Erien Dickens

Not only is the city of Indianapolis committed to uplifting the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they recognize the importance of free admission for our families! Check out the free attractions for Monday, January 16, 2023.

Make sure to visit the specific websites of the organizations for planning and pre-registrations.

Free Events

• Indiana State Museum Address: 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN
  • Watch videos of Dr. King’s speeches
  • Make a community quilt
  • Hear about Black creators, scientists, inventors, and engineers
  • Create protest signs and buttons
  • Opportunity for service participation
  • See performance by the Meraki Dance Company at 12 noon.
    • There is designated free parking however, parking is on a first come, first serve basis.
• IMAX Theater Indiana State Museum Address: 650 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
  • FREE parking & admission to their four showings of America’s Wild 2D at 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
    • Get tickets at the museum on a first come, first serve basis.
• Eiteljorg Museum Address: 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN
  • Join in a community art project
  • Learn about King’s famous quotes and write your dreams in a note on the comment wall.
    • Visit their website to locate at-home activities including instructions on making a lantern and how to stream “Freedom Rider’s for free.
• NCAA Hall of Champions Address: 700 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN
  • Watch the “Title IX at 50” exhibit that explores the legislation’s impact on women’s sports and what’s required for NCAA student-athletes.
  • Play games, a 1930s retro gym and ski simulator are just a couple of the activities.
• Conner Prairie Address: 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN
  • Conner Prairie is celebrating identity, belonging, community, and love on MLK day!
  • Learn about symbols of activism
  • Create your own symbol in the Teen Room
  • Listen to drumming, dancing and singing
  • Watch a film about courageous community members and the Birmingham Children’s March and record audio with podcast hosts of “This is Problematic!”, amongst other activities.
    • Tickets are available at the ticket desk on Monday, January 16th.
• Indiana Historical Society Address: 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN
  • Listen to storytelling
  • Participate in service activities
  • Hear music performed by Keisha Ballinger and the University United Methodist Church Praise Team
    • Visitors also can bring new children’s clothes, books or cash donations for Charity Cares Early Academy.
    • Pre-registration is strongly encouraged but is not required.

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Address: 4750 W. 16th St. Indianapolis, IN *Enter from Gate 2*
  • On display is “Sleek: The Art of the Helmet.” Curated by artist Amiah Mims, it shows racing helmets created by nine local artists alongside historic and current driver helmets.
    • Reserve tickets online using the promo code MLK23. 

• Carmel’s MLK Day Commemoration Address: Tarkington Theater, 3 Carter Green, Carmel, IN
  • Music, dance and spoken word performances along the theme of “On Being a Good Neighbor” will celebrate the day with the city of Carmel. 
    • Performances begin at 6:30 PM

• Madam Walker Legacy Center Address: 617 Indiana Avenue Indianapolis, IN
  • The Madam Walker Legacy Center’s 41st MLK Day of Celebration speaker will be Time 100’s award-winning social justice leader and movement strategist, Tamika D. Mallory! Also featured on Fortune’s list of the World’s Greatest Leaders, Tamika is hailed as one of the most influential Black voices of our generation. Tamika was featured on Fortune’s list of the World’s Greatest Leaders and is hailed as one of the most influential Black voices of our generation.
  • Additionally, Tamika served as the youngest ever Executive Director of the National Action Network and made history when she helped shepherd the largest single day demonstration, the 2017 Women’s March on Washington, serving as one of its four national co-chairs.
    • Tickets are free but registration is required.
• The Indianapolis Zoo Address: 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN
  • Free admission with a donation: Monetary donations are accepted benefitting Gleaner’s Food Bank. Food Pantry items donated will benefit The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League.
    • Hours are 9 am to 4 pm on Monday, January 16th , 2023.

If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Share a powerful quote that you will share with your kids in honor of Dr. King.