NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 are proud to invite you to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with a four-day celebration in Arlington, hosted by the Arlington MLK Four-Day Celebration Committee, Inc. The celebration has a heavy slate of events that span from January 16 – 19 with the central theme of “Advancing the Dream.” The events will take place in different venues around Arlington.

Here’s the breakdown of each event:

January 16

The celebration kicks off with a gala that features a dinner, special tributes, entertainment, scholarship and awards presentation. NBC 5’s Vince Sims serves as the emcee. The gala will take place at the E.H. Hereford University Center at the University of Texas at Arlington campus from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Tickets and reservations for tables are now closed.

January 17

The second day of the celebration has two exciting performances. The first is the MLK Step Showcase, open to all ages. The showcase will be held at James Bowie High School from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tickets for kids ages 6 and under are free while all other ages are $10. This is a presale price valid through 9:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17. After that, tickets for students 7-18 years old will be $10 and $15 for adults 19 and older. Click here to purchase tickets to the step showcase.

Poetry meets jazz! This second event of the day will be held at the E.H. Hereford University Center at UT Arlington from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. The event is for adults of ages 18 and older. Click here to purchase tickets to the Poetry Meets Jazz event.

January 18

The MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service takes place at First Presbyterian Church in Arlington with guest minister Rev. Christopher M. Lee, the Executive Presbyter of Grace Presbytery in Irving. This free service is from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

January 19

The celebration culminates with three events. The first is the Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service at Mission Metroplex. The event encourages us to use our time off for good and volunteer in service of our community. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. To learn more about the Zeb Strong Jr. Day of Service and how to volunteer, click here.

The MLK Day of Service Festival takes place at the City Center Plaza from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The festival is free to attend.

Finally, the MLK Youth Extravaganza will be held at the Fielder Church Metro Center from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. The extravaganza is also free to attend.

Each event will display the MLK Historical Timeline Exhibit throughout the celebration. You can also view the exhibit online here.

Click here to see the complete event schedule.

Arlington Martin Luther King, Jr. “Advancing the Dream”: Four Day Celebration
Friday, January 16 – Monday, January 19

MLