Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed nationwide on the third Monday of January, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most influential leaders of the American civil rights movement. The federal and state holiday recognizes Dr. King’s work advancing racial equality, voting rights, economic justice and nonviolent social change, while also encouraging Americans to serve their communities.

In 2026, MLK Day falls on Monday, January 19. State and federal government offices will be closed, along with many schools, banks and corporate offices, though many retailers, grocery stores and restaurants are expected to remain open with normal or adjusted hours.

Designated as a National Day of Service, MLK Day invites people to honor Dr. King’s legacy through volunteerism, reflection and civic engagement. Across the country, communities mark the day with memorial events, educational programs, marches, service projects and visits to historic civil rights landmarks.

In recognition of the holiday, the University of Houston will host a comprehensive 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration from January 13–31, themed “Hope: The Foundation for Action.” The multi-week series includes a gallery exhibit, community BBQ, fellowship lunches, slam poetry night, a film screening, a keynote podcast discussion and a campus-wide Day of Service. The events are designed to encourage reflection on Dr. King’s life while inspiring participants to take meaningful action in their own communities.

First observed federally in 1986 and adopted by all 50 states by 2000, Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains a time not only to remember Dr. King’s achievements, but also to recommit to the values of justice, equality and service that defined his life.