The city of Ames will spend the coming three-day weekend honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s achievements and life in various events and celebrations across the community.

Monday, Jan. 18, will mark the third Monday of the month, as well as the annual celebration of King’s birthday. The holiday, recognized by all 50 states starting in 2000 but petitioned for shortly after King’s death in 1968, celebrates more than just King and his achievements.

The holiday is also known as the MLK Day of Service. Many workplaces as well as schools and places of higher education are close in observance of the holiday, and citizens are encouraged to spend their day off volunteering in their communities.

Several free-to-the-public events will be offered throughout the weekend.

These will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday with a showing of the film “Selma” at the Ames Public Library. A discussion among the attendees as part of the Reel Connections Film and Discussion will take place after the film.

Friendship Baptist Church will celebrate King at 3 p.m. Sunday with guest speaker Sherman Brown and music rendered by the New Revelation Corinthian Baptist Church.

“The Cost of the Dream,” Ames’ 30th annual MLK Day community celebration will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Ames Middle School. The Ames High School jazz band will perform during a social time from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., and birthday cake will be served. Songs and speeches by community groups and Judge Odell Mcghee, associate judge of District 5C of Iowa, will be given after the performance.

Volunteer opportunities are also available through vcstory.org