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


 

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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


 

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