As the nation celebrates the legacy of slain human rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr., various organizations will host events to commemorate the holiday. Also see our list of closed Federal and state offices, and service adjustments on Jan. 19.
Events
A Legacy In Motion: Moving the Dream Forward
The annual “Keep Alive the Dream” tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. is a free event that promises drumming, spoken word, music, and storytelling performances as well as education, and cultural expression. There will also be local vendor and community group displays.
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Life Change Church, 3635 N. Williams Ave.; worldartsfoundation.org.
SOLVE MLK Jr. Day of Service
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first federal holiday honoring an African American, is observed annually on the third Monday in January. This day of service celebrates the life and legacy of King and is a nationally recognized Day of Service, encouraging all Americans to volunteer and contribute to the betterment of their communities. Tasks include trash clean up and restoration projects.
Various locations and times Monday, Jan. 19. Sign up for a spot at the website. Many events fill before the holiday; solveoregon.org/mlk.
iUrban Teen MLK Jr. Day Breakfast
This year’s theme is “Strength Through Unity: Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change.” Enjoy breakfast as you’re included in a meaningful community gathering honoring King’s legacy of service, equity and devotion. There will be live music and messages from spiritual leaders.
8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, ilani Resort, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield; tickets $85; zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast.
Martin Luther King Jr. Endowed Lecture
Lewis & Clark Law School’s annual event features a lecture by public scholar and bestselling author Carol Anderson titled “The Strangling of American Democracy.” The lecture is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to attend in person or virtually.
4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Flanagan Chapel at Lewis & Clark College, 615 S. Palatine Hill Road; law.lclark.edu/calendars/events.
Urban League of Portland MLK Day Brunch
Each year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch honors the enduring legacy of King and his historic connection to the Urban League of Portland. This gathering brings together elected officials, community leaders, and advocates to celebrate King’s vision and recommit the community to action that advances justice and equity.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd; SOLD OUT; ulpdx.org/events/2026.
Regional events
“We Make American Great” Si Se Puede event (Salem)
This MLK Day rally calls for justice and protection for immigrant communities. The student-led assembly welcomes families, workers, students, faith leaders and advocates to gather in support of immigrants.
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Oregon State Capitol, 900 Court St., N.E. Salem;
gofundme.com/f/help-us-host-the-mlk-day-rally.
OSU Peace Breakfast (Corvallis)
Oregon State University hosts its 44th annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. with a breakfast and speakers Monday morning and a Day of Service on Jan. 31.
Breakfast 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Alumni Center Ballroom on campus, 725 S.W. 26th St., Corvallis, free. See the website to register or to get information on other events; diversity.oregonstate.edu/MLKCommemoration.
Yamhill County
The Chehalem Cultural Center hosts its annual celebration featuring an interactive program of spoken word, videos, and discussion.
6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in the Grand Ballroom, 415 E. Sheridan St., Newberg; free; chehalemculturalcenter.org/mlk-day-celebration-yamhill-county.
Silverton MLK Jr. Observance
The annual community potluck features keynote speaker Reyna Lopez, president of PCUN farmworkers’ union in Woodburn, as well as sing-alongs and readings. All are welcome.
6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, Silverton Grange, 201 Division St., Silverton; free; silvertongrange.org.
OF NOTE:
The Federal Government is no longer offering free National Parks Day on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Read more about the change here: oregonlive.com/politics/2025/12/fee-free-holidays.
Governmental service holiday adjustments
Federal offices: Closed.
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon: Closed.
Oregon and Washington state offices: Closed.
Oregon and Washington state courts: Closed.
Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Clark county offices, city of Portland and Vancouver offices, Metro Regional Center: Closed.
Portland parking meters: Free except in city parks that charge for parking.
Banks: Closed, some in-store branches may be open.
U.S. Postal Service offices: Closed, no regular mail service.
Libraries:
Multnomah County libraries: Closed.
Washington County libraries: Most are closed. Each library’s on-site hours, on-site services and procedures, and book drop hours are different. Check with your local branch.
Clackamas County libraries: Closed.
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District: Closed.
Transportation
TriMet: Buses and MAX will be on Sunday schedules. If your bus does not operate on Sundays, it will not run Monday. WES has no service. Portland Streetcar will be on regular schedule. See trimet.org for details.
C-Tran: All buses on regular schedules, but administrative offices are closed.
Portland Aerial Tram: No service.
Attractions
Oregon Zoo: Open.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: Open.
Portland Art Museum: Closed on Mondays