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The Weekender: Boston's Saturday Morning Newsletter
Ways to honor MLK Day in Greater Boston
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
I hope the first two weeks of the new year have gone smoothly for you. Re-entry after the hustle and bustle of the holidays can be tiring, so I hope you get some extra rest this weekend, if you need it.
If one of your resolutions this year is to get more involved in the community, Monday brings plenty of opportunities to do so. It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day and many groups in the area are marking the holiday with concerts, acts of service and free admission.
Here’s a rundown of what’s going on in Greater Boston on Monday:
Concerts and celebrations
- The 54th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast starts at 9 a.m. on Monday at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. In-person tickets are no longer available — the deadline was Friday — but you can register for the livestream until Sunday at 5 p.m.
- George Russell Jr. and Friends will be playing at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum in honor of the day. Listeners will learn how music inspired and motivated Americans during the Civil Rights Movement and get to enjoy some of King’s favorite songs. It’s free to attend, but registration is required. The concert will run from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
- In Newton, the city’s annual MLK Day celebration will feature reflection, music, student voices, children’s programming and more with “Everybody Can Serve.” It runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Newton North High School, 457 Walnut St., Newton. Registration is free, but required.
- The Boston Children’s Chorus will be performing “In the Name of Love,” their 21st annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute concert. They’ll be performing at 4 p.m. at Boston Symphony Hall. Tickets available here.
Museums
Many museums are offering free admission on MLK Day, including:
- Zoo New England: That includes both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo. Last admission is at 3 p.m.
- The Museum of Fine Arts: Tickets are first come first serve, and free with a valid Massachusetts zip code.
- ICA Boston: Advanced tickets are required and will be available to reserve starting Sunday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m.
Plus: There’s good news for Boston Public School students and their families. Starting in February, you’ll be able to visit multiple museums and attractions on the first and second Sundays of each month for free.
Volunteer opportunities
- Vilna Shul is hosting an MLK Day of Service on Monday for young professionals from 1-3 p.m. at their location at 18 Phillips St., Boston. The group will pack more than 100 bags of fresh produce to donate to local communities in need. Registration is free, but required.
- Join Volunteers Incorporating Black Excellence (VIBE) for a day of service, where participants will be assigned to either make blankets and scarves, create Valentines or sort winter clothing and books for local shelters. It runs from 2-5 p.m. at the Central Square Church, 5 Magazine St., Cambridge. Registration is free, but required.
P.S.— I'd also recommend checking out the Embrace sculpture in Boston, erected last year to honor the city where King and his wife met. (Read our coverage from the unveiling here).
