Now that the holiday season has been de-ornamented and laid by the mailbox for bulk pickup, most of us will take part in the January Scramble, our desperate attempt to return to normalcy after months of festive slacking. The third Monday of the month, however, is reserved for something that actually matters. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to consider the immense contributions made by a single man to the advancement of race relations in America. Here are just a few of the unique events Philly is offering to commemorate King's legacy.

Mon., Jan. 16, 1 p.m., $2-$12, Longwood Gardens, Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000

Longwood Gardens isn't the most exciting venue out there—the last time I attended a pruning symposium, I ripped up some prize azalea bulbs and drowned them in the magic fountain. Luckily, the mushroom capital of the world's got something special on deck: Performance artist Tahira will present "Freedom Stories," a compelling examination of MLK's life. A nationally recognized spoken-word poet and storyteller, the modern bard will use music and song to chronicle all things Dr. King.

Sun., Jan. 15, 3 p.m., free, Goodhart Theater, Bryn Mawr College, 101 N. Merion Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-526-6522

The Inquirer luminary and National Association of Black Journalists co-founder will deliver the keynote speech at this event, which also features musical performances from the Main Line Revival Choir and Main Line Youth Workshop Choir. Moore is well-suited for the task—the Pulitzer Prize winner has dedicated his career to combating racial bias within the media and beyond.

Mon., Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m., free, MLK High School, 6100 Stenton Ave., 215-276-5253

The Philadelphia Orchestra will play a number of selections to commemorate Dr. King, including pieces from Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn and Duke Ellington. Thomas Wilkins, one of the premiere black conductors in the country, will fill in for maestro Christoph Eschenbach. Musician Branford Marsalis, who is by far the dreamiest of the Marsalis boys (sorry Wynton), will accompany the orchestra on sax.

Sun., Jan. 15, 6 p.m., $20-$28, White Dog Café, 3420 Sansom St., 215-386-9224

The annual event boasts live gospel and authentic southern cuisine straight from the Black Family Reunion Cookbook. The ticket price also includes a discussion led by University of Pennsylvania chaplain William Gipson and an oratory recital of MLK's work by K. Rose Samuels-Evans, associate minister at the Metropolitan Baptist Church.

Mon., Jan 16, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free, National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., 215-925-2800

The NLM opens its doors to children and adults alike to celebrate King's contributions. There are numerous interactive exhibits and activities, including a make-your-own Nobel Peace Prize station.

Sun., Jan. 15, 2-4 p.m., Schoolhouse Lane between Henry Avenue and Gypsy Lane, 215-307-7980

What's MLK day without a little old-fashioned civil disobedience? Sponsored by PRAWN (Philadelphia Regional Anti-War Network), this protest is designed to pressure our boy Arlen to recognize and "respond positively" to anti-war sentiments shared by many throughout the country. Does this have a whole lot to do with Dr. King? Not so much. But if he were still with us, don't you think he'd be right there with them?