Monday, January 20 is a day across Texas and the U.S. to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most important figures in American history. A minister, activist, and political philosopher, King was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement until he was assassinated in 1968. The lessons from his life — to stand up for what's right, and to famously "have a dream," still resonate today.

On that day, the majority of government offices and agencies will be closed in observance of the holiday. Banks, schools, and post offices will be closed nationwide.

Cities, civic organizations, and arts groups have come together to mark the day with parades, celebrations, and other inspirational events.

Here are some of the top celebrations happening across Dallas-Fort Worth:

PARADES

DALLAS: MLK Day Parade. 10 am Saturday, January 18 at Fair Park
The 2025 annual MLK Day Parade in Dallas is the culmination of an entire Martin Luther King Celebration Week and will begin at 10 am at the Fair Park Pennsylvania entrance. Elected officials, high school bands, dance teams, car clubs, local businesses, and other community organizations will march in the parade, including special guest Martin Luther King III. This year’s parade honors the theme “A Life of Service and Sacrifice,” with the family of Officer Darron Burks serving as the Grand Marshals. See the route map here. Arrive early to enjoy the MLK Parade Kickoff, from 9-10 am in front of the King Center, featuring a compilation of entertainment before the parade starts.

CARROLLTON: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. 10 am Saturday, January 18
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade starts behind Carrollton City Hall on Rainwater Lane. Following the parade, a program will begin at 11:30 am in the Ted Polk Middle School auditorium.

MESQUITE: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. 10 am Saturday, January 18
The parade kicks off in downtown Mesquite, near Bryan-Beltline Road and Gross Street, featuring Dr. Angel Rivera as grand marshal. It will be followed by a community celebration at 1 pm at the Mesquite Arts Center.

GRAND PRAIRIE: MLK Parade and Celebration. 10 am Saturday, January 18
The parade will begin at City Hall, 300 W. Main St., and continue to David Daniels Elementary School, 801 SW 19th St. It will showcase talent from the Grand Prairie ISD and recognize community leaders.

FORT WORTH: Neighborhood MLK Parade & Celebration, 11 am-5 pm Saturday, January 18 at Eugene McCray Community Center, 4932 Wilbarger St. The seventh annual Neighborhood MLK Parade promises a vibrant celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy with a parade, live band, food trucks, and local vendors.

FORT WORTH: 40th Annual MLK Parade and Rally. 11 am-2 pm Monday, January 20 in downtown Fort Worth.
UPDATE 1-17-2025: Due to freezing cold weather predicted for Monday, the parade has been postponed until 10 am Monday, February 17. Hosted by the Greater Fort Worth Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee, the parade and rally will highlight community unity, the living hope of Dr. King’s Dream, and a commitment to justice for all humankind. Parade will feature floats, classic cars, and walking groups. It starts at the corner of 9th and Commerce, then goes west on 9th Street, north on Houston Street, east on Weatherford Street. south on Main Street, and ends at Main & 3rd in Sundance Square Plaza.

CITY CELEBRATIONS

MESQUITE: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration. Downtown Mesquite, 1 pm Saturday, January 18
A community celebration begins at 1 pm at the Mesquite Arts Center located at 1527 N. Galloway Ave., following a parade in downtown Mesquite that will begin at 10 am. The event includes MISD choir presentations, a special dance performance, and a keynote address by Dr. Valerie Nelson with Mesquite ISD.

IRVING: Martin Luther King Observance and Celebration in Irving. Irving Arts Center, 6 pm January 19
Join the City of Irving as they celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with dance, song, poetry, and art performed by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, featuring the performances by Here and Now, From Within, and Presence of the Lord. Ignite Community Schools will deliver a spectacular lineup of performances, including a choir from Mesquite and a dance team from Fort Worth.

ROWLETT: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Rowlett. Rowlett Community Center, 1-4 pm Sunday, January 19
Join the city of Rowlett as they honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Volunteer & Service Fair, bringing together local organizations, passionate speakers, and opportunities to get involved with nonprofit groups and volunteer organizations looking for help and support. There'll be food trucks, networking, and a Proclamation Ceremony honoring Dr. King’s enduring influence and commitment to service and justice.

