This year, we will be celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19th, 2026, and trust us when we say — Savannah is the perfect city to be in to celebrate this commemorative holiday!
MLK Observance Day Association is a long-standing local group founded in 1985, dedicated to celebrating Dr. King and his life-changing mission of peace and unity. Each year, this organization hosts several events in Savannah on the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
For the 48th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day Association Celebration, the theme is “A Fight With Courage, A Victory for Love.” Here are four ways you can celebrate the life and work of this world-changing civil rights leader.
Top Events & Things to Do During Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend in Savannah
1. Citywide Memorial Worship Service
On the Sunday before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join the congregation at First African Baptist Church — one of the most iconic churches in Historic Savannah — for the Citywide Memorial Worship Service. This year, the service will be hosted on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, at 5 PM and will feature music, worship, and a message from Reverend Dr. Dante Wynn Kenly.
2. Savannah Martin Luther King Parade
The Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is perhaps the most anticipated event on MLK Day in Savannah! This parade will start at 10 AM on Monday, January 19th, 2026, at the intersection of East Liberty Street and East Broad Street, proceed through East Broughton Street, and end near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Check out the parade map to scout out the best viewing spot.
This iconic parade features marching bands and cheer squads from local schools, as well as floats and performances that emphasize the values Dr. King preached: peace, liberty, and justice.
3. Jazz Concert
Right after the parade, head over to the Unitarian Universalist Church on Troup Square for a Jazz Concert with the Savannah State Concert Choir. The concert begins at 2 PM on Monday, January 19th, 2026, and is free and open to the public. This year, the concert will celebrate the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the theme “We Are One.”
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Park & Monument
In 2022, Savannah decided to place a permanent visual reminder of Dr. King within the city and to dedicate a park in his honor. You can visit the bronze bust of Martin Luther King Jr. Park at any time and spend some time reflecting on Dr. King’s message of love and peace.
The park is located on River Street, right next to the Plant Riverside District, and offers gorgeous views of the Savannah River.
Honor America’s Most Transformative Civil Rights Leader During MLK Weekend in Savannah
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in Georgia, making our state the perfect place to celebrate his life and legacy! So, if you’re looking for the ideal place to spend the long weekend while remembering Dr. King and his bold leadership during the Civil Rights Movement, we recommend a weekend getaway in our charming city of Savannah, GA.
Browse our homes in Savannah’s Historic District to find the perfect place to spend the long weekend, and discover more fabulous things to do in Savannah during your weekend getaway!
