clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2017 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebrations, activities in NOLA

Where to celebrate MLK day between January 12 to 16

By Eric Craig
Martin Luther King Holiday Celebrations in New Orleans
Office of the Mayor

This week the City of New Orleans will celebrate the 31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Lined up are several local celebratory events from parades, art shows and visual performances.

These MLK events begin Thursday, January 12 and end on January 16, 2017.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

New Orleans Public Library Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where:New Orleans Public Library Main Branch

Details: The New Orleans Public Library will be kicking of the 2017 holiday with its “Remember! Celebrate! Act! King Legacy of Peace with Justice for our World” yheme. The Public library will host live music, dance and Keynote Speaker, Calvin Jonson, Criminal Justice Commissioner for the City of New Orleans. Admission is free.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

The 19th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Art Exhibition and Student Arts Contest

Dwight Harris & Lawrence Lear Exhibition

When: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Ashe’ Powerhouse Gallery, 1731 Baronne St.

Louise Mouton Johnson Exhibition

When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m,

Where: Rosa Keller Library Gallery, 4300 S. Broad St., New Orleans

National Conference of Artists Exhibition and Student Exhibition

When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

Details: This weekend several artist and students will showcase commemorative Martin Luther King, Jr. art at various sites. Admission is free to all exhibitions.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

R.E.A.L. March

A photo posted by Lisa Howell (@lisalens) on

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Starts at A. L. Davis Park and ends at Martin Luther King Monument

Detail: Before the city’s commemorative march on Monday, organizers will have a celebratory march for justice.

Monday, January 16, 2017

31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr City of New Orleans Official Celebration

The City of new Orleans will Celebrate the 31st Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on the steps of City Hall Monday, January 16.
Office of the Mayor

When: 9 a.m.

Where: City Hall

Details: The City of New Orleans hosts an annual celebration for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, which includes speeches from city officials, live music and presentations.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Official Memorial March

When: 9:45 a.m.

Where: Starts at City hall ends on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Claiborne Avenue.

Details: New Orleans will host its annual 1.5 mile-long march after its official celebration. Units participating in this year’s march will include marching bands, dance troupes and floats.

For a list of all MLK events recognized by the city, click here.