Free & Fun Events in Arlington Jan. 14-20, 2026
Published on January 14, 2026
By Matthew Boyd, Office of Communication
Celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday week with these free and fun events scheduled across The American Dream City from Jan. 14 through Jan. 19, 2026. Check back each week for a new list of family-friendly activities.
Pokemon TCG Club
Pokémon fans are invited to the Pokémon TCG Club on Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Southwest Branch Library. Bring your own Pokémon trading cards to play, trade, and connect with fellow trainers. Cosplay is welcome and encouraged.
Texas Authors Book Club
The Texas Authors Book Club will meet Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Fielder Museum. The program will feature author Tui Snider discussing Santa Claus Bank Robber, a true-crime account of a dramatic 1927 Christmastime bank robbery and its tragic aftermath.
Hike with a Naturalist
Bundle up and join a free, guided Hike with a Naturalist on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at River Legacy Nature Center. This relaxed, family-friendly hike has no set theme, allowing naturalists to explore winter wildlife, plant adaptations, animal tracks, and other seasonal surprises, with the route tailored to the group and weather conditions.
Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service
Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by giving back at the Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Mission Arlington–Mission Metroplex. Volunteers will receive community assignments at check-in, with the first 500 participants receiving a commemorative MLK T-shirt, and awards presented to the largest youth and overall volunteer groups.
MLK Day of Service Festival
The MLK Day of Service Festival is a free, family-friendly celebration on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Center Plaza in Arlington, where the community can honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with live performances, dance troupes, the MLK essay winner showcase, informational exhibits and more. It’s part of the city’s “Advancing the Dream” series of events recognizing local volunteers and promoting unity and service.