Washington enters the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend with a packed schedule of stage productions, concerts, museum exhibitions and holiday observances across the District. Several major touring shows open or close limited engagements, while multiple institutions mark the federal holiday with special programming and public events.
Here is a full roundup of events taking place Friday, Jan. 16, through Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, based on the updated Washington Times January–March events calendar.
Theater and live performance
STOMP
When: Jan. 16–18
Where: The National Theatre
The international percussion sensation brings its 30th anniversary tour to downtown Washington for a three-day run. The eight-member cast uses everyday objects — including garbage cans, brooms and wooden poles — to create a rhythm-driven, high-energy performance.
Shen Yun Performing Arts
When: Jan. 7–18
Where: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Opera House)
The classical Chinese dance production concludes its Washington engagement this weekend. The program combines large-scale choreography, live orchestral music and digital backdrops presenting stories drawn from Chinese history and folklore.
Octet
When: Jan. 14–Feb. 22 (performances this weekend)
Where: Studio Theatre
This a cappella chamber musical follows eight strangers attending a support meeting for digital addiction. Performed entirely without instruments or microphones, the show continues with multiple performances over the long weekend.
Comedy and concerts
Gary Owen: “No Hard Feelings” Tour
When: Jan. 17–18
Where: Lincoln Theatre
Comedian Gary Owen headlines the historic Lincoln Theatre for two nights, bringing his stand-up tour to Washington with multiple performances scheduled.
Atmosphere: Winter Carnival Tour 2026
When: Jan. 18
Where: 9:30 Club
Minneapolis hip-hop duo Atmosphere stops in Washington as part of its Winter Carnival Tour, joined by a lineup of guest performers for a single Sunday-night show.
Museums and exhibitions
At the Vanguard: HBCUs and the Fight for Democracy
When: Opens Jan. 16 (runs through July 19)
Where: National Museum of African American History and Culture
A major new exhibition opens Friday spotlighting the history and impact of five Historically Black Colleges and Universities. More than 100 objects trace the role of HBCUs in education, civic leadership and the fight for democracy.
Unbound: Narrative Art of the Plains
When: Through Jan. 20
Where: National Museum of the American Indian
This exhibition explores narrative traditions among Native nations of the Great Plains, pairing historical ledger art with contemporary commissions that examine identity, history and storytelling.
Immersive experiences
Time by Luxmuralis
When: Jan. 15–24
Where: Washington National Cathedral
Projection mapping and sound transform the cathedral’s interior into an immersive installation exploring themes of time, memory and reflection. The experience runs nightly throughout the holiday weekend.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day observances
Not Just Another Day Off: MLK at the Folger
When: Jan. 16
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger hosts a free evening program featuring poets reading speeches by Dr. King and other civil-rights leaders in a celebration of language and social justice.
MLK Interfaith Prayer Breakfast
When: Jan. 18
Where: Covenant Baptist UCC, Southwest Washington
An annual interfaith gathering brings together faith leaders and community members for reflection and remembrance ahead of the federal holiday.
21st Annual MLK Holiday DC Peace Walk & Parade
When: Jan. 19
Where: Southeast Washington
The community march and parade honors Dr. King’s legacy with a peace rally, walk, health fair and parade through Southeast Washington.
MLK Day at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
When: Jan. 19
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
The downtown library hosts a full day of activities, including music, children’s programs and exhibitions tied to civil-rights history and local culture.
MLK Memorial Ceremony
When: Jan. 19
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
A public ceremony at the National Mall memorial honors Dr. King’s life and legacy with remarks and musical performances.
Editor’s note: Event schedules, ticket availability and holiday hours may change. Readers are encouraged to confirm details with venues before attending. For more information, see the Washington Times D.C. Events Calendar.
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
