Attend These Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events in Greater Des Moines

If you’re looking for a way to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Greater Des Moines (DSM), attend one of the many MLK Jr. Day events celebrating the civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner. From the Forest Avenue Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration to volunteering with Urban Dreams, these MLK Jr. Day events are a chance to reflect and honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

• MLK Day Celebration in West Des Moines: The City of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with West Des Moines Community Schools, West Des Moines Historical Society, Des Moines University, Taste of the Junction, Meals from the Heartland and Polk County, is hosting a free community celebration on Monday, Jan. 19 at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave., from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature a keynote speaker and will be filled with musical performances, food, educational exhibits, and scholarships and community awards.
• 13th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast: The YMCA of Greater Des Moines will host this year’s breakfast, “Education: Lighting the Path to the Dream” at 8 a.m. at the Drake University Olmsted Center at 2875 University Ave. in Des Moines.
• MLK Day Academic Sessions and Service Projects at Central College: Faculty and students at Central College in Pella observe the day with an alternative day of learning.
• Urban Dreams MLK Day of Service: Two-hour shifts are available between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Urban Dreams at 1615 2nd Ave. in Des Moines.
• MLK Day of Service 2026: The Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce and Multicultural Taskforce will hold a Proclamation Reading at 9 a.m. Note: You are welcome to bring non-perishable food and personal care item donations now through Monday, Jan. 19 to the Chamber office, IV Nutrition Ankeny or Reyna Immerfall - State Farm Insurance and the Chamber will deliver.
• 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Keynote Address by The Reverend Dr. Guy D. Nave, Jr.: Grand View University will host Kittie D. Weston-Knauer at the Viking Theater at 2811 E. 14th St. in Des Moines at Noon.
• MLK Day Swipe & Win at Prairie Meadows: From Noon – 8 p.m., Prairie Meadows will allow patrons to swipe their rewards card at any kiosk on Levels 2 or 4 to play the game and reveal your prize. Check it out at 1 Prairie Meadows Dr. in Altoona.
• MLK Jr. Donate and Skate Day: Enjoy free admission and skate rental with a donation from Noon – 9 p.m. Acceptable donations include food items and / or adult-sized new socks for Central Iowa Shelter & Services.
• Iowa Wolves MLK Day: See the Iowa Wolves take on the Long Island Nets at 1 p.m. at Casey's Center in Des Moines.
• Hope + Elim MLK Celebration: Attend the MLK Celebration from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at 2500 University Ave. in Des Moines. The event will feature Diamond Johnson.     
• Forest Avenue Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration: From 4 -5 p.m., hear from keynote speaker Bo James at the Forest Avenue Library at 1326 Forest Ave. in Des Moines.
• MLK Day Celebration at Ames City Auditorium: At 6:30 p.m., Story County and the City of Ames are hosting an MLK Day Celebration. Cookies will be provided, and the event will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube. This is a free event.
• Meals from the Heartland MLK Jr. Day of Service: Sign up to package at 357 Lincoln St. in West Des Moines or 2309 Euclid Ave. in Des Moines. Morning and afternoon shifts are available throughout the day at both locations.

From Pride to Juneteenth to the Latino Heritage Festival, big, inclusive events are par for the course in Greater Des Moines (DSM). But there are smaller events celebrating diversity here, too. Attend one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Receptions, an event celebrating veterans or a sensory-friendly event in the region. Learn more here.

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here.