Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2027 falls on Monday, January 18. In 2028, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 17.
The dates of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, January 20, 2025 |
| 2026 | Monday, January 19, 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, January 18, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, January 17, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, January 15, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, January 21, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, January 20, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the civil rights leader who led the struggle against racial segregation and discrimination in the United States through nonviolent protest. King was born on January 15, and the holiday falls on the third Monday of January, close to his birthday.
In 2027 it falls on Monday, January 18.
King is known for the Montgomery bus boycott, the March on Washington, where he gave his 'I Have a Dream' speech, and the campaign for voting rights. He received the Nobel Peace Prize and was assassinated in Memphis at the age of 39.
A federal holiday after a long campaign
The holiday was created after a campaign lasting more than a decade, supported by King's widow Coretta Scott King, civil rights groups and millions of signatures. It was the first federal holiday to honor an African American. For years some states resisted or combined it with other days, but today all fifty states observe it, sometimes under a different name.
As it is always a Monday, the holiday never needs an observed date.
A day of service
MLK Day is also designated as a national day of service, a 'day on, not a day off'. Many Americans volunteer in their communities, and schools, churches and organizations hold events about King's life and legacy. Federal offices, banks and most schools are closed; many private employers stay open.
Frequently asked questions
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2027?
In 2027, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 18.
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day a day off?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday: federal offices are closed and federal employees have the day off. Whether state offices, schools and private businesses close depends on the state and the employer; private employers are not required to give the day off.
Why is MLK Day on a Monday?
It was created as a Monday holiday from the start: the third Monday of January, close to King's birthday on January 15.
What is the MLK Day of Service?
The holiday is designated as a national day of service, encouraging Americans to volunteer in their communities in honor of King.