Honoring MLK Day in Portland: 4 Meaningful Ways to Connect This Weekend
Every January, Portland comes together to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — through service, community celebration, and education. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there are plenty of ways to honor the dream and explore the city with purpose.
MLK Weekend
Here are 4 meaningful MLK Day events happening around Portland this weekend:
🧡 1. Urban League of Portland MLK Day Brunch
📍 Oregon Convention Center
🗓 Monday, Jan. 19 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
One of Portland’s most impactful annual events, this community brunch gathers voices from across the city to celebrate the life, work, and legacy of Dr. King. Expect powerful reflections, local performances, and a call to action — all while breaking bread with neighbors.
🎟️ Hosted by: Urban League of Portland
🔗 oregoncc.org
🎤 2. "Remembering the Dream" at Alberta Abbey
📍 Alberta Abbey, NE Portland
🗓 Date and time varies – check link below
A free, family-friendly event filled with community conversations, live music, and food vendors — all centered on remembering and extending Dr. King’s message of unity and justice. This year’s theme: “Community is the Dream.”
🎤 Hosted by Brown Hope, AfroVillage PDX & the Urban League
🔗 Event Info & RSVP
🌱 3. MLK Day of Service: SOLVE Neighborhood Cleanups
📍 Irving Park + other Portland locations
🗓 Monday, Jan. 19
Honor MLK’s legacy through action. Join SOLVE Oregon and local volunteers for neighborhood cleanups, park beautification, and street care projects across Portland. A great way to give back, connect with locals, and leave the city a little better than you found it.
🧤 Just bring gloves — everything else is provided.
🔗 View Projects & Register
🛠 4. Volunteer Family Day
📍 Various Community Spaces
🗓 Throughout MLK Weekend
Looking for a way to include the whole family? Several nonprofits and children’s museums host crafting-for-good, food sorting, or donation drives around the MLK holiday. These are perfect for sparking early conversations about equity and kindness with kids.
🔍 Check PDX Parent’s Volunteer Calendar
📍 Final Thought
Dr. King’s legacy is more than history — it’s alive in how we gather, serve, and uplift one another.
This weekend, Portland offers plenty of chances to be part of that mission. Whether you’re marching, brunching, or helping clean up a park, your presence matters.
🎟️ Portland City Card
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