Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2017: How Is Chicago Honoring the Holiday?

CHICAGO, IL — Although schools and government offices will be closed, other city institutions will be marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday with events that honor the life and achievements of the civil rights leader.

The biggest celebration in King's name isn't so much an event as it is a call to action. City and national organizations, such as the Human Rights Campaign, are designating MLK Day as day of service and asking people to turn the federal holday into a "day on, not a day off" by volunteering in their communities. Go to the HRC's website for suggestions of volunteering opportunities.

RELATED: What's Open and Closed in Chicago on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Here's a look at other Martin Luther King Jr. Day events and activities Monday around Chicago:

Free Museum Admission

The following Chicago museums will be offering free admission Monday. Some of the institutions also will have special activities focusing on King's life:

• Adler Planetarium
• The Art Institute of Chicago
• Chicago History Museum: The museum will present various performances and seminars dedicated to King. Go to the museum's website for a complete schedule.
• Museum of Science and Industry: Monday also is Black Creativity Family Day. Go to the museum's website for mor information.
• Shedd Aquarium

Prayer Breakfasts and Celebrations

27th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast

• When: 8 to 10 a.m.
• Where: Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Upper Wacker Dr.
• Cost: $125 to $1,250. Go to Eventbrite for tickets.

PUSH Excel honors its scholarship recipients, as well as King's memory during this event.

Sixth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

• When: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Where: The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 North Clark St.
• Cost: $15. Go to Eventbrite for tickets.

The African American Arts Alliance of Chicago presents a performance of "And A Child Shall Lead Them"

Martin Luther King Jr. (photo via Patch archive)

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