ARLINGTON: MLK Day of Service Festival. City Center Plaza, 10 am-2 pm January 20
This event will showcase the MLK essay contest winner, local dance troupes and exercise groups, and informational videos on MLK Jr. Family-focused free event will feature face painting, imagination playground, and great community entertainment. Part of Arlington's citywide Advancing the Dream celebration taking place January 17-20.

DENTON: MLK Day Celebration. MLK Jr. Rec Center, 9 am-12 pm.
The city of Denton celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life, achievements, and legacy. The event is themed "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirt of Nonviolence365." It will include a march (line up at 9 am for 10 am start time), celebration, program, and flag football game.

ARTS

MLK Step Showcase. 11 am-2 pm January 18 at James Bowie High School, 2101 Highbank Dr., Arlington. Tickets run $5 to $10, kids 6 and under are free. (Presale prices valid through January 18, 2025 9 am, then increase to door prices.) Purchase tickets here.

Poetry Meets Blues and R&B. 7 pm January 18 at UTA Hereford University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom, 300 W. First St., Arlington. Poetry and music event for adults 18 and older. Admission is $20, available here.

MLK Comedy Fest featuring Cedric the Entertainer. 7:30 pm January 18 at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie. Those in need of a laugh or two will find way more than that at the MLK Comedy Fest. The show, headlined by Cedric the Entertainer, will also feature performances by DC Young Fly, B. Simone, Finesse Mitchell, and more. Tickets start at $49.

Performing Arts Fort Worth presents A Change is Gonna Come: Panel Discussion. 2 pm January 18, New Fellowship Church, Fort Worth. Ahead of the concert on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Performing Arts Fort Worth & Sheran Goodspeed Keyton present a panel discussion examining the music of the King of Soul, Sam Cooke, the era in which he lived and performed, and his relevance to modern music and sociological experiences. The discussion will explore the music, the lyrics and their impact on society as more than just a beautiful melody ... but a vehicle for change. Free.

42nd annual Black Music and Civil Rights Concert. 7:30 pm January 19 at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Event includes narration, music, and dance to dramatize and reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. and the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
Grammy award-winner Eric Benet and musical artist Amber Bullock will perform with a 100-voice concert choir. Tickets start at $40. May be already sold out.

Rx Racial Healing Circle to Honor MLK. 10 am-12 pm January 20, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 South Tyler St., Dallas.
The Rx Racial Healing Circle to Honor MLK provided by Yena promises to be a powerful gathering dedicated to fostering interconnection, reflection, deep listening, and collective healing. The circle will be guided through specific prompts from cofacilitators Caazena Hunter and Stefanie Tovar to invite participants to engage in heartfelt conversations to inspire community, honest sharing, and transformation and to celebrate the values of justice, equity, solidarity, and love that Dr. King so passionately championed. (Note: A Zoom link will be available in case of inclement weather.) Free, but reserve a spot here.

Performing Arts Fort Worth presents The Music of Sam Cooke. 7:30 pm January 20, Bass Hall, Fort Worth. The Music of Sam Cooke, featuring Bradd Marquis, is a world premiere concert featuring the greatest hits from the Legend of Soul, including "You Send Me," "Only Sixteen," "Cupid," "Chain Gang," "Twistin the Night Away," "A Change is Gonna Come," and "Wonderful World." Tickets start at $27.50.

SPORTS

MLK Invitational Tournament. January 17-20 at StarCenters throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth. Dallas Stars Tournaments hosts its annual 4-day event featuring head-to-head hockey matchups of top high school league players and teams from across the U.S. and Canada, who compete for “Texas-sized” boot trophies! Tournament is open to AA, A and A2(B) level Travel/Select and Silver/Bronze Varsity/Jr. Varsity High School programs. More information and tickets here.

MLK Jr. Freedom Run. 7:30 am January 18 at Trinity Trails, Fort Worth. Run with purpose to honor the legacy of Dr. King and his commitment to justice, equality, and peace. The family-friendly race event includes a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, family fun 1-mile run, and virtual run. Online registration has closed, but donations can be made to the local charities supported by the race here.

Cowboys of Color Rodeo at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. 2 pm January 20 at Dickies Arena, Fort Worth. The rodeo spotlight shines on more than 200 culturally diverse athletes - top African American, Hispanic, and Native American cowboys and cowgirls competing in traditional rodeo events, including bull riding, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping. Tickets start at $30.