Martin Luther King Jr. was an influential American civil rights leader who played a key role in the American Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Martin was the leader for events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington, which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a U.S. Federal Holiday since 1986.

In order to celebrate this Federal Holiday, here are four thoughtful things to do in Tucson. They are all cost-free as well, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.

Martin Luther King, Jr. March to Reid Park.

If you like to walk a march or complete a marathon then marching for MLK is something to do on your Monday off. The Freedom March begins at 8 a.m. and is followed by a celebration with entertainment and food vendors 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on this march visit  tucsonurbanleague.org/mlk.

Multiple University of Arizona departments:

If you cannot make the walk, The UA Presents and Local Art organizations have organized a free production of dance, poetry, and music to honor the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. The program is called “Beyond Tucson: A Time To Break Silence.” When: Sunday Jan. 14 from 3-5 P.M. It is located at the Centennial Hall: 1020 E. University Blvd. For more information visit uapresents.org.

The Loft Cinema: 

The Loft Cinema will show the Oscar-nominated film “Hidden Figures” for free on MLK Day. The movie tells the stories of African American women employed as mathematicians by NASA in the 1960’s. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson played integral roles in the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The Loft posted on their Facebook page that they are expecting a large crowd so it is recommended to arrive early. It is from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m, Monday January 15. The Loft Cinema is located on 3233 E. Speedway. For more information you can visit the Loft Jr.’s Facebook page.

Explore downtown and listen to jazz:

You could head to the Downtown Jazz Fiesta where almost a dozen bands will perform on stages around downtown.  The main stages are on or around Fifth Avenue between Toole Avenue and Broadway. (You could also ride the streetcar, starting at Mercado San Agustín, between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and listen to several musicians live during your ride). It is on Monday, Jan. 15, from 11 am to 7 pm. It is located in Downtown Tucson. For more information here is their website: tucsonjazzfestival.org.