The citywide summit DreamWeek San Antonio will kick off Jan. 9. Initiated in 2013 by Shokare Nakpodia, DreamWeek aims to foster dialogue around the issues central to the life and work of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and serves as an open forum for participants, organizers and event-goers to share their perspectives, discuss real-world issues, and exchange ideas.
DreamWeek 2025 boasted 100-plus events over 16 action-packed days, and 2026 DreamWeek will surpass that with a schedule of 22 days and more than 200 events. Attendees are invited to explore diverse voices, celebrate cultural heritage, and participate in meaningful conversations that shine a light on the truths and untapped resources within the community.
“As DreamWeek San Antonio has become a more established platform for civil and civic dialogue, the demand for more time slots and events has naturally increased. Extending the schedule allows for a greater volume and variety of programming without overcrowding the daily schedule,” said Frank Trejo, chief of communications and engagement for DreamWeek San Antonio.
Sha Nakpodia, founder of Dreamweek, at Ruby City in 2019. | File Photo
Aside from crowd-favorite events like the DWSA Dream Ball, the summit is set to host a diverse array of community-curated programming that spans arts, culture and community dialogue. Trejo notes the summit will feature everything from captivating fashion shows and immersive art exhibits to thought-provoking film screenings, engaging panel discussions and symposiums, and vital community-focused events like health fairs and resource events.
The theme of DreamWeek 2026 is Revelations.
“Revelations is about pulling back the curtain on the brilliance that exists all around us but often goes unrecognized,” Nakpodia said. “Every neighborhood, every cultural group, every generation has contributed to making San Antonio the vibrant, resilient community it is today. This year, we’re creating space to celebrate those stories and the people behind them — to reveal the community genius that has always been here.”
With so much happening over the multi-week summit, Trejo suggests that attendees venture out with an open mind.
“The DreamWeek San Antonio summit is a great opportunity to explore your city and discover new perspectives, to make the most of your time, review and create your personalized ‘dream list’ on the website. This will help you curate your week-by-week DWSA experience.”
Tthe Olaju African Market Festival, which showcases arts from the African continent, is among the officially recognized DreamWeek events. | File Photo
If you’re a first-time attendee, Trejo says, “We hope that DreamWeek San Antonio serves as a powerful and immediate point of connection to the heart of San Antonio. Our primary hope is that you will take away the immense value of listening to perspectives different from your own, widening your understanding of the issues and successes within our community.
“Ultimately, we hope you leave feeling inspired. You can help grow the summit by simply spreading the word, recommending new partners or even taking the exciting step of hosting your own event. We want you to see this as your invitation to contribute to the dream.”
Beyond January, the summit organizers want to engage the community in preparation for its milestone 15th anniversary in 2027. If you are interested in curating your own event, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities, reach out via Dreamweek.org.
2026 DreamWeek San Antonio
Opening Ceremony
7:30-9 a.m. Jan. 9
Jack Guenther Pavilion at The Briscoe Western Art Museum
Awards Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 16
Mays Family Center at The Witte Museum
The Dream Ball
6 p.m.-midnight Jan. 30
Aztec Theatre