DALLAS – Communities across North Texas are set to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a variety of events leading up to MLK Day on Monday, January 20, 2025. This year, the federal holiday coincides with Inauguration Day, making it a significant moment of reflection and unity.
Closures on Martin Luther King Day
As federal holidays, both MLK Day and Inauguration Day will result in the closure of most government offices and agencies on January 20. Banks, schools, and post offices across the nation will also be closed in observance.
The United States Postal Service and UPS will suspend mail deliveries for the day, while FedEx will operate with modified services.
Celebrations and Events Across North Texas
Arlington
Arlington will host a series of events as part of its annual MLK Advancing the Dream celebration:
- Gala: January 17, 6:30–9 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Tickets: $85; tables: $2,000.
- Step Showcase: January 18, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Bowie High School. Tickets: $5–$10; children under 6: free.
- Story Hour: January 18, 6–7 p.m. at UTA Central Library. Free admission.
- Poetry Meets Blues and R&B: January 18, 7–9:30 p.m. at Bluebonnet Ballroom. Tickets: $20.
- Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service: January 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Greater Community MBC. Free admission.
- Day of Service: January 20, 9 a.m.–noon at Mission Metroplex. Registration: ArlingtonMLK.com.
- Day of Service Festival: January 20, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at City Center Plaza. Free admission.
- Youth Extravaganza: January 20, 6–7 p.m. at Fielder Church Metro Center. Free admission.
Carrollton
The annual MLK Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. on January 18 behind Carrollton City Hall, followed by a program at Ted Polk Middle School at 11:30 a.m.
Dallas
Dallas will mark its 43rd annual MLK celebration with a week-long series of events centered on the theme, “The Unfinished Agenda of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Where Do We Go Now?” Highlights include:
- Day of Reflection, Prayer, and Dedication: January 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Job Fair: January 15, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Fair Park’s Briscoe Center.
- Multicultural Showcase: January 16, 12–1 p.m. at Dallas City Hall.
- Equity Indicators Symposium: January 17, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- MLK Day Parade: January 18, 10 a.m. beginning at Fair Park.
Denton
Denton’s MLK Day Celebration on January 20 includes a march at 9:30 a.m. from Fred Moore Park to the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, where a program and activities will follow.
Fort Worth
The 40th Annual MLK Parade and Rally will take place downtown on January 20 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Garland
On January 18, Garland will host its 36th Annual MLK Celebrations, including a parade at 10 a.m., a musical performance at noon, and a Youth Extravaganza at 4 p.m.
Other Events Across North Texas
Cities including Grand Prairie, Irving, and Mesquite will also hold parades, performances, and community celebrations to honor Dr. King’s enduring impact.
For more details, visit local city websites or event pages.
