WHEN: Jan. 13, 2026
WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex
This special evening honors recipients of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards. In partnership with the MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission and Denver Arts & Venues, this event is a free concert. Tickets for this performance are available two weeks prior to the event online or in person at the Colorado Symphony Box Office. All seating is general admission, and a ticket does not guarantee a seat.
WHEN: Jan. 16, 2026
WHERE: Tivoli Turnhalle
The MLK Peace Breakfast was established to commemorate the philosophy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by promoting diversity and equality for all humanity within the Metropolitan State University of Denver campus community and the broader Denver community. The principal feature of the MLK Peace Breakfast is the awards ceremony, which recognizes and celebrates individuals within MSU Denver and the Denver community who keep the spirit and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. alive through their actions and contributions to peace, justice, diversity, equality and social change. This year's keynote speaker, Rep. Park Cannon, is a Georgia State Representative, a seasoned coalition builder, and one of the youngest lawmakers serving in the General Assembly. Known for her sharp clarity, grounded presence and care-centered approach to leadership, she brings fresh energy to conversations about power, democracy and the people-centered policies that shape our daily lives.
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2026
WHERE: Historic Denver Coliseum
Celebrate the history and heritage of America’s black cowboys at this special MLK Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo. This event will showcase top cowboys and cowgirls competing in your favorite rodeo events, including bronc riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, mutton bustin’, ladies’ steer un-decorating and many more.
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2026
WHERE: Dazzle at The Arts Complex
John Lewis spent his adult life inviting others to join him and get into "Good Trouble." Martin Luther King Jr. spent his adult life fighting for civil rights. On MLK Jr.'s Birthday, Daryl J. Walker returns to issue a musical invitation to get into "Good Trouble," where the legacies of both MLK Jr. and John Lewis are celebrated. He presents the live music equivalent of an old-school mix CD, with each song designed to help you find your way to ‘Good Trouble.’ A variety of songs and artists, including VOCO and Wi Alston, will be featured, and the performance will also include a representative from Together Colorado, Dr. Arthur C. Jones.
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2026
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens
Explore Denver Botanic Gardens for free in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The Chatfield Farms location in Littleton is also offering free admission all day.
Near Denver
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2026
WHERE: The Dairy Arts Center, Boulder
Motus Theater presents its fourth annual arts-based event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight against poverty and racism, with special guest musicians, The ReMINDers. They will present musical responses to Motus’ Youth Behind & Beyond Bars autobiographical performance, which shares the experiences of adults who survived the juvenile justice system. Boulder County DA Michael Dougherty will sit with the storytellers to co-read their narratives and reflect publicly on their impact. You will leave inspired and ready to carry out the legacy of Dr. King Jr.’s work in support of juvenile justice reform that centers youth and community solutions.
WHEN: Jan. 19, 2026
WHERE: Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms, Littleton
Explore Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms for free in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thanks to funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). The York Street location in Denver is also offering free admission all day.
Art Exhibitions
WHERE: History Colorado Center
The History Colorado Center is proud to announce updates to the Lincoln Hills section of the Colorado Stories gallery. This opportunity to highlight recreation and joy for the African American community in Colorado enriches our storytelling of the Black West. Additions to the exhibition include early 20th-century recreational gear, photographs and newly collected oral histories. The exhibition also features Wink's Lodge, the central social hub of Lincoln Hills, and celebrates its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 2023.
WHERE: Fort Garland Museum, Ft. Garland
This unique exhibit at the intersection of history, place and art examines the complex legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers in the American West, tracing their history from slavery to service and highlighting the relations between ethnic, gender and racial identities in the landscape of the southern Colorado borderlands. The exhibit features the work of eight artists from across the United States, including Chip Thomas (lead artist), Esther Belin, Mahogany L. Browne, Rosie Carter, Gaia, André Leon Gray, Theodore Harris and Tom Judd.
