Martin Luther King Day is a special occasion in America to commemorate the legacy of civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr. For more than three decades, the third Monday in January has been dedicated to an influential figure who helped shape American history.
Martin Luther King Day is an American holiday, and people across the country and around the world remember the civil rights activist who fought for racial equality. This year it takes place on January 19.
People often use this time to connect with their communities, spend time together, and think about or advocate for issues of racial equality and civil rights around the world.
Why do people celebrate?
Before 1964, blacks in the US were treated unequally, with several parts of the country banning them from using the same schools, restaurants, cinemas or even public toilets as whites.
Luther King wanted to abolish these unfair practices, so on August 28, 1963, he marched to the capital of Washington and gave a groundbreaking speech in front of thousands of people.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s 17-minute speech titled “I Have a Dream” envisioned a future where people would be treated equally regardless of the color of their skin. The historic address inspired millions and played a key role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The act ended racial segregation in public places throughout the United States and prohibited employment discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or national origin.
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In 1964, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his civil rights activism. Four years later, in 1968, he was assassinated.
To honor his legacy, the United States celebrates Martin Luther King Day with parades and a public holiday when people take the day off from work and school.
What is open and closed on MLK Day 2026?
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026, several services across the United States will observe closures or modified operations in accordance with federal holiday guidelines.
- Federal offices and courts will remain closed
- Many public schools will be closed depending on district policy
- Banks, postal services and private businesses may operate on restricted or modified timetables
- Retail stores, restaurants and entertainment venues are generally expected to remain open
- Local authorities and schools may vary by state and county
- Travelers are advised to check local timetables in advance
What has changed under the Trump administration?
While the US president cannot eliminate a federal holiday without the approval of Congress, administrative changes have been made to how some holidays are observed.
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The U.S. Department of the Interior has confirmed that MLK Day has been removed from the National Park Service’s 2026 list of free admission days.
Juneteenth was also removed from the free access list
Officials clarified that these changes reflect a restructuring of park access dates, not the removal of the holidays themselves
Will the national parks be free on MLK Day 2026?
No, national parks will not offer free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. in 2026.
- Visitors will have to pay standard admission on January 19
- Annual passes and existing exemptions will still apply
- The National Park Service said the change applies nationwide
- Fee-free days in 2026 will begin on Presidents’ Day, February 16
Is Walmart open on MLK Day 2026?
Walmart typically closes its stores for only two holidays each year – Thanksgiving and Christmas. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026, Walmart locations will remain open and operate normal business hours, usually 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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Is Target open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day? 2026?
Yes, Target stores will remain open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 2026.
