Metro Events Guide: Ways to celebrate MLK Day in metro Detroit, plus the Detroit Auto Show and more
Discover unique arts and culture events in metro Detroit happening Jan. 15 through Jan. 22, 2026.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is this upcoming Monday, and our local museums are making sure you have every opportunity to honor the civil rights leader.
Plus, the Detroit Auto Show is open to the public starting Saturday, and there are some sweet opportunities to get outside with family and friends.
Upcoming events (Jan. 15โ22)
Candyland at Beacon Park
๐ย Beacon Park
๐๏ธย Thursday, Jan. 15-20
๐๏ธย Free
Though we’re out of the holiday season, there’s still time to go see a spectacular light display in Beacon Park that draws you into the magic of Candyland! Bring friends and family to enjoy some time outside and take advantage of the picture-perfect scenery. This is the last week the display is up.
Detroit Auto Show
๐ย Huntington Place
๐๏ธย Saturday, Jan. 17 through Sunday, Jan. 25
๐๏ธย $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for kids ages 3-12
See the future of the auto industry for yourself in this hands-on, immersive auto show! Cruise through a winding indoor track in an EV driven by an industry professional, see how vehicles connect us with the outdoors in the Michigan Overland Adventure display, and learn about the auto industry as a whole.ย
Discover Rouge Park: January Meet Up
๐ย Rouge Park
๐๏ธย Sunday, Jan. 18
๐๏ธย Free
Meet at the Sorenson Recreation Area at noon for a guided walk on the Rouge Park’s Ma’inngan Wildwood Trail. Learn about the park, get some exercise and fresh air, and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors in winter. If there’s heavy snow, snow shoes will be provided to help navigate the trails, granted you register in advance. This event is free and for all ages, but dress appropriately for the two hour walk.
MLK Day, Monday Jan. 19
A Dream Rooted in Faith: The Legacy of the Black Church in Detroit During the Civil Rights Movement
๐ย Detroit Historical Museum
๐๏ธย Monday, Jan. 19
๐๏ธย Free
Enjoy historical presentations and crafts that reflect Rev. Martin Luther King Jr,’s values of faith, justice and community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event closes with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday”.ย
“We Who Believe in Freedom”
๐ Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
๐๏ธย Monday, Jan. 19
๐๏ธย Free
Come to the Wright Museum for a full day ofย free activities from 1o a.m. to 6 p.m. Attend a bike ride led by Tour de Troit, historical reenactments, storytelling, film screening, and discussions. A paid experience with Prayer Breakfast and Keynote speakers is available with the purchase of a ticket for $33.85+. RSVP in advance.ย
MLK at the DIA
๐ย Detroit Institute of Arts
๐๏ธย Monday, Jan. 19
๐๏ธย Free with admission
The museum will be open during its regular hours with a few different ways to honor MLK’s legacy. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be Collage Portraits workshop inspired by artists displayed in the museum’s African American Galleries. At 2 p.m. in the Rivera Gallery, there will be a civil rights song sing-along featuring poetry from the InsideOut Literary Arts program, followed by a march to the Wright Museum.
