MLKSB Community Events

Local celebrations, educational programs, and public gatherings in Santa Barbara honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MLKSB Past Events

MLK Weekend of Events January 2026

Thursday, January 15

Eternal Flame Ceremony, 12 PM – 1 PM
UCSB’s Eternal Flame, Buchanan Hall Lawn

Friday, January 16

Top Poetry Awardees Student Readings, 6 PM
Friday Night Shabbat Service, B’nai B’rith

Saturday, January 17

Ring Shout, 11 AM
A rich African American communal performance, with spiritual emphasis
Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State Street, Santa Barbara

The MLK/FBI Screening, 3:30 – 6:30 PM
Documentary directed by Sam Pollard
Wendy Eley Jackson will lead a discussion after the film
Community Environmental Council, 1219 State Street, Santa Barbara

Sunday, January 18

Worship at a Service of Your Choice
List of Faith Organizations found on our website: Local Faith Organizations

Monday, January 19 – MLK Day

Morning Program, 9 AM – 10 AM
@ de la Guerra Plaza

Unity March up State Street, 10 AM

MLKSB Program, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Featuring Leah Weber King as keynote speaker
The Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St, Santa Barbara

Author Talk and Book Signing, 6 PM
Wren Brown, The Family Business
Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State Street, Santa Barbara

Photo Credit: Rod Rolle

Keynote Speaker: Leah Weber King

Monday, January 19, 2026

The Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St, Santa Barbara
11 AM – 12:30 PM

“Being invited to deliver remarks on the holiday honoring my father-in-law’s work and spirit fills me with profound humility and purpose,” King said. “His call to our higher consciousness remains as urgent today as it was in his time. In an era of division and noise, his lessons remind us that true progress comes not from the ease of indifference, but from the difficult work of examining our hearts, expanding our empathy, and answering the call to serve something greater than ourselves.” Leah Weber King

The Eternal Flame

The Eternal Flame is located on Buchanan Hall lawn, University of California, and was donated by class of 1968. It includes tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy and Robert Francis Kennedy. The Martin Luther King, Jr. “Weekend of Events” begins with a program at the Eternal Flame, including “Walk With Us” in which all are invited to participate in a solemn walk to the MultiCultural Center.