Arlington MLK Advancing the Dream Celebration Set for Jan. 16-19, 2026
Published on December 30, 2025
By Office of Communication
The Arlington MLK Four-Day Celebration Committee, Inc. will host the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. “Advancing the Dream” Celebration Jan. 16-19, featuring four days of events honoring Dr. King’s legacy under the theme “Advancing the Dream: A Journey Toward Unity.”
The celebration kicks off Jan. 16 with the MLK Advancing the Dream Gala from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the E.H. Hereford University Center’s Bluebonnet Ballroom, 300 W. First St. on The University of Texas at Arlington campus. Individual tickets are $89 and reserved tables for eight are $2,080.
Purchase MLK Gala Tickets
On Jan. 17, the MLK Step Showcase will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at James Bowie High School, 2101 Highbank Drive. Presale tickets are $10. That price is valid through 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. After that at the door, tickets are $15 for adults 19 and older, $10 for students ages 7-18 and free for children 6 and under.
Purchase Step Showcase Tickets
Also on Jan. 17, the MLK Poetry Meets Jazz will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Tickets are $21.25 online.
Purchase Poetry Meets Jazz Tickets
The MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service is scheduled for Jan. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Collins St. The guest minister is Rev. Christopher M. Lee, Executive Presbyter of Grace Presbytery.Admission is free.
On Jan. 19, the Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Mission Metroplex, 400 W. South St., followed by the MLK Day of Service Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arlington City Hall, 101 W. Abram St. Both events are free.
Register for the MLK Day of Service
The day concludes with the MLK Youth Extravaganza from 6 to 7 p.m. at Fielder Church Metro Center, 2011 S. Fielder Road. Admission is free.
The MLK Historical Timeline Exhibit will be on display at each event throughout the celebration.
For ticket information and event details, visit ArlingtonMLK.com.