Bay Area honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day with several events

Today, Americans commemorate what would have been Doctor Martin Luther King Jr's 88th birthday. The iconic civil rights leader will be honored for his contributions to the country and the world. Many will be using today as a day of service.

For a list of MLK Day of Service events where you live, click here.

President Obama is encouraging Americans to observe the federal holiday by coming together and helping their neighborhood and community. Government offices and the U.S. stock market are closed today. Doctor King's actual birthday was yesterday, but the holiday falls on the third Monday in January.

An MLK day tradition will roll from the South Bay to San Francisco today. The Celebration Train, which used to be known as the Freedom Train, will leave San Jose's Diridon station at 9:45 this morning. The train will arrive in San Francisco at 11 a.m. where passengers will join the mile and a half march to the annual King Day celebration at Yerba Buena Gardens. All the free tickets for the Celebration Train have been handed out.

PHOTOS: The legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Oakland, a multicultural rally will get underway at 10 a.m. It's happening at the ILWU Union Hall on Hegenberger Road. Several lawmakers will be there, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

It's also a great day to visit Muir Woods, Yosemite or the San Francisco Maritime Museum. In honor of the MLK holiday, National Parks are free today. There are 412 national parks in the U.S., including 27 in California. Today is one of ten days this year that entrance fees will be waived. The next will be February 20, President's Day.

In San Francisco, young poets and writers will take part in an event at Nourse Theatre. It's called "Bringing the Noise." Poets and leaders will reinterpret excerpts of some of Dr. King's powerful speeches. Tickets start at $5 and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Click here to see how Dr. King is being honored here in the Bay Area and across the country.