Updated Friday, January 12, 2024 at 4:49pm
Celebrate the vision and impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at parades and events in Houston from Saturday, January 13 through Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day (MLK), Monday, January 15, 2024.
This weekend, Houstonians will gather on MLK Day to commemorate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., held this year on what would be his 95th birthday.
Monday will also mark a national day of service, where we all can find ways of giving back and making an impact in our communities. If you’re looking for ways that you can make a difference, we’ve recently posted 15 places where you can volunteer in Greater Houston.
Looking for more things going on this weekend? Check out our guide to the best of Houston’s happenings over the extended weekend.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Events in Houston
Saturday, January 13, 2024
- 28th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at Children’s Museum Houston – Honor the legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with messages of unity, justice, and peace. Expect gospel music, a Peace March, and an “I Have a Dream” speech reenactment by Steve Scott. $17 for ages 1 and up. 10am to 6pm.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – Celebrate MLK with a full day of activities, including a performance by Rhyme & Reason that celebrates Black history, plus dream drawings, story time and other craft activities. $15 for ages 1 and up. 10am to 6pm.
- MLK R&B Food Truck Festival at Almeda Food Truck Park – Dish on everything from bbq to dessert at this food truck party happening in Historic Third Ward, set to the sounds of live bands and DJs. Noon to 10pm.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Galveston | FREE – Galveston Island honors the legacy of Dr. King with a lively parade down 29th Street and concluding at Menard Park. 1pm to 2pm.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Central Green Park | FREE – The Katy park hosts this Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, featuring and afternoon of live music, a community art project, giveaways and a presentation of a Martin Luther King Jr. speech. 1pm to 4pm.
- Black Heritage Society Banquet at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – The annual Black Heritage Society gala offers a night of cocktails and dinner, with live music from the world-renowned Kashmere Reunion Stage Band. $125; $65 for ages 16 and under. 6pm to 9:30pm.
Sunday, January 14, 2024
- 2024 MLK Awards Gala at the Bell Tower on 34th – This black-tie gala celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. at an inspiring awards event with keynote speakers, including a special guest appearance by actor Maria Howell. $200. 7pm to 10pm.
MLK Day, Monday, January 15, 2024
- 30th Annual MLK Grande Parade in Midtown | FREE – This parade features more than 100 culturally diverse performance groups from across the nation coming together to showcase their talents and spread the message of peace, justice and love. This year’s theme is “Will Still Believe” and the parade will begin on San Jacinto and Elgin Street in Midtown. 10am.
- 46th Annual Original MLK, Jr. Parade & Festival in Downtown Houston | FREE – Presented by the Black Heritage Society, this parade will be led by City of Houston dignitaries, marching bands, floats, peaceful marches and more. The procession begins at Lamar and Smith Streets. Stick around after the parade for a family festival at City Hall featuring multicultural musical performances, kid-friendly activities, art, craft vendors, food and other festivities. 10am to 4pm.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Holocaust Museum Houston | FREE – Normally closed on Mondays, HMH offers a free admission day on MLK Day. Take time to check out the galleries, including the opening weekend of The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, a collection of paintings, sculpture, photographs, books and more amassed during the five decades of marriage between Shirley and Bernard Kinsey. The exhibition, which runs through June, is part of one of the largest collections of African American history and art in the world. 10am to 5pm.
- MLK Birthday Observance: Public Health Epidemic of Gun Violence at Rothko Chapel | FREE – In the spirit of Dr. King’s commitment to address critically important justice issues and create a more equitable society through engaging in nonviolent tactics, this event provides space to learn more about the public health impacts of gun violence, and to delve into our collective responsibilities to address this critical epidemic. David Hogg will serve as keynote speaker in the evening, and all day long you can view a memorial on the plaza dedicated to US victims of gun violence. Pay-what-you-can. 10am to 8:30pm; Discussions begin at 5:45pm.
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