MLK Day Service Events and Outdoor Activities

Public domain image courtesy of the Library of Congress

Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of these activities in and around Portland. On Monday, January 15, 2024, celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving back to your community, getting out into nature or connecting with community leaders and activists.

All of the community activities are free to attend and open to all ages, but you may need to register in advance. Follow each link to register and check for participation requirements.

Do you know of a local MLK Day event? Send me an email with the details.

2024 MLK Day Events in Portland

World Arts Foundation’s Martin Luther King Tribute (New Date!)

World Arts Foundation hosts a community event on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day every year. This year’s celebration will feature performances and speakers at the Highland Christian Center from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 17. The event date was moved to February due to inclement weather. 

MLK March Across the St. John’s Bridge (New Date!)

Note that this event is on Saturday, February 24 at 9 a.m. Join Love is King for a march across the St. John’s Bridge to honor the spirit, work, and words of Martin Luther King Jr. in a Selma Bridge Reenactment. 

Reclaim Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day March

Join Don’t Shoot PDX for the 10th annual March for Human Rights and Dignity. The march starts at 1 p.m. at 700 North Rosa Parks Way in Portland 

Before the event, make screenprint posters for the march at Pacific Northwest College on January 13. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., make signage for this year’s community action event followed by a lecture and book signing with visiting antiracist educator Ernest Crim III from 2 to 3:30 p.m. 

SOLVE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Join the cleanup movement with SOLVE. On MLK Day, January 15, SOLVE is hosting events throughout the city, from litter cleanup to habitat restoration.

View all of SOLVE’s events and register.

StreamTeam MLK Jr. Day Potting

Join Clark Public Utilities’ StreamTeam for a morning of potting trees in their native tree nursery. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., contribute to the restoration of habitat across multiple watersheds in Clark County. Training, snacks and tools are provided. The event is under tents outdoors, so dress for the weather.

The event takes place at Clark Public Utilites, 8600 NE 117th Ave. in Vancouver. Register here.

Free Admission to Forest Service Recreation Areas

On January 15, get free parking at Forest Service recreation areas throughout Oregon and Washington. This includes Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest and 14 more forests.

Free Admission to National Parks

MLK Day also marks the first of five free entrance days to U.S. national parks. Visit Fort Vancouver, or another national park in Oregon or Washington.

Free Washington State Park Entrance

In 2024, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering outdoor enthusiasts 12 free days to get out and see the wild side of the Evergreen State. MLK Day is one of them.

Free Parking Day in Downtown Portland and Metro Parks

On MLK Day, metered street parking is free in all of Portland’s parking districts, except at city parks.

Also, Enjoy free parking at Oxbow and Blue Lake regional parks, Broughton Beach, M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp and Chinook Landing Marine Park. View the activities you can do at each park.

MLK Day Volunteer Planting at the Sandy River Delta (Canceled)

This event was canceled due to weather. Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is hosting a volunteer planting event on January 15. Plant trees, shrubs and pollinator species to enhance the habitat at the Sandy River Delta. Planting gloves, shovels, snacks, and warm beverages will be provided. 

The event is taking place from 9 a.m. to noon. Pre-registration is required.

Johnson Creek Watershed Council’s Day of Habitat Enhancement (Canceled)

This event was canceled due to weather. To honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, Johnson Creek Watershed Council invites community members to in restore habitats at Powell Butte. Volunteers participate in planting and litter pick up. 

The event is at Powell Butte Natural Area from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is required.

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