2023 MLK Day Events in Portland

Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of these activities in and around Portland. On Monday, January 16, 2023, celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by giving back to your community, getting out into nature or tuning in to 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.

2023 MLK Day Events in Portland

World Arts Foundation’s Martin Luther King Tribute

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. 

2023 MLK March Across the St. John’s Bridge

Note that this event is on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. Join Love is King and Forest Park Conservancy in 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. The event starts at Cathedral Park.

Reclaim Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day March

Join Don’t Shoot PDX for the 9th Annual March for Human Rights and Dignity. The march starts at 700 North Rosa Parks Way in Portland at 1 p.m.

Before the event, make screenprint posters for the march at Pacific Northwest College of Art on January 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SOLVE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Join the cleanup movement with SOLVE. On MLK Day, January 16, SOLVE is hosting events throughout the city, from litter cleanup to habitat restoration.

View all of SOLVE’s events and register.

MLK Day Volunteer Planting at the Sandy River Delta

Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is hosting a volunteer planting event on January 16. 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 Restoration and Reflection

To honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, Johnson Creek Watershed Council invites community members to participate in reflective conversations and activities in addition to restoring habitat at Foster floodplain.

The event is taking place at Foster Floodplain Natural Area from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is required.

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 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 2023, 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 at Portland Metro Parks

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.

Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to my newsletter (only one email a day), and follow me on Facebook and Twitter!