From festivals to parades, here’s where you can celebrate MLK Jr. Day in Houston
Dream On WonderWeek
The Children’s Museum Houston is hosting the Dream Big WonderWeek, commemorating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with inspiring activities. On Jan. 13, the 28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration features the Caryakid Award presentation to Mr. Larry Payne, alongside highlights like a Peace March, gospel music and Steve Scott’s reenactment of the “I Have a Dream” speech.
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 13, Jan. 14
Where: Children’s Museum Houston, 1500 Binz
Details: $15-$17; cmhouston.org
MLK R&B Food Truck Festival
From BBQ to desserts, there will be something to satisfy every craving at this event. Groove to rhythm and blues tunes throughout the day while celebrating food, music and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
When: Noon-10 p.m. Jan. 13 Where: 4501 Almeda Food Truck Park Details:bit.ly/3tM45zS
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Central Green Park in Katy will host an afternoon celebration to honor Martin Luther King Jr., offering live performances, a community art contest, giveaways and a presentation of a Martin Luther King Jr. speech.
When: 1-4 p.m. Jan. 13 Where: Central Green Park, 23501 Cinco Ranch, Katy Details: Free; centralgreenpark.com
A Musical Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
The Community Music Center of Houston will honor Martin Luther King Jr. with a musical tribute at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church. Expect a selection of Civil Rights era songs, hiphop orchestra fusion, music from the Black Beethoven, Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint Georges, and spirituals. When: 5 p.m. Jan. 14
Where: St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, 3006 Rosedale
Details: Free; cmchouston.org
MLK Day Of Service: Third Ward Chess Park
Third Ward Chess Park will host an MLK Day of Service. Attendees are invited to join in the community effort by participating in activities such as planting new greenery in planter boxes and contributing to the park cleanup. Additionally, chess enthusiasts can look forward to a chess tournament right at the park.
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 15 Where: 3rd Ward Chess Park, 2604 McGowen
Details: Free; bit.ly/47vaFIW
30th annual MLK Grande Parade
The annual MLK Grande Parade will begin at San Jacinto and Elgin in Midtown. This year’s theme is “We Still Believe” and will feature more than 100 culturally diverse performance groups from across the nation.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 15 Where: San Jacinto and Elgin St
Details: Free; mlkgrandeparade.org
Annual MLK Birthday Observance at Rothko Chapel
The Rothko Chapel partners with Houston Moms Demand Action, Daya, TAAF, and Jung Center Houston for its Annual MLK Birthday Observance, focusing on the public health crisis of gun violence. The event includes a memorial for U.S. gun violence victims, community tables for involvement, a keynote by David Hogg of March For Our Lives, a panel with local health experts and contemplative music and poetry. When: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 Where: Rothko Chapel, 3900 Yupon
Details: Pay what you can ($520); rothkochapel.org
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Usually closed on Mondays, the Holocaust Museum Houston welcomes visitors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day with free admission to its galleries. Visitors can see the exhibit, “The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection,” showcasing a rich assortment of paintings, sculpture, photos and books gathered by Shirley and Bernard Kinsey over five decades. Running until June, this exhibit is among the world’s most extensive collections of African American art and history.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 15 Where: Holocaust Museum Houston, 5401 Caroline Details: Free; hmh.org
46th annual Original MLK Jr. Day Parade and Festival
The 46th annual “Original” MLK Jr. Day Parade, hosted by the Black Heritage Society and the City of Houston, features marching bands, vibrant floats and cars. This year’s theme, “Brotherly Love: Advocating Strongly for Peace, Freedom, and Justice,” includes Grand Marshal Attorney Benjamin Crump, ESQ, and co-Grand Marshals Commissioner Adrain Garcia and Pastor Walter August Jr., with a special appearance by Rev. Dr. Derek King, Dr. King’s nephew. Following the parade, head to the Houston MLK Festival at City Hall Herman Square Park until 4 p.m., offering diverse musical performances, family-friendly activities, art, food vendors and more.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 15 Where: Smith and Lamar Details: Free; blackheritagesociety.net