On the third Monday each January, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is honored for his leadership in the civil rights movement and his passion for equal rights. This year, the federal holiday is Jan. 18. Events to teach, inspire and serve take place across central Arkansas; honor Dr. King's legacy by participating in one or more of these central Arkansas events.

Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade in Downtown Conway: Cheer on Conway's annual community parade honoring the Civil Rights leader. The parade beings at Simon Park and continues to the Faulkner County Library. 10 a.m. Jan. 18. For info: DowntownConway.org.

Free Bus Rides Sponsored by AMLKC and Rock Region Metro: The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and Rock Region Metro offer free bus rides throughout the metropolitan area. Citizens are urged to ride to community service projects. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 18. For info: (501) 683-1300, ARKingDream.org. FREE!

Give Us This Day-MLK Holiday 2016: NAACP State Capitol Proclamation Bracelet Rally and Celebration: Celebrate the MLK Holiday at the Capitol. Purchase a proclamation bracelet to be part of the event! Noon-2 p.m. Jan. 18. Free Admission; bracelet is $10. For info, click here.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Festivities in Downtown Hot Springs: A festive parade honoring Dr. King begins in downtown Hot Springs at 10 a.m. with programs to follow at the Hot Springs Convention Center inside Horner Hall. 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Jan. 18. For info: (501) 762-6103, HotSprings.org. FREE!

Mega Kingfest: A Day of Service-A Day On, Not A Day Off at UALR Jack Stephens Center: The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission hosts a five-part event in observance of the holiday.

• An interfaith prayer breakfast begins at 7 a.m. with special guest Gov. Asa Hutchinson and keynote speaker Elder Jimmy Thompson of Lakeland, Florida. Seats must be reserved in advance by Jan. 6; contact DuShun Scarbrough at (501) 683-1300 for information.
• The celebratory component of the event begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes keynote speakers, Mohandas Gandhi's grandson Arun Gandhi and "Young and the Restless" actor Eric Braeden.
• A birthday bash "celebrating the legacy of Dr. King through life, love and laughter" begins at 12:30 p.m. with a family-friendly comedy show by actor/comedian Marlon Wayans and cake!
• Immediately following the birthday bash, the AMLKC hosts a Nonviolence Youth Summit.
• Following the Summit, the service component of the event begins. Service programs include feeding the homeless, health screenings, job counseling, hygiene kits, free haircuts, and marriage/family counseling. Other community service projects are available; contact the commission to register. Attendees can also participate in an American Red Cross blood drive and collections for Coats for Kids and a shoe drive that welcomes gently-used coats and shoes for children.

Event hours 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 18. For info: (501) 683-1300, ARKingDream.org. FREE!

MLK Challenge at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Youth ages 12-18 are challenged to take on a day of community work to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants will travel to various community sites to complete a range of service projects. To reserve a space for a child, visit the website or call the MTCC. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 18. For info: (501) 683-3593, MosaicTemplars.com. FREE!

MLK Storytime at Barnes & Noble in North Little Rock: Celebrate Dr. King's life with a special storytime. 11 a.m. Jan. 18. For info: (501) 771-1124, BN.com. FREE!

Screening of "King" at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site: Older teens and adults can watch this documentary showing continuously throughout the day. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 18. For info: (501) 374-1957, NPS.gov/CHSC. FREE!

Storytime at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site: A Reading of "My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." written by Martin Luther King, III will be followed by activities for all ages. 10 a.m. Jan. 18. For info: (501) 374-1957, NPS.gov/CHSC. FREE!

Honor Dr. King before the national holiday at these two events:

Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at Hot Springs Convention Center: The NAACP Unit 6013 sponsors a breakfast with speakers and time for reflection. The keynote speaker is Joyce Craft, who recently retired as the superintendent of the Hot Springs School District. Craft was the first female and first African American to serve in the position. The proceeds benefit a NAACP scholarship fund. $30 per ticket; $310 for table of 10. 8 a.m. Jan. 16. For info: (501) 624-6866.

Film Screening: "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Arkansas" at Clinton School of Public Service: Originally aired on KATV-7 on January 19, 1987 as a 30-minute television special, this film is narrated by Arkansas native Deborah Mathis and includes Dr. King’s attendance at Ernest Green’s Little Rock Central High School graduation and his commencement address at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. Free; reservations required. Noon Jan. 15. For info: (501) 683-5239, ClintonSchool.uasys.edu. FREE!

For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.