What's open, what's closed around Greater Cincinnati on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday honoring the life and birthday of one of the most influential Civil Rights leaders in American history.

Although King's actual birthday is Jan. 15, the holiday is observed on the third Monday of January. Ceremonies commemorating King's birthday and legacy have been held since his assassination in 1968, but it did not become an approved federal holiday until 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed it into law. All 50 states made it a state government holiday by 2000.

To celebrate, some of the businesses or services you normally use during the week may be closed Monday in observation. Several organizations, businesses and churches around Greater Cincinnati are also hosting events in honor of the annual holiday.

Stripes Don't Come Easy: Why Bengals partnership is a big deal for local Black-owned brand

More:West Chester, Liberty townships mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday

Here's what you should know about Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023.

What's open and what's closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16

Banks: Some banks will be closed, including Chase Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Federal Reserve Banks and Bank of America Wells Fargo. Be sure to check your local bank hours.

Mail services: Post office locations will be closed, and the Postal Service will not deliver regular mail or packages.

Trash service: If your regular City of Cincinnati trash collection day falls on Monday, your trash will be collected the following day.

Grocery stores: Many grocery stores, including Kroger, Walmart, Target and Meijer will remain open under the normal operating schedule.

Schools: Schools in the area, including Cincinnati Public Schools, Covington Independent Schools, Newport Independent Schools, Kenton County Schools, Boone County Schools and Campbell County Schools will be closed.

For subscribers:Low lending rates boosted Black homeownership here. Can it last?

Bringing Black men into local classroomsMeet Cincinnati's Literacy Lab fellows

Local government: City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County offices and services, Campbell County, Kenton County and Boone County offices will be closed.

Federal offices: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday. All non-essential government employees will be off work and most government offices will be closed.

Libraries: All Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library locations will be closed.

Stock markets: The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will be closed.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in Greater Cincinnati

50th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

  • When: Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to noon.

  • Where: Kresge Auditorium, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (231 Albert Sabin Way, Corryville).

  • What: This event recognizes and celebrates individuals who work to uplift and uphold the lessons of Dr. King through their dedication and contributions to the Greater Cincinnati community. Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece and community outreach leader Mitch Morris will be honored as the 2023 Humanitarian Award winners.

  • Learn more at signupgenius.com.

Cincinnati Museum Center hosts celebration of Black empowerment

  • When: Jan. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Where: Cincinnati Museum Center (1301 Western Ave., Queensgate).

  • What: The daylong celebration will highlight the history, present and future of Black excellence through art, performances, informational booths, vendors and speakers.

  • Learn more at cincymuseum.org.

38th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration

  • When: Jan. 16, 1-2:30 p.m.

  • Where: Resurrection Lutheran Church (1270 North Broadway, Lebanon).

  • What: This year’s theme is “The time is now. The time is always right to do what is right.” The event will feature guest speaker Tia Ramey, author of "Canceled: Mastering Difficult Conversations in a Modern World."

  • Learn more at mlklebanon.org.

Commemorative march and prayer service

  • When: Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m.

  • Where: Freedom Way in Downtown to Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine.

  • What: This program includes a prayer service, a civil rights era march and a complimentary Rosa Parks Bus for those unable to walk.

  • Learn more at mlkcoalition.org.

News:Congress passes bill, inspired by historic Cincy cemetery, preserving Black burial grounds

MLK Day commemorative program

  • When: Jan. 16, noon.

  • Where: Cincinnati Music Hall (1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine).

  • What: This annual event features the award-winning MLK Chorale, guest performers and an inspirational speaker.

  • Learn more at mlkcoalition.org.

The King Legacy Celebration

  • When: Jan. 16, 8:30 a.m.

  • Where: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (50 E. Freedom Way, Downtown).

  • What: Award-winning educator, organizer, writer and activist Brittney Packnett Cunningham will be the keynote speaker. Cunningham served on President Barack Obama’s 21st Century Policing Task Force and the Ferguson Commission. She is also a NBC News and MSNBC contributor and founder of Love & Power Works, a full-service social impact and equity agency.

  • Learn more at freedomcenter.org.

ArtisanFest513 “MLK Day” Market

  • When: Jan. 16,12:30-4:30 p.m.

  • Where: Washington Park (1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine).

  • What: During this event, local restaurants, vendors and artists showcase and sell their products with the goal of celebrating diversity in business.

  • Learn more at washingtonpark.org.

Roselawn Service Project

  • When: Jan. 16, noon.

  • Where: Great Parks Nature Center at the Summit (1580 Summit Road, Roselawn).

  • What: Great Parks will honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a community service project, teaming up with the Roselawn Beautification Committee to beautify the area around the Great Parks Nature Center at the Summit.

  • Learn more at greatparks.org.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023: What's open and closed in Cincinnati