Celebrate the vision and the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with these Houston MLK Day 2015 celebrations parades, performances and gatherings from Friday, January 16 to Monday, January 19, 2015.
MLK Weekend Shortcuts
Although the official day for honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. may not be until Monday, January 19, there are plenty of celebrations and events on Saturday and Sunday leading up to Houston MLK Day 2015.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
- Black Heritage Society’s MLK Children’s March | FREE – Children’s groups of all backgrounds will will march in solidarity with the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr. at this procession starting at the intersection of Hamilton and Texas in Downtown. 10am to noon.
- Black Heritage Society’s Community & Health Festival at McGregor Park | FREE – Enjoy healthy activities and games, displays, music, food and community in the park which is home to Greater Houston’s newest MLK memorial statue. 11am to 5pm
- 9th Annual MLK Youth Parade | FREE – See 20 marching bands, 10 parade floats and lots of youthful spirit at this always entertaining parade that draws about 200,000 spectators along San Jacinto and Elgin in Midtown. Noon to 1:30
Sunday, January 18, 2015
- Black Heritage Society’s MLK, Jr. Gospel Fest in Downtown | FREE – Enjoy live gospel, treats and more at this Sunday afternoon celebration on Jones Plaza. 3pm to 10pm.
- 14th Annual MLK Battle of The Bands Competition at Rice Stadium – Twenty nationally acclaimed marching bands hailing from Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas will compete for first place. $10. 4pm to 9pm.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday, January 19, 2015
- 21st Annual MLK Grande Parade in Midtown | FREE – More than 300,000 spectators are expected for this large two-hour parade honoring Dr. King with 30 marching bands and 15 parade floats. 10am.
- Black Heritage Society’s 37th Annual “Original” MLK Birthday Parade in Downtown | FREE – Houston’s oldest Martin Luther King, Jr. parade starts at the intersection of Hamilton and Texas by Minute Maid Park. 10am.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Children’s Museum of Houston –Bring the kids to a day of celebration of African-American culture, ingenuity, peace and leadership. $5. 10am to 6pm.
- Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Rothko Chapel | FREE – In honor of MLK Day, the Rothko Chapel will play a selection of his speeches at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Guests will hear Dr. King’s distinctive voice and message resonate amidst the acoustics of the Chapel. Suggested donation of $10.
