Arlington’s 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. “Advancing the Dream” Celebration kicks off Friday, and Arlington ISD students are a big part of the festivities.
The Celebration features four days of events, Jan. 16-19, honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Arlington ISD students will participate in multiple events, including the MLK Step Showcase on Saturday and the Youth Extravaganza on Sunday. The Step Showcase will feature step teams from 19 Arlington ISD schools, and the Youth Extravaganza’s Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary Choir includes students from 15 Arlington ISD elementary schools.
See below for a full list of events:
JANUARY 16
- MLK Advancing the Dream Gala, 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. Ticket Info
JANUARY 17
- MLK Step Showcase, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at James Bowie High School, 2101 Highbank Drive. Presale tickets are $10. At the door, tickets are $15 for adults 19 and older, $10 for students ages 7-18, and free for children 6 and under. Ticket Info
- MLK Poetry Meets Jazz, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Bluebonnet Ballroom. Tickets are $21.25 online. Ticket Info
JANUARY 18
- MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Collins St. Admission is free.
JANUARY 19
- Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service, 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 as a volunteer.
- MLK Youth Extravaganza, 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.
About The Arlington Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee
Organized in 1989 and established as a nonprofit in 1990, the MLK Celebration Committee has been an active contributor to the community for more than 35 years. The MLK Celebration Committee has given out scholarships to graduating students, donated time, and provided resources to the community while continuing to push forward the message and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The committee is supported by the following organizations:
- Arlington ISD
- Arlington Ministerial Association
- Tarrant County College Southeast Campus
- The City of Arlington
- University of Texas at Arlington