Each night throughout the year, Downtown Indianapolis hosts a light projection show called “Shining a Light.” The nightly show is a tribute to our military and recognizes Indiana heroes who have recently lost their lives serving our country. This multimedia display on Monument Circle plays each night at dusk.
For special events and holidays, new projections have been introduced in conjunction with Shining a Light. During the week and weekend leading up to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a special video tribute will play following the Shining a Light show.
Special Presentation for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
To celebrate the life, leadership, and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Shining a Light will feature an Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) signature presentation from January 10 – 15. The presentation highlights MLK’s legacy and mission to the public to “make a career of humanity.”
Visit Monument Circle each night from January 10-15 to see the MLK Day projection on the AES Indiana building. The shows are scheduled for 6:44 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:14 p.m., 9:00 p.m., and 10:14 p.m. nightly. The show is best viewed from the steps of Monument Circle, facing the AES building.
Shining a Light
The five-minute Shining a Light show basks the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument in red, white, and blue with a synchronized original score from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Video and light projections unfold across the surrounding building facades and beams of light soar skyward.
33rd Annual MLK Indiana Holiday Celebration
Before the Shining a Light show on Wednesday, January 10, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration will gather at the Indiana War Memorial: Soldiers and Sailors Monument at 6:00 p.m. for a commemorative wreath placing ceremony and light show. The following day, there will be a celebration and award ceremony on Thursday, January 11 at 12:00 p.m. at the Indiana Statehouse. The celebration will also be live-streamed to the public.
More MLK Day Activities
Looking for more ways to learn about and celebrate MLK Day and Black History Month? Be sure to visit the Kennedy-King Landmark for Peace at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Indy and check out all of these Black History Month Activities in Indianapolis.
Many museums offer free admission on MLK Day. There are tons in Indianapolis; check out the list here. Indy With Kids also has a full list of all of the Indianapolis free museum admission days throughout the year.
For more ideas for places to visit and things to do during winter, check out our holiday events and activities guide. See all of the ways you can play in the snow, and check out Indy’s best sledding hills, ice skating rinks, and adult date nights.
