Monday, January 19, 2026, marks the 40th official observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day since it was first celebrated in 1986.
The federal holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year to celebrate the civil rights leader's legacy.
Events happening in Greenville include the Unity Weekend Basketball Invitational and Stompfest at Legacy Early College beginning at 1pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Then on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Unity College and Career Expo from 1pm-6pm at McAlister Square.
Legacy Early College: 1 Technology Circle, Greenville
McAlister Square: 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville.
Upstate Circle of Friends is hosting a day of service on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 9-1pm. Sign up is required.
In Spartanburg, the Saturday, January 17, 2026, "Walk As One" is happening at the Robert Chapman Philanthropy Center beginning at 9am. A community celebration will be held at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, January 18, 2026, beginning at 3pm featuring keynote speaker Doc Brown and Monday, January 19, 2026, is dedicated to volunteering in the community. Sign up is available through the United Way of the Piedmont website. All Spartanburg events are free.
In Anderson, community members can register to volunteer for the MLK Jr. Day of Service Dream Day happening Saturday through the United Way of Anderson website.
Many other MLK Day events are happening throughout South Carolina. CLICK HERE to be directed to the SC Human Affairs Commission website.