Celebrate MLK Day 2023 in Greater Des Moines

 

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and next week several MLK Day events are happening in Greater Des Moines (DSM), including the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Reception. If you’re looking for a way to mark the occasion and celebrate this American icon — civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner — attend any of the events listed below that are taking place across the region.    

MLK Day Scavenger Hunt 

Now – Saturday, Jan. 14 and Tuesday, Jan. 17 – Thursday, Jan. 19 
DMPL – Forest Avenue Library (1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines) 
Admission: Free 
dmpl.org   

Free Tours + Book Giveaways 

Sunday, Jan. 15 | 1 – 3 p.m. 
Jordan House Museum (2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines) 
Admission: Free Open House 
wdmhs.org   

10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast: The Quest for Environmental + Climate Justice 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 7:30 a.m. 
Drake University Knapp Center (2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines) 
Admission: $50 
dmymca.org   

MLK Day of Service at Meals from the Heartland 

Monday, Jan. 16 | Shifts: 9 – 10:30 a.m., 10 – 11:30 a.m., 11 – 12:30 a.m., Noon – 1:30 p.m., 1 – 2:30 p.m., 2 – 3:30 p.m., 3 – 4:30 p.m. 
Meals from the Heartland (357 Lincoln St., West Des Moines) 
Admission: Donations Accepted 
mealsfromtheheartland.org   

MLK Day Academic Sessions + Service Projects 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
Central College (812 University St., Pella) 
Admission: Reserved for Central Faculty + Students 
central.edu   

RSVP of Jasper County MLK Day of Service 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
Hy-Vee (1501 First Ave. E, Newton) and Theisen’s Home & Auto (3021 First Ave. E, Newton) 
Admission: Donations Accepted 
newtondailynews.com

Memorial Union’s MLK Day Creative Activities

Monday, Jan. 16 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
Workspace in ISU’s Memorial Union, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames 
Admission: Free
Iastate.edu 

An MLK Celebration: The Beloved Community 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Hope + Elim (2500 University Ave., Des Moines) 
Admission: Free 
lutheranchurchofhope.org   

Community Youth Concepts (CYC) MLK Day of Service 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 1 – 4 p.m. 
King Elementary (1849 Forest Ave., Des Moines) 
Admission: Registration Required 
cyconcepts.org   

MLK Day – Random Acts of Kindness Project 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 1 – 3 p.m. 
Bondurant Community Library (104 2nd St. NE, Bondurant) 
Admission: Free 
cityofbondurant.com   

Multicultural Reception 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 3:30 – 6 p.m. 
MidAmerican Energy Rec Plex (6500 Grand Ave., West Des Moines) 
Admission: Free 
The West Des Moines MLK Day Celebration will livestream on YouTube and Facebook. 
DSMpartnership.com   

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance with Keynote Jacquie Easley McGhee 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 4 – 5 p.m. 
DMPL – Forest Avenue Library (1326 Forest Ave., Des Moines) 
Admission: Free 
dmpl.org

Ames/Story County community MLK Day celebration 

Monday, Jan. 16 | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. 
Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth St., Ames (north side of City Hall) 
Admission: Free 
Facebook.com/AmesMLKCelebration 

Find more information on resources on MLK Day at humanrights.iowa.gov. 

Improving the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community through volunteering and community service is a priority for many. Thanks to community engagement opportunities and leadership connecting local businesses to causes that provide services to improve the region, DSM continues to be a place that provides support for those who live, work and play here. 

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.