Celebrate MLK Day 2023 in Greater Des Moines
Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and next week several MLK Day events are happening in Greater Des Moines (DSM), including the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Reception. If you’re looking for a way to mark the occasion and celebrate this American icon — civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner — attend any of the events listed below that are taking place across the region.
MLK Day Scavenger Hunt
Now – Saturday, Jan. 14 and Tuesday, Jan. 17 – Thursday, Jan. 19
DMPL – Forest Avenue Library (1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines)
Admission: Free
dmpl.org
Free Tours + Book Giveaways
Sunday, Jan. 15 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Jordan House Museum (2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines)
Admission: Free Open House
wdmhs.org
10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast: The Quest for Environmental + Climate Justice
Monday, Jan. 16 | 7:30 a.m.
Drake University Knapp Center (2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines)
Admission: $50
dmymca.org
MLK Day of Service at Meals from the Heartland
Monday, Jan. 16 | Shifts: 9 – 10:30 a.m., 10 – 11:30 a.m., 11 – 12:30 a.m., Noon – 1:30 p.m., 1 – 2:30 p.m., 2 – 3:30 p.m., 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Meals from the Heartland (357 Lincoln St., West Des Moines)
Admission: Donations Accepted
mealsfromtheheartland.org
MLK Day Academic Sessions + Service Projects
Monday, Jan. 16 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Central College (812 University St., Pella)
Admission: Reserved for Central Faculty + Students
central.edu
RSVP of Jasper County MLK Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 16 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Hy-Vee (1501 First Ave. E, Newton) and Theisen’s Home & Auto (3021 First Ave. E, Newton)
Admission: Donations Accepted
newtondailynews.com
Memorial Union’s MLK Day Creative Activities
Monday, Jan. 16 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Workspace in ISU’s Memorial Union, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames
Admission: Free
Iastate.edu
An MLK Celebration: The Beloved Community
Monday, Jan. 16 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hope + Elim (2500 University Ave., Des Moines)
Admission: Free
lutheranchurchofhope.org
Community Youth Concepts (CYC) MLK Day of Service
Monday, Jan. 16 | 1 – 4 p.m.
King Elementary (1849 Forest Ave., Des Moines)
Admission: Registration Required
cyconcepts.org
MLK Day – Random Acts of Kindness Project
Monday, Jan. 16 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Bondurant Community Library (104 2nd St. NE, Bondurant)
Admission: Free
cityofbondurant.com
Multicultural Reception
Monday, Jan. 16 | 3:30 – 6 p.m.
MidAmerican Energy Rec Plex (6500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines)
Admission: Free
The West Des Moines MLK Day Celebration will livestream on YouTube and Facebook.
DSMpartnership.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance with Keynote Jacquie Easley McGhee
Monday, Jan. 16 | 4 – 5 p.m.
DMPL – Forest Avenue Library (1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines)
Admission: Free
dmpl.org
Ames/Story County community MLK Day celebration
Monday, Jan. 16 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth St., Ames (north side of City Hall)
Admission: Free
Facebook.com/AmesMLKCelebration
Find more information on resources on MLK Day at humanrights.iowa.gov.
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.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.