Celebrate the vision and impact of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at parades and events in Houston from Wednesday, January 15 through Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day (MLK), Monday, January 20, 2025.
This month, Houstonians will gather around MLK Day to commemorate the life, character, accomplishments, service, and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day & Weekend Events in Houston
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Texas Virtual Townhall Meeting on Diversity | FREE – The MLK Grande Parade hosts this virtual meeting to bring together voices from various sectors to discuss progress, identify challenges, and propose actionable solutions for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Registration is required. 10am to 11:30am.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Got that Swing: Celebrating Jewish & African American Big Band Greats at Congregation Emanu El – Heading into MLK Weekend, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center and Congregation Emanu El present a night of big band music, dancing, desserts, and drinks. Swing era chic and comfortable dancing shoes are encouraged for a night live music celebrating the influence of jazz legends Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Artie Shaw. $25. 7:30pm.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
28th Annual Martin Luther King 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. $19.95 for ages 1 and up. 9am to 5pm.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center – Celebrate MLK with a full day of activities, including a historical story time to learn about Martin Luther King, Jr and a paper plate wreath craft activity. $15 for ages 1 and up. 11am to 6pm.
The Cookout: A Celebration of Community in Arts District Houston | FREE with RSVP – Created in honor of MLK Jr. Day, the new events celebrates Dr. King’s legacy of unity, service, and community building with a market featuring local vendors and small businesses, a DJ battle, and food and beverages. It benefits The Beacon, an organization dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness in Houston. Free, but a $10 donation is encouraged. 2pm to 6pm.
Black Heritage Society Soiree at Hotel Icon in Downtown – Celebrate Dr. King and the society in style. Beginning with a red carpet entrance at the legendary boutique hotel, guests can expect celebration, engaging conversations, music from DJ Game, dancing, an auction, vendors and more. Special guest Reverend Dr. Derek King, Dr. MLK Jr’s nephew, will be in attendance. $85. 6pm until close.
Sunday, January 21, 2025
- MLK Grande Parade Gala at The Mansion in Sugar Land – Held at The Mansion in Sugar Land, this year’s MLK Awards Gala will feature a red carpet reception starting at 6pm, followed by the awards ceremony starting at 7pm. $150. 6pm to 11pm.
MLK Day, Monday, January 20, 2025
MLK Jr Day Freedom Run at Eleanor Tinsley Park – Celebrate the work of Martin Luther King, Jr, the freedom everyone shares, and the living diversity of Houston at multi-faceted run with options for every level—a 5K, 10K, 13.1K and a family 1-miler—at Eleanor Tinsley Park by Buffalo Bayou in Downtown. Registration filled up quickly, but it’s not too late to show up, cheer the runners on, and embrace the atmosphere before your parade of choice. 7:30am to noon.
NAACP Missouri City & Vicinity Branch MLK Breakfast in Missouri City – Held at the Knanaya Catholic Community Center, the annual NAACP Missouri City & Vicinity Branch Martin Luther King Scholarship Breakfast supports the youth by awarding academic and trade scholarships as well as providing resources to the community. Tickets are $50. 8am to 11am.
31st MLK Grande Parade 2025 in Midtown | FREE – Boasting more than 100 culturally diverse performance groups from across the nation, the parade is a showcase of their talents while spreading the message of peace, justice and love. This year’s theme is “Unity Through Diversity” and the parade will begin on San Jacinto and Elgin streets in Midtown. 10am.
47th Annual Original MLK, Jr. Parade & Festival in Downtown Houston | FREE – The Black Heritage Society presents Houston’s Downtown MLK parade led by City of Houston dignitaries and featuring marching bands, floats, peace marches, and more. The procession begins at Lamar and Smith streets and ends with a family festival at City Hall, complete with multicultural musical performances, arts, craft vendors, food, kids activities, and more. 10am to 4pm.
2025 MLK Day Observance at Rothko Chapel | FREE – The Rothko Chapel’s annual MLK Day observance fills the normally silent space with speeches from Dr. King’s historic life throughout the day, as the peaceful sanctum resignations with the peaceful message of his powerful voice and message. Audio installation plays at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.
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