is FREE on certain holidays, including MLK Jr. Day.
IUPUI’s Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service
Hundreds of IUPUI students, faculty, staff, and community members will volunteer at community sites across Indy on Jan. 19 as a way to honor Dr. King’s commitment to service and social justice.
White River State Park: FREE admission to the following attractions with donation of one non-perishable food item per person, per attraction for Gleaner’s Food Bank.
- Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art – open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Indianapolis Zoo – open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Indiana State Museum – open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- NCAA Hall of Champions – open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- IMAX Theater – Watch Island of Lemurs for FREE at 11:25 a.m., 12:50 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:40 p.m. and 5 p.m. (as space allows).
- FREE health screenings from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Indiana State Museum. Screening participants receive one ticket voucher to the Indianapolis Indians Opening Night on April 9.
The Children’s Museum: FREE admission from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate the life, achievements, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with special activities, storytelling and performances by The Griot Drum Ensemble and Epiphany Dance Collective. Experience the slaves’ flight to freedom in a planetarium show that connects to the challenges faced by Dr. King and for African Americans today.
Indiana Historical Society: FREE admission from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Take part in the National Day of Service by packing care packages to benefit the Wheeler Mission from noon – 4 p.m. Visitors may also meet prominent Indianapolis physician Dr. Harvey Middleton in You Are There 1939: Healing Bodies, Changing Minds, as well as attend a discussion highlighting collection items documenting Indianapolis’ African-American communities.
Indianapolis Museum of Art: FREE admission to Speaking of Love from 2 – 5 p.m.
Hear Indianapolis writers, poets, singers and artists speaking of love in the galleries as we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of speaking truth and love to powers that sought to divide humanity based on fear and prejudices. Participate in a social art experiment and bring letters or notes that comfort, encourage, uplift, compliment or motivate and give them to people you don’t know.
Rhythm! Discovery Center: FREE admission from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Enjoy a special presentation with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation about Indianapolis’ jazz tradition and Indiana Avenue.
Devour Downtown Winterfest kicks off
“Open wide” for Devour Downtown, launching on MLK Day and running through Feb. 1. Participating Devour Downtown restaurants will offer guests pre-fixe menus ranging from $10 – $35 while showcasing specialty dishes and highlighting popular items. Several lunch and dinner menus are two for $30. New participants this year include: Burgerhaus, Spoke & Steele, Chilly Water Brewing Company, Tow Yard Brewing Company and more. Several Downtown venues will offer special discounts during Devour Downtown, including: NCAA Hall of Champions, Rhythm Discovery Center, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana Historical Society and Theatre on the Square.
Harlem Globetrotters
The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town beginning Jan. 19 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Ever seen a 4-point shot in basketball? You just might.
