Join Us to Kick Off Dr. King Celebration Weekend!

MLK Saratoga and Skidmore College Present: The Inaugural MLK Weekend Celebration Student Arts Showcase
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Case Center Second Floor, Skidmore College

Artwork, poetry and essays from local students inspired by the theme of this year’s 2026 Dr. King Weekend featuring:

Saratoga Independent School • Waldorf School of Saratoga
Maple Avenue Middle School • Saratoga Springs High School
Girl Scout Troop 3866 from Dorothy Nolan Elementary School
MLK Sing-Along with Division Street Elementary School!

We will also have artwork from CREATE Community Studios and local collage artist Francelise Dawkins, plus crafts and face-painting for all ages! Light refreshments served. Generously sponsored by Skidmore College with special thanks to the Office of Institutional Diversity!

Saturday, January 17

Love is the Greatest Force: The Theory and Practice of Nonviolent Resistance
(Workshop)
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Frederick Allen Lodge
69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, NY

Join nonviolence practitioner Linda LeTendre and Skidmore professor Kate Graney for a workshop about the theory and practice of non-violence. Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy and practice of non-violence and how we can practice non-violence in our lives and in our communities to fight with love for the things that matter to us.

Family Saturday at the Tang
2 p.m.
Payne Room, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery
Skidmore College

Bring family, friends or neighbors for an art-making project inspired by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. Suitable for children age 5 and older, accompanied by their adult companions. No registration required; supplies provided on a first-come, first-served basis. More here

Hubby Jenkins of Carolina Chocolate Drops – SOLD OUT
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm / Doors Open: 7:30 pm
Caffè Lena
47 Phila Street
Saratoga Springs, NY

Caffè Lena, in collaboration with MLK Saratoga, presents an evening with Hubby Jenkins. A Grammy-nominated, multi-instrumentalist, and former member of the legendary Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jenkins is celebrated for his riveting performances that honor and illuminate the African American roots of old-time American music.

Sunday, January 18

“Moral Cosmos” Sunday Gospel Service with the Heavenly Echoes
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dyer Phelps AME Zion Church
122 Crescent Street, Saratoga Springs

Frederick Allen Elks Lodge & Dyer Phelps A.M.E. Zion Church invite you to a Sunday service with Reverend David Baugh featuring the music of the Heavenly Echoes. Join the congregation and community as we celebrate this year’s “Love – the Heartbeat of the Moral Cosmos” theme. Music from 11-11:30 a.m.; Service from 11:30-12:30 p.m. Fellowship to follow. Sponsored by Our Lodge Foundation & MLK Saratoga.

Civil Minds Think Alike
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Frederick Allen Lodge
69 Beekman Street, Saratoga Springs, NY

An exploration of Dr. King’s values, how they inspire people, and how they connect with youth today. Led by Saratoga Springs high school students.

Monday, January 19

Dr. King Day of Service
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church
175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs

Honor Dr. King by Participating In The Dr. King Weekend Day Of Service!

• Help repair gently used books so they can be gifted to others! Hosted by the Saratoga Children’s Literacy League.
• Saratoga Central Catholic: Blanket making and pet food drive. Come make a cozy blanket that will be donated to a local pet shelter. Bring a donation of pet food or a gift card to PetSmart to help feed local pets in need.
• MoonCatcher Project: Moon Bee! Come help Mooncatcher make renewable menstrual management kits for distribution worldwide! Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Saratoga County.
• Come learn about the important work done in our community by Shelters of Saratoga, Saratoga PRIDE, Pitney Meadows Community Farm, League of Women Voters of Saratoga County, Soroptimists, Saratoga Immigration Coalition, Frederick Allen Lodge, Sustainable Saratoga, and more!

Light lunch by Jackson Soul Catering following the projects at noon.

Dr. King Weekend Community Celebration
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church
175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs

The highlight and culmination of our weekend, this community celebration will feature opening music by Soulist Garland Nelson, local speakers, and a keynote address by Minister Steven Boxley. Please join us to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through our fellowship and community.