Celebrate Martin Luther King Day in Houston

JANUARY 17, 2026 | 7:30 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his lasting message of justice, equality, and peace at this citywide run at Eleanor Tinsley Park. Open to all abilities. Join together in the spirit of community in a great atmosphere in your custom runner's t-shirt, finisher’s towel and medal, and more. The event is by Buffalo Bayou in Downtown. If you don’t want to run, show up to cheer on the runners! 

JANUARY 17, 2025 | 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Children’s Museum Houston invites the community for a powerful and interactive celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. Beginning at 9 a.m., this event is open to all ages and features live music, spoken word, and hands-on moments. The event culminates with a coming together to honor King’s legacy with a Peace March through Kids’ Hall at the museum. Join Children’s Museum Houston for a day of celebration and enrichment!

JANUARY 18, 2026 | 3:30 P.M.

Rice University's Office of Public Affairs invites the Houston community to this free event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration of MLK Jr. is a special event hosted by Rice Black Men’s Association and Multicultural Community Relations. The vigil will take place in Kraft Hall, Room 130 at Rice University.

JANUARY 19, 2026 | 11:00 A.M., 1:00 P.M., 3:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M.

In honor of MLK Day each year, the Rothko Chapel invites the community for this free, in-person event (no registration required). The iconic Houston landmark will play critically influential speeches from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life throughout the day. Listen to the quiet of the Chapel resonate with MLK’s voice accompanied by local gospel choirs inspired by selected speeches.

• 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: "Loving Your Enemies," delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Montgomery, AL on November 17, 1957 // Musical response performed by Phillip Hall Singers
• 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” delivered at Mason Temple, Memphis, TN on April 3, 1968 // Musical response performed by Kenneth Gayle accompanied by Phillip Hall
• 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: “The Other America,” delivered at Stanford University, CA, on April 14, 1967 // Musical response performed by Houston Ebony Opera Guild
• 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: "I Have a Dream," delivered at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., on August 28, 1963 // Musical response performed by Kenneth Gayle accompanied by Dr. John Cornelius

Artist Barnett Newman’s sculpture Broken Obelisk (1968) on the Rothko Chapel Plaza is dedicated to Dr. King as a reminder of the unfinished work of building beloved community and struggling for justice together. 

JANUARY 19, 2026 | 10 A.M.

The Black Heritage Society Inc., in collaboration with the City of Houston and Mayor John Whitmire, will unite with MLK Grande Parade for the first time to honor MLK Jr. Day with one singular parade and celebration. The MLK Unity Parade starts in Downtown Houston at Smith and McKinney Street. After the parade, head to Tranquility Park (400 Smith) for the MLK Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., which will feature giveaways, various vendors, family fun, and more. The MLK Unity Parade will feature legendary radio personality “MADD HATT” as the Grand Marshal, with Freddie Jackson and Debora Nixon, RN, serving as Co-Grand Marshals.

JANUARY 19, 2026 | TIMES VARY

The YMCA of Greater Houston will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with opportunities for the community to give back! MLK Day of Service is a federal holiday observed as a National Day of Service. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to issues they face every day in their communities. On Monday, January 19, YMCAs throughout the Greater Houston Area will host service events to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. The non-profit invites all to join in serving the community. The full list of opportunities can be found HERE.