What Day Is It?Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2027 is on January 18, 2027. This US federal holiday always falls on the third Monday of January, close to Dr. King’s birthday on January 15.
Who was Martin Luther King Jr.?
Dr. King was born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929, and became the best-known leader of the American civil rights movement. He gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington in 1963 and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968.
How did it become a holiday?
The campaign for a holiday began soon after his death and took about 15 years. President Ronald Reagan signed the law on November 2, 1983, and the first federal observance followed on January 20, 1986. Not every state joined at once. By 2000, all 50 states recognised the day by name.
What is open and closed?
As a federal holiday, the day closes federal offices, most banks and the US stock markets. Many schools are closed too. Shops and restaurants usually stay open.
A day of service
Since a 1994 law, the holiday has also been promoted as a national day of service. Many Americans spend it volunteering rather than simply taking the day off, under the motto "a day on, not a day off."
Martin Luther King Jr. Day dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 19 | Monday |
| 2027 | January 18 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 17 | Monday |
Frequently asked questions
Is Martin Luther King Jr. Day always on January 15?
No. It falls on the third Monday of January, so the date changes from year to year.
Are US stock markets closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Yes. The major US stock exchanges close for the holiday.