The King Coalition
41st Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance
Building Community, Uniting a Nation, the Nonviolent Way
Monday, January 19
Freedom Songs in the Rotunda
5pm - 5:45pm
Program in Capitol Theater
6pm - 7:30pm
Free
Run time
Freedom Singalong: 45 minutes
Program: 90 minutes
Age Recommendation
All ages
Honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 41st Annual City of Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance, held at Overture Center for the Arts. This uplifting community tradition brings people together for an evening of inspiration, music, recognition, and re-dedication to Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community.
This year’s program features Marc Lamont Hill—acclaimed author, scholar, and social justice advocate—as keynote speaker. Enjoy a powerful performance by the MLK Community Choir and honor the 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awardees who will be announced by Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Dane County Executive Melissa Agard.
Admission is free, and tickets are not required.
Join us as we honor Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality, and unity.
This event is brought to you by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition of Madison & Dane County. The King Coalition was established in the fall of 1985 as a community group to plan this official City of Madison and Dane County observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday along with other events to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Dr. King. The Coalition consists of representatives from religious communities, organized labor, UW-Madison, United Way, peace groups, service organizations, city and county government, and other individuals committed to equal rights and justice for all people. Coalition activities are made possible through public and private financial sponsorship, in-kind and volunteer support.
Speakers, Presenters & Performers
Keynote Speaker
Marc Lamont Hill
Mayor
Satya Rhodes-Conway
Dane County Executive
Melissa Agard
Leotha and Tamera Stanley, Directors
MLK Community Choir
Upcoming Educational Events
-
January 9
Friday
Educational/Talks, Free Events, Visual Arts Winter 2025/26 Exhibitions Reception
Overture Galleries
Join us for a reception and artist talks celebrating the Winter 2025/26 Overture Galleries! This season’s exhibitions examine how personal, family and cultural histories shape the ways we live and create.
5:30 PM -
January 10
Saturday
Educational/Talks, Free Events, Visual Arts Indiana Green Invitational Artist Panel
Overture Galleries
Learn more from the artists, curators and partners involved in the Indiana Green Invitational exhibition in the Playhouse Gallery.
4:30 PM -
January 19
Monday
Educational/Talks, Free Events 41st Annual Madison & Dane County MLK Day Observance
The Rotunda & Capitol Theater
The King Coalition was established in the fall of 1985 as a community group to plan the official City of Madison and Dane County observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday along with other events to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Dr. King.
5:00 PM -
January 20
Tuesday
2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents Wild Cats Revealed with Filmmaker Sandesh Kadur
Capitol Theater
From towering Himalayas to dense jungles, India is home to the world’s most diverse wild cats. Join filmmaker and National Geographic Fellow Sandesh Kadur as he unveils rare felines—like the grumpy-faces Palla’s cat and the fishing cat—through captivating images and video.
7:30 PM -
March 3
Tuesday
2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, National Geographic Live, Overture Presents The Untold Story of Sharks with Marine Biologist Jess Cramp
Capitol Theater
Dive into our planet’s waters and observe the fascinating lives of sharks with marine biologist Jess Cramp. Fifty years after “Jaws,” discover the real story of these ancient predators, the trailblazing women of shark science and Cramp’s mission to protect them.
7:30 PM -
March 7
Saturday
Dance, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Folk Music, Free Events, Music, Theater, Variety, Visual Arts International Festival
Multiple Venues
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage within our community and enjoy nearly 30 FREE performances throughout Overture by artists who call Dane County home. Indulge in cuisines from around the world, browse stunning arts and crafts available for purchase and learn about the many local businesses with global connections.
10:00 AM -
March 28 - March 29
Educational/Talks, Theater New Works: On Deck
Playhouse
Experience "Steady She Goes" and "Dan Seavey: Confessions of a Great Lakes Pirate" as part of the Four Seasons Theatre's production "New Works: On Deck."
Multiple Showtimes -
May 30
Saturday
2025/26 Season, Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Overture Presents Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0
Overture Hall
Dive into another classic Wild Kratts adventure with the Kratt brothers as they combine live action and animation, with Martin and Chris Kratt live on stage and the rest of the Wild Kratts team on screen, at the Tortuga HQ.
Multiple Showtimes