Martin Luther King Jr. Day is coming up on Monday, January 20th! The holiday is nationally recognized as a day of service and remembering MLK's legacy, and there are plenty of ways to participate in Dallas! From candle-lighting ceremonies and parades to job fairs and rodeos, there are so many Check out the full lineup below and make your plans to celebrate his legacy!
Updated January 2025
Candle Lighting Ceremony
Kick off MLK Week with a special candle-lighting ceremony commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King, hosted by Alpha Sigma Lambda.
Date & time: January 10th from 7 to 8:30pm
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Price: Free
South Dallas | Directions
MLK Fest 2025
Join a community cleanup and mural painting, followed by live music, food, and guest speakers.
Date & time: January 11th from 8am to 2pm
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Price: Free
South Dallas | Directions
MLK Scholarship & Awards Gala
Celebrate unity, equality, and justice with keynote speaker Reverend Nontombi Naomi Tutu, featuring performances and more.
Date & time: January 11th from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Price: $215 to $350
South Dallas | Directions
Day of Reflection & Prayer
The community will come together and join local faith leaders as they lead prayers for the city’s safety and well-being, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Dr. King.
Date & time: January 14th from 11am to 1pm
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Price: Free
South Dallas | Directions
MLK Celebration Job Fair
Connect with 75 employers offering on-site interviews and job opportunities!
Date & time: January 15th from 11am to 3pm
Location: Briscoe Center
Price: Free
Fair Park | Directions
Multicultural Showcase
Celebrate Dallas’ cultures, ethnicities, and traditions while honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Date & time: January 16th from 12pm to 1pm
Location: Dallas City Hall Lobby
Price: Free
Downtown | Directions
MLK Day Parade
One of the largest events for the holiday in Dallas, the MLK Day parade celebrates MLK’s legacy with 250+ organizations, drill teams, and colorful floats. See their website for the exact parade route!
Date & time: January 18th from 10am to 2pm
Location: Downtown Dallas
Price: Free
Fair Park | Directions
Arlington Advancing the Dream Event
Enjoy four days of events including galas, story hours, a day of service, and festivals! Plus, the MLK Historical Timeline Exhibit will be on display at each event.
Date & time: January 17th to January 20
Location: Various locations and times
Price: Varies, some events are ticketed
Arlington | Multiple locations
MLK Poetry Blues & R&B
Experience MLK’s legacy as told through poetry, blues, and R&B at this commemorative performance.
Date & time: January 18th at 7pm
Location: UT-Arlington, Bluebonnet Ballroom
Price: $20 per person
Arlington | Directions
Cowboys of Color Rodeo
Celebrate the diversity of cowboy culture and history at this thrilling rodeo, which is the largest multicultural rodeo in the world!
Date & time: January 20th at 2pm
Location: Dickies Arena
Price: $30
Fort Worth | Directions
