Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at one of these activities in and around Portland. On Monday, January 17, 2022, 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 must RSVP. Follow each link to register and check for participation requirements.
2022 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 a historical film screening at the Hollywood Theatre from 3-5 p.m. The event is free to attend, but you do need to reserve a free ticket.
MLK Day Clean Up with SurfriderPDX
Surfrider Foundation Portland Chapter and the City of Portland are hosting the fourth annual MLK Day Clean Up. The service activity will focus on cleaning up trash and cigarette butts to ensure they do not pollute our waterways.
Serve the community and the environment from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting at the evo Portland Store. Register here.
SOLVE’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Join the cleanup movement with SOLVE. In its 27th year, the nonprofit is bringing volunteers together in downtown Portland for the monthly cleanup event. You’ll choose between four check-in locations to receive cleanup supplies, instructions and disposal information.
The event will take place from 9-11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required.
MLK Day Volunteer Planting
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership is hosting two events to plant native trees and shrubs that benefit fish and wildlife in Vancouver and Washougal. Events start at 9 a.m. You must register to participate and each event has a limited number of volunteer spots available.
Service Day at Smith and Bybee Wetlands
Join Metro Parks and Nature for planting and mulching at Smith and Bybee Wetlands in North Portland from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is required and event size limited to 20 people.
The Skanner Foundation 36th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast
The Skanner Foundation’s annual event is virtual again in 2022 from 9-10 a.m. The event brings the community together to share breakfast and celebrate the life, work, and vision of civil rights icon the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Register for the free event.
Free Admission to National Parks
MLK Day also marks the first of 5 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 2022, 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!
You may also like:
2022 Cascade Festival of African Films
Watch Betty White’s 100th Birthday Documentary at Portland Area Theaters
Portland Living on the Cheap is a member of 
[…] Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service […]