In this 1960 file photo, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks in Atlanta.
Associated Press / File
Communities across Oregon are hosting events this weekend and Monday to pay tribute to the late civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Events featuring keynote speakers and volunteer activities, as well as marches, parades and vigils, are set to take place across the state for MLK Day on Jan. 19.
Civil rights activists campaigned for 15 years to make MLK Day a nationally recognized holiday. It wasn’t until 1983 that a bill designating the third Monday in January as MLK Day was finally signed by President Ronald Regan.
The holiday, which is often celebrated with acts of service, brings communities together to remember King’s legacy and his fight for racial equality in the U.S.
The corner of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Street Boulevard and Holladay Street in Portland, Oregon on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
Portland metro area MLK events
Interfaith Vigil Celebration
What: The event, hosted by the University of Portland, will feature gospel music, a candle lighting ceremony and student readings.
When: Jan. 18, from 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Where: Chapel of Christ the Teacher, University of Portland, 5000 N Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon
MLK Community Celebration
What: The city of Lake Oswego along with several community partners will host a free event Sunday celebrating King’s life and teachings.
It will feature a poetry reading by Emmett Wheatfall and musical performances by The Brown Sisters and Jaden Yazhari.
When: Jan. 18, from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Lakeridge Middle School, 4700 Jean Road, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Reclaim MLK March
What: The annual march, which is in its 12th year, is hosted by Don’t Shoot Portland.
When: Jan. 19, 1 p.m.
Where: 700 North Rosa Parks Way, Portland, Oregon
31st Annual MLK Jr. Day Service
What: Augustana Lutheran Church is hosting its 31st annual MLK Jr. Jazz/Gospel service Monday featuring the Augustana Jazz Quartet.
When: Jan. 19, 6 p.m.
Where: Augustana Lutheran Church, 2710 NE 14th Ave., Portland, Oregon
MLK Days of Service
What: The city of Tigard is hosting its annual MLK Days of Service event Monday calling on volunteers to help clear out invasive species at Dirksen Nature Park.
When: Jan. 19, 9 a.m.
Where: Dirksen Nature Park, 10562 SW Tigard St., Tigard, Oregon
SOLVE’s MLK Day Cleanup
What: SOLVE, an environmental nonprofit, celebrates MLK Day by hosting several cleanup events across the greater Portland metro area to honor the holiday’s spirit of service.
When: Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
Where: Irving Park, 707 NE Fremont St., Portland, Oregon
A group of SOLVE volunteers pose after participating in one of the nonprofit's cleanup events at Irving Park in Portland. The organization is hosting several MLK Jr. Day cleanup events across Oregon on Jan. 19, 2026.
Courtesy SOLVE
Elsewhere in Oregon & SW Washington
MLK Jr. March & Celebration
What: NAACP Eugene-Springfield Oregon Unit 1119 is hosting a joint celebration combining its MLK Jr. March and Celebration with “A Day Without Immigrants.” The event will kick off at Autzen Stadium and end at the Shedd Institute in downtown Eugene.
When: Jan. 19, 9 a.m.
Where: Autzen Stadium, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Eugene, Oregon
MLK Peace Walk
What: Salem-Keizer NAACP is hosting its annual MLK Peace Walk Monday to honor the late civil rights leader’s legacy.
When: Jan. 19, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: McKay High School at 2440 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, Oregon
23rd Silverton MLK Observance
What: Organized by Silverton People For Peace, the event will feature a community potluck, sing-a-longs and keynote speaker Reyna Lopez from Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste.
When: Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Silverton Grange at 201 Division St., Silverton, Oregon
MLK Day of Service 2026: Valentine’s for Veterans
What: Camp Fire Central Oregon is hosting its annual Valentine’s for Veterans event Monday in honor of MLK’s spirit of uplifting communities and giving back. Volunteers will participate in creating handmade thank-you cards for veterans set to be delivered on Valentine’s Day.
When: Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Bend Church, 680 N.W. Bond St., Bend, Oregon
MLK Day Walk & Celebration
What: The Hermiston Cultural Awareness Coalition is hosting a MLK Day Walk and Celebration featuring speakers, food and musical performances.
When: Jan. 19, 11 a.m.
Where: Hermiston Community Center, 415 S Hwy 395, Hermiston, Oregon
38th Annual MLK Day Celebration
What: A free event, organized by the city of Ashland, will feature live performances, a march and a keynote address from Richard Bailey, the president of Southern Oregon University.
When: Jan. 19, noon
Where: Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak St., Ashland, Oregon
MLK Day celebration Jan 19, Noon, at The Historic Ashland Armory. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Live performances. Dr. Richard Bailey, @SOUAshland President will be the keynote speaker. More at https://t.co/h8hhdl8e0D. (City Offices will be closed on Jan 19) #BetterTogether pic.twitter.com/jgoA9uBUSL
— City of Ashland, OR (@cityofashland) January 9, 2026
MLK National Day of Service 2026
What: Lincoln City Parks & Recreation will host a community service event at the Taft Community Garden and Schooner Creek Discovery Park Monday. Volunteers will help park staff by removing invasive species, re-stocking garden beds and removing litter.
When: Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
Where: Schooner Creek Discovery Park, 4815 SE 51st St., Lincoln City, Oregon
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
What: Clark College’s Office of People and Culture is hosting an MLK celebration on Tuesday which will feature a winter supply drive and discussion with Council for the Homeless on systemic challenges.
When: Jan. 20, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Gaiser Student Center, 1800 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, Washington
The Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard statue in front of the Convention Center in Portland, Oregon on Thursday, Jan.15, 2026.
Saskia Hatvany / OPB
