At a Glance
- Arlington hosts a four-day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration from January 16-19.
- Events include a gala, step showcase, jazz-poetry night, church service, day of service, festival, and youth show.
- Most activities are free; step-showcase tickets range $10-$15.
- Why it matters: Residents can honor King’s legacy through music, volunteerism, and family-friendly activities across the city.
Arlington’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. expands to four days this January, offering residents multiple ways to celebrate civil-rights progress under the theme “Advancing the Dream.” News Of Fort Worth and Telemundo 39 are media partners for the series produced by the Arlington MLK Four-Day Celebration Committee, Inc.
Gala Opens the Celebration
The January 16 gala launches the weekend at the E.H. Hereford University Center on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. The 6:30-9:00 p.m. dinner program includes live entertainment, scholarship presentations, and awards. NBC 5 anchor Vince Sims will emcee. Table reservations and individual tickets are closed.
Step Showcase and Poetry-Jazz Night
January 17 features two ticketed performances:
- MLK Step Showcase at James Bowie High School, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Open to all ages
- Presale prices (valid until 9:00 a.m. Saturday): free for ages 6 and under, $10 for everyone else
- Day-of prices: $10 for students 7-18, $15 for adults 19+
- Poetry Meets Jazz at the E.H. Hereford University Center, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
- Adults 18+
- Tickets available online
Ecumenical Service on Sunday
First Presbyterian Church hosts the MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service January 18 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The free service welcomes Rev. Christopher M. Lee, Executive Presbyter of Grace Presbytery in Irving, as guest minister.
Day of Service, Festival, and Youth Extravaganza
January 19 closes the celebration with three free events:
- Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service at Mission Metroplex, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Volunteers can register online.
- MLK Day of Service Festival at City Center Plaza, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
- MLK Youth Extravaganza at Fielder Church Metro Center, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Historical Exhibit on Display
The MLK Historical Timeline Exhibit will be set up at every venue and is also viewable online throughout the four days.
Event Schedule at a Glance
| Date | Event | Time | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 16 | Advancing the Dream Gala | 6:30-9:00 p.m. | UT Arlington E.H. Hereford Center | Closed |
| Jan. 17 | MLK Step Showcase | 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | James Bowie HS | $10-$15 |
| Jan. 17 | Poetry Meets Jazz | 7:00-9:30 p.m. | UT Arlington E.H. Hereford Center | Ticketed |
| Jan. 18 | Ecumenical Service | 6:00-7:30 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church | Free |
| Jan. 19 | Day of Service | 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Mission Metroplex | Free |
| Jan. 19 | Service Festival | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. | City Center Plaza | Free |
| Jan. 19 | Youth Extravaganza | 6:00-7:00 p.m. | Fielder Church Metro Center | Free |
For venue addresses, ticket links, and volunteer sign-ups, visit the full schedule online.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington’s four-day observance is one of the region’s most comprehensive MLK tributes.
- Mix of free and low-cost events ensures broad community access.
- Historical exhibit connects local attendees to the national civil-rights timeline.
