1/19: MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY PARADE 
Festivals. In 1963, five years before his tragic murder, Martin Luther King Jr. marched on Washington, D.C., to unite millions of Americans with his now-iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Throughout his career, the ordained-reverend-turned-civil-rights-leader worked in the pursuit of justice and equality for all. This month, that message and mission will ring out across the nation, including here in Baltimore.

On Monday, Jan. 19, the city’s annual parade will march down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in remembrance of the street’s namesake. Starting at noon, the procession kicks off at Eutaw Street, with marching bands, dance groups, color guard troupes, local leaders, and more in tow—a truly festive celebration. But if you can’t make it, fear not—there are plenty of other celebratory events taking place across the city this month for Dr. King, like one at The Walters Art Museum on Jan. 17, featuring local artists Unique Robinson and Lady Brion, as well as the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual Dare to Dream Day on Jan. 19. 

1/1: RESOLUTION RUN 
Fundraisers. Kick off the New Year in stride with city neighbors by participating in this 5K, 1-mile walk and kids dash around Patterson Park. Proceeds will benefit Earl’s Place, a transitional housing program that helps to support men experiencing homelessness. Patterson Park, 2601 E. Baltimore St. 1 p.m. $13.72-45.56. 

1/3: LUH YOU, HEAR?! 
Theater. Balancing humor with heartfelt storytelling, local actor Robert Lee Hardy performs his one-man show of original monologues that capture the voices of those who shaped his upbringing in Baltimore, revealing the soul of this city from the thespian’s point of view. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St. 2 & 8 p.m. $30.

1/9-17: ELVIS’ BIRTHDAY FIGHT CLUB 
Theater. In honor of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, drag queen Betty O’Hellno hosts this Elvis-themed burlesque show, where performers dressed as pop-culture icons fire up their fists in dramatic brawls. For a glimpse into past years of roughhousing, browse the adjacent exhibition, Disbelief: 15 Years of Art from Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Fri.-Sat. Times vary. $41-51.

1/9-2/7: SACRIFICE OF HOME 
Exhibitions. In this solo show by multimedia artist and MICA grad Gulnur Tuluoglu, peer into the lived experience of a second-generation immigrant and queer Muslim. Referencing family photographs, and creating her own original symbols, her collection of paintings speaks to the concept of tradition and sacrifice. Gallery CA, 440 E. Oliver St. Mon.-Fri 12-4 p.m. Free. 

1/9-25: FROM EAST, LIKE THE SUN  
Theater. Rapid Lemon Productions presents the world premiere of this new work by Baltimore playwright Karen Li, following two generations of immigrant families (and a 19th-century ghost) who are hunting for the success and security so often promised in America. Strand Theater, 5426 Harford Rd. Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $10-25. 

1/9-2/1: SEVEN GUITARS 
Theater. This August Wilson play begins after the funeral of a main character, catapulting audiences through a series of flashbacks, revealing the experience of African-Americans who are trying to find meaning in a poor, post-war Pittsburgh. It’s part of Baltimore’s three-year, citywide August Wilson Celebration. Spotlighters Theatre, 817 St. Paul St. $24. 

1/15: LAFAYETTE GILCHRIST AND NEW VOLCANOES
Music. On the heels of his new album, Move With Love, this legendary jazz pianist—born in D.C., long based in Baltimore—brings his genre- bending sound to Keystone Korner in Harbor East. At this esteemed venue, his New Volcanoes band fuses jazz beats with go-go sound, creating one-of-a-kind tunes. Keystone Korner Baltimore, 1350 Lancaster St. 7 p.m. $35-40.

1/15. THE ANATOMY OF CRITICISM 
Lectures & Classes. Over the past decade, local writer Lawrence Burney has emerged as a vital cultural critic coming out of Baltimore. The city native is the founder of arts-and culture zine True Laurels, author of new memoir No Sense in Wishing, and has contributed top publications like GQ, Pitchfork, and The Washington Post. This month, he comes to the Enoch Pratt for a conversation on methods and impacts of media criticism. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 6:30 p.m.

1/15-19: SHAKESPEARE IN HARLEM 
Theater. The University of Maryland Baltimore County Theatre joins the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company to blend movement, music, and spoken-word poetry, bringing the  famous works of Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes to life. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St. Thurs. 7:30 p.m., Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. Sun. 2 p.m. $15-25. 

1/16: PINKSHIFT 
Music. Three Johns Hopkins University students started this fast-rising band, fusing the hardcore genre with hints of grunge, pop-punk, and shoegaze. Returning to their hometown after a North American tour, the vivacious rock trio performs Earthkeeper, their latest album—in its entirety. Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St. 7 p.m. $28.37.  

1/17: MLK JR. DAY CELEBRATION AT THE WALTERS
Theater. In this multifaceted performance curated by local artist Unique Robinson, some of the region’s most talented voices come together at the Walters Art Museum in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, including Maryland Poet Laureate Lady Brion, The Voice semi-finalist Davon Fleming, and multi-instrumentalist Ray Winder. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 3 p.m. Free. 

1/17: EDGAR ALLAN POE BIRTHDAY & POE TOASTER MURDER MYSTERY 
Theater. For decades, an elusive figure left three roses and a glass of cognac at Edgar Allan Poe’s Baltimore grave on the eve of the poet’s birthday—until vanishing in 2009. This live broadcast by the Raven Nevermore podcast unravels the mysterious murder of the “Poe Toaster,” with birthday cake, warm beverages, and a tour of the cemetery’s historic catacombs. Westminster Hall & Burying Ground, 519 W. Fayette St. 6:30 p.m. $39. 

