2026 MLK Celebration Week

In January 2026, the City of Dallas hosts its annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a week of events highlighting issues of opportunity, diversity, and community. This year’s theme is “Remaining Awake Through a Great Transformation.”

MLK Week will feature our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship and Awards Gala, in which we will present scholarships to the winners of our MLK Essay contest and recognize organizations and individuals that have supported the MLK Center and our community throughout 2025, and will culminate with the annual MLK Day Parade.

-Schedule of Events-

Download PDF Flyer

Day of Reflection, Prayer, & Dedication
Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Facilitated by faith leaders, the city of Dallas unites in sending prayers for the well-being of our city. We also commemorate the life of Dr. King by laying wreaths, symbolizing our unwavering dedication to his cause of a more just society.

MLK Celebration Job Fair
Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

RSVP: bit.ly/2026mlkjobfair

An in-person opportunity job fair held at the Briscoe Center at Fair Park in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas featuring on-site interviews and job offers from 75 employers.

Multicultural Showcase
Thursday, Jan. 15 | 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Youth Commission in the Dallas City Hall lobby celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, and traditions of Dallasites while honoring and celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Drivers of Opportunities Symposium
Friday, Jan. 16 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Candle Lighting Ceremony
Friday, Jan. 16 | 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in kicking off 2025 MLK Week by commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King.

MLK Fest 2026
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A community clean-up and mural painting inspired by civil rights advocate Juanita Craft, followed by a resource fair and celebration at the MLK Center with live music, food, and guest speakers in partnership with the Walls Project, Epiphany, New Era, and the city of Dallas.

44th Annual MLK Scholarship & Awards Gala
Saturday, Jan. 17 | 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join us for our annual Gala as we come together to celebrate unity, equality, and justice. This black tie event promises to be an incredible experience, highlighting scholarship winners, award presentations, performances, and more!

MLK Day Parade
Monday, Jan. 19 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

H.E.L.P and the city of Dallas invites you to participate in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade! For more information, please visit https://help-dallas.org/mlk-parade.

Sponsorship

Sponsorships and partnerships enable us to make MLK Celebration Week events free to the public, except for the MLK Scholarship and Awards Gala (which requires ticket purchase). Sponsorship benefits and levels for MLK Celebration Week events and the MLK Scholarship and Awards Gala are outlined in the attached packet.