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 gala tickets: Ticket Info – MLK Advancing the Dream Gala | UTATICKETS.com –
The University of Texas at Arlington 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. 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 showcase tickets: Ticket Info – MLK Step Showcase | UTATICKETS.com – The University of Texas at Arlington
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: Ticket Info – MLK Poetry Meets Jazz | UTATICKETS.com – The University of Texas at Arlington
The MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service is scheduled for Jan. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Collins St. 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 as a volunteer for the Day of Service: Zeb Strong, Jr. MLK Day Of Service | City of Arlington, TX
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.
The MLK Historical Timeline Exhibit will be on display at each event throughout the celebration.For ticket information and event details, visit ArlingtonMLK.com. (https://www.arlingtontx.gov/News-Articles/2025/December/Arlington-MLK-Advancing-the-Dream-Celebration-Set-for-Jan.-16-19-2026)
About the Arlington MLK Four-Day Celebration Committee, Inc.
Organized in 1989 and established as a nonprofit in 1990, the MLK Celebration Committee has been an active contributor to the community for 37 years. The MLK Celebration Committee has given out scholarships to 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 – SE Campus
• City of Arlington
• The University of Texas at Arlington
