Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a special day in the United States that happens every year on the third Monday of January.
In 2026, it will be on January 19.
This day is to remember and honor Rev.
Martin Luther King Jr., a very important leader who fought for equal rights for all people.
He believed in peaceful protests and worked hard to end racism and unfair treatment.
Because of his efforts, important laws were passed to protect people's rights.
Dr. King was sadly killed in 1968, but his work continues to inspire people today.
The day is a federal holiday, meaning many government offices are closed, and people have the day off.
It took many years of hard work to make this day a national holiday, and it was finally approved in 1983, first celebrated in 1986.
On this day, people often connect with their communities, spend time together, and reflect on or advocate for racial equality and civil rights issues around the world.
However, national parks will not offer free entry on this day in 2026, and visitors will need to pay standard entrance fees.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year, falling on January 19, 2026.
The holiday honors the life and legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. King is the only non-president to have a federal holiday named in his honor, marked by the closure of federal offices.
King's birthday is January 15, 1929, and the holiday's date is linked to this, formalized under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968.
The holiday was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and first observed nationwide in 1986.
- Who
- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
- What
- Federal holiday honoring his legacy
- When
- Third Monday of January each year (January 19, 2026)
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To honor his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and his advocacy for nonviolent resistance against racial segregation and discrimination
Federal Holiday Observance
National Park Access
Holiday Status
Federal Holiday Observance
Martin Luther King Jr. Day remains a federal holiday with federal offices and courts closed.
National Park Access
National parks will not offer free entry on MLK Day 2026, requiring standard entrance fees.
- Date
- January 19, 2026
- Birthday
- January 15, 1929
- Assassination Date
- April 4, 1968
- Age at Death
- 39 years
- Federal Holiday Status
- 1986
- Nobel Peace Prize
- 1964
- Civil Rights Act
- 1964
- Walmart Operating Hours
- 6 am to 11 pm
Sources
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026: Date, history, significance and how it became a federal holiday
Martin Luther King Jr Day 2026: What’s Open, What’s Closed And Who Gets The Federal Holiday
Martin Luther King Jr Day 2026: Is today a federal holiday? Is Walmart open? Check what’s open and closed in the US
MLK day 2026: What’s open and closed today? A complete guide to banks, USPS, UPS