1/19: MLK DARE TO DREAM DAY 
Festivals. The American Visionary Art Museum is once again throwing its festive celebration in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Bring the whole family for art, crafts, music, open-mics, dance and more, with special free day of admission. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 

1/22: KEEP THE LIGHT ON: STORIES ABOUT HOPE, PERSISTENCE, AND WAITING 
Theater. Join the Stoop Storytelling Series to hear true stories of hope, persistence, and survival experienced in the face of adversity. As always, these reflections are told by ordinary Baltimoreans, this time also featuring live music by singer-songwriter Letitia VanSant at a historic venue in the midst of redevelopment. Pikesville Armory, 640 Reisterstown Rd., Pikesville. 6:30 p.m. $25. 

1/22: BETWEEN EVERY BREATH, THERE IS ATMOSPHERE 
Performance. As the BMA’s inaugural Alice and Franklin Cooley Composer-in-Residence, local artist Abdu Ali presents a sonic and visual performance inspired by the museum’s collections, exploring how specific Maryland environments affect Black Baltimoreans. Ali has long been a pioneering artist of various mediums in Baltimore, making this a must-see event. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr. 6:30 p.m. Free. 

1/22: IN THE STACKS 
Music. Two Peabody grads—vocalist Jennifer Blades and pianist Diane Kinsley—fill the George Peabody Library with the sound of music in a performance inspired by the artistry of fine-dining, as is found in the Sheridan Libraries’ collection of rare cookbooks, with select works on display for one night only. George Peabody Library, 17 E. Mt. Vernon Pl. 6:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation. 

1/23-24: BRAHMS & HAYDN WITH HEYWARD 
Music. BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward is joined by violinist Simone Lamsma to perform two heavyweights of classical music, with a special conversation between the two prior to the second concert. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 7 p.m. $35-86. 

1/23-24: PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG 
Music. Fans will flock to see this beloved Baltimore jam band flood this downtown stage with guitar-driven funk and groovy positivity, promoting their new album, Feed the Fire. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 8 p.m. $39-127.50. 

1/24: HARBOR POINT ICE FEST 
Festivals. Welcome the chilly weather with a winter wonderland of live ice-carving demonstrations and interactive ice sculptures along the waterfront, with food, drinks, and kids’ activities throughout the day. Harbor Point, 1310 Point St. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 

1/31: DISTURBIN’ THE PEACE
Music. Right now, hardcore is the biggest sound on the Baltimore music scene. During this annual festival, see live performances by many of those both up-and-coming and legendary acts, as well as visiting bands, including Hatebreed, End It, Agnostic Front, Pig Pen, and more. Baltimore Soundstage, 124 Market Pl. 1:30 p.m. $70. 

1/31: LANDIS HARRY LARRY WITH MICAH E. WOOD 
Music. Two of Baltimore’s most beloved musical acts team up for a night of feel-good tunes in Highlandtown. In the Creative Alliance’s Patterson Theater, catch Landis Expandis perform futuristic funk alongside his two alter egos, and also hear dance-inducing tunes from Wood’s new album, You, Me, the Reign. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 7:30 p.m.$15-25.

Update December 13: Mayor Catherine Pugh announced today that the annual MLK Day Parade will continue after receiving complaints from residents and community leaders. 

“I’ve heard from residents who’d like to continue the tradition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade & those who’d like to participate in a Day of Service,” she said in a tweet. “Why choose—we can do both!”

For the past 17 years, Baltimore has celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a parade through the streets of downtown. But this coming January, Mayor Catherine Pugh has decided to honor his legacy by encouraging others to emulate how he lived his life by hosting a Day of Service in partnership with United Way of Central Maryland.

While many residents and local organizations have practiced a day of service over the years to celebrate the Civil Rights leader’s life, Mayor Pugh believes that the city can make a larger impact if its residents come together

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of civil rights and equality,” she says on her website. “Building on this momentum, Baltimore begins a new tradition to honor this commitment and to encourage community-based organizations to organize and submit service projects that welcome volunteers of all-ages.” 

In lieu of residents lining the street that bears his name to see marching bands, steppers, and floats, residents are encouraged to volunteer in their communities as Dr. King once did. Organizations like Civic Works have already begun accepting volunteers to work on different community lots in East Baltimore to clean up and plant gardens. Many more organizations are expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.

In years past, the event has attracted hundreds of spectators from all across the region to participate in the festivities. On average, more than 50 groups have participated in the event each year ranging from high school and community bands to color guards, fraternities and sororities, dance squads, and civic organizations.

The East Coast Westsiders marching band has been performing in the parade since its inception 17 years ago. For Marvin McKenstry, Jr., the COO of the band, the parade means just as much to him as the celebration of Dr. King himself. He can’t imagine one without the other. 

“Being able to march down Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd is very special and exciting,” he said. “We don’t care about being out in the cold because we know what this holiday represents and what Dr. King represented—we want to celebrate that.”

Though the parade is clearly an important aspect of celebrating the holiday locally, Pugh insists that this new tradition will appropriately honor Dr. King: “Our communities grow stronger when we all choose to serve.”