North Texas, January 16, 2026
Communities in North Texas are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with parades, performances, and service events this MLK Day weekend. Dallas, Garland, Arlington, Leander, and Grand Prairie will host various activities commemorating Dr. King’s legacy. Highlights include the annual MLK Day Parade in Dallas featuring over 200 entries, the Garland parade celebrating fraternity contributions, and a day of service festival in Arlington. These events showcase the region’s commitment to community engagement and cultural celebration.
North Texas Communities Celebrate MLK Day with Parades, Performances, and Service Events
Dallas, Texas – North Texas communities are honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events, including parades, performances, and service activities, throughout the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.
Dallas MLK Day Parade
Dallas will host its annual MLK Day Parade on Monday, January 19, 2026, starting at 10:30 a.m. The parade, themed “Walk Together in Unity with Purpose,” will feature over 200 entries, including creative floats, dance teams, cultural organizations, first responders, youth groups, and civic partners. The parade route begins at MLK Blvd and S.M. Wright Freeway, proceeding to Fair Park. A kickoff ceremony is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the MLK Center. Richard Miles, founder of Miles of Freedom, will serve as the parade’s Grand Marshal. Attendance is expected to range from 25,000 to 70,000 people. The event is free to attend.
Garland MLK Day Events
Garland will celebrate with a series of activities. The 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and March is set for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. The parade will begin on Dairy Road at Garden Drive near Embree Park and proceed through downtown streets to the Granville Arts Center. The 2026 theme is “Spotlighting Alphas and Omegas on MLK Day,” highlighting the contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha and Omega Psi Phi fraternities. Grand marshals include Gayelord Gray, basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.’s Theta Alpha Chapter; Cedric F. Washington, president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.’s Xi Tau Lambda Chapter; and Asonye J. Ordu, basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.’s Delta Xi Chapter. Following the parade, the MLK musical “Freedom’s Symphony” will be performed at noon at the Granville Arts Center. The weekend concludes with the MLK Youth Extravaganza on Sunday, January 18, at 4 p.m., featuring youth performers from area churches, Garland ISD, and local youth organizations.
Arlington MLK Day of Service Festival
Arlington will host the MLK Day of Service Festival on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Center Plaza, 100 S. Center St. The event will showcase Arlington’s MLK volunteers, feature the MLK essay winner, local dance troupes, and a band, and include the Tarrant County College traveling timeline and MLK informational videos. This is a free, family-focused event.
Leander MLK Day March and Celebration
Leander will observe MLK Day with a march and celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026. The march will begin at 10 a.m. from the Cedar Park Recreation Center and conclude at the same location, where a celebration featuring performances from dancers, musicians, and spoken word artists will take place. The main stage schedule runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Grand Prairie MLK Smooth Winter Groove: Tyrese
Grand Prairie will host the “MLK Smooth Winter Groove: Tyrese” event on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at the Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Performance Place. The event features R&B singer Tyrese performing his greatest hits and fan favorites.
Additional MLK Day Events in North Texas
- Arlington: The MLK Advancing the Dream Gala is scheduled for January 16, 2026, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the E.H. Hereford University Center’s Bluebonnet Ballroom, 300 W. First St. Individual tickets are $89, and reserved tables for eight are $2,080.
- Sherman: Austin College will host the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on January 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to noon at the Ida Green Communication Center, Nation Theatre, 1201 East Brockett Street. The event features keynote speaker Aaron “A.T.” Thomas, Denison City Council member, and includes student speakers and a musical performance. The program concludes with the presentation of the annual MLK Visionary Award. This annual event also serves as a fundraiser for the Grayson County NAACP branch scholarship fund. The event is free and open to the public.
- Flower Mound: The communities of North Texas will come together in a virtual, nonpolitical, interfaith civic event on January 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Marcus High School Arena. The theme for 2026 is “Better Together: Making the Dream a Reality.”
These events reflect the region’s commitment to honoring Dr. King’s legacy through community engagement, cultural celebrations, and service activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the theme of the 2026 Dallas MLK Day Parade?
The theme of the 2026 Dallas MLK Day Parade is “Walk Together in Unity with Purpose.”
When and where is the Garland MLK Day Parade taking place?
The Garland MLK Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10 a.m., beginning on Dairy Road at Garden Drive near Embree Park and proceeding through downtown streets to the Granville Arts Center.
What is the theme of the 2026 Arlington MLK Day of Service Festival?
The Arlington MLK Day of Service Festival is part of the “Advancing the Dream: A Journey Toward Unity” celebration.
What is the schedule for the Leander MLK Day March and Celebration?
The Leander MLK Day March will begin at 10 a.m. from the Cedar Park Recreation Center and conclude at the same location, where a celebration featuring performances from dancers, musicians, and spoken word artists will take place. The main stage schedule runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
When and where is the Grand Prairie MLK Smooth Winter Groove: Tyrese event taking place?
The Grand Prairie MLK Smooth Winter Groove: Tyrese event is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. at the Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Performance Place.
Key Features of MLK Day Events in North Texas
| Event | Date and Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas MLK Day Parade | January 19, 2026, 10:30 a.m. | MLK Blvd and S.M. Wright Freeway, Dallas, TX | Parade featuring over 200 entries, including floats, dance teams, and cultural organizations, honoring Dr. King’s legacy. Free to attend. |
| Garland MLK Day Parade | January 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m. | Dairy Road at Garden Drive near Embree Park, Garland, TX | 37th annual parade with the theme “Spotlighting Alphas and Omegas on MLK Day,” highlighting contributions of Alpha Phi Alpha and Omega Psi Phi fraternities. Free to attend. |
| Arlington MLK Day of Service Festival | January 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | City Center Plaza, 100 S. Center St., Arlington, TX | Family-focused festival showcasing local volunteers, performers, and informative displays. Free to attend. |
| Leander MLK Day March and Celebration | January 19, 2026, 10:00 a.m. | Cedar Park Recreation Center, Leander, TX | March followed by a celebration featuring performances from local artists. |
| Grand Prairie MLK Smooth Winter Groove: Tyrese | January 17, 2026, 8:00 p.m. | Texas Trust CU Theatre, 1001 Performance Place, Grand Prairie, TX | Concert featuring R&B singer Tyrese performing his greatest hits. |
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