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SF’s “Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service” 2026 Volunteering

Monday, January 19, 2026 - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*RSVP Required

All Over the Bay Area | SF Bay Area, California

Event Details

SF’s “Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service” 2026 Volunteering Weekend (Jan. 16-19)

Take part in this National Day of Service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Join us in January to make MLK Day a “day on, not a day off”. We’ll be celebrating the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy all weekend with volunteer and engagement programs from Friday, January 16 – Monday, January 19, 2026. Volunteers of all ages are invited to take part in park maintenance, habitat restoration, nursery work, and other outdoor service projects at some of the GGNRA’s most iconic parks. Whether you’re looking for MLK Day volunteer opportunities, family-friendly service projects, or ways to give back outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Bring yourself, your friends, and your family to kick off the new year and take part in your community on this National Day of Service! Most events require pre-registration.

When: Friday, January 16 – Monday, January 19, 2026

Where: Project locations vary throughout the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Stay up to date on park closure information.

Full List of MLK Weekend Service & Engagement Events

 

A sample of a few events with many more:

Presidio Forest Stewards
Fri, Jan 16, 2026, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presidio of San Francisco
Help tend to the health of the Presidio’s historic forests.

MLK Day with Muir Woods Maintenance
Sat, Jan 17, 2026, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Muir Woods National Monument
Experience the majesty of the redwoods while lending a hand at Muir Woods.

Presidio Habitat Stewards
Sat, Jan 17, 2026, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Presidio of San Francisco
Help restore natural areas and create important wildlife corridors in the Presidio of San Francisco.

MLK Day at Mori Point
Sat, Jan 17, 2026, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Mori Point
Help protect endangered species and restore sensitive habitat while enjoying a day in the park.

MLK Day with the Presidio Nursery
Sat, Jan 17, 2026, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Presidio of San Francisco
Learn to grow and care for native plants while helping to preserve and restore your national park.

MLK Day with Fort Mason Historic Landscaping and Maintenance
Sun, Jan 18, 2026, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Fort Mason
Help restore and maintain historic landscapes and cultural resources throughout Fort Mason.

Habitat Restoration Team
Sun, Jan 18, 2026, 9:30am – 2:30pm
Stinson Beach
Help restore and protect critical natural areas from the Marin Headlands to Bolinas Ridge.

MLK Day with Golden Gate Historic Landscaping and Maintenance
Mon, Jan 19, 2026, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Fort Point
Help restore and maintain historic landscapes and cultural resources at Fort Point.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*RSVP Required
Categories: **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Charity & Volunteering, In Person, MLK Day, Nature, Outdoors
Address: SF Bay Area, California

Monday, January 19, 2026

8:30 am   MLK 2026 Celebration Train: Free Caltrain & BART Rides to SF’s MLK Day Festival  FREE
9:00 am   Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)  FREE*
*Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID
9:30 am   50+ Free Guided Walking Tours of San Francisco (MLK Weekend 2026)  FREE*
*Free tours, but donations to the guide are appreciated
10:00 am   “IlluminOdyssey” Interactive Winter Light Experience  $27.95*
*$27.95 Adults; $23.95 Children, Students & Seniors
All Day   Final Day to Ice Skate at Union Square’s Holiday Ice Rink (2025/26 Winter Season)  $22
11:00 am   MoAD Free Museum Day on MLK Day 2026 (SF)  FREE
1:00 pm   2026 MLK Jr. Day Music Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens (SF)  FREE
4:00 pm   Walnut Creek on Ice (‘Til Jan. 19, 2026)  $22.99*
*Starts at $22.99 General Admission for Ice Skating and Ice Slide (fees included)
5:00 pm   San Jose’s Holiday Ice Rink “Skate Under the Palms” Final Day  $21*
*$21 includes skate rentals
6:00 pm   SF Arcade Bar “Emporium” 8 Free Game Tokens for “Industry Night” (Every Monday)  FREE*
*8 free game tokens if you are part of the "industry"
6:00 pm   SF’s Snowboard & Ski Trick Workshop w/ Pro Coaches & Trampolines (House of Air)  $40*
*Booking in advanced is recommended
7:00 pm   “Motown On Mondays” DJ Night (Madrone Art Bar)  FREE*
*Free before 8pm; $5 after
7:00 pm   Monday Night Free Comedy Show at SF’s Newest Comedy Club (The Function)  FREE*
*Limited Free Tickets. Otherwise Get 50% Off Tickets w/ code FUNCHEAP - GA starts at $12.51 (fee included) instead of $22.51
7:00 pm   Oakland’s Free “Town Biz” Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP. Food/drink for purchase
8:00 pm   Mirthquake: Monday Live Comedy in the Richmond w/ $5 Drinks (SF)  FREE*
*free tickets, RSVP to ensure a spot, 21+
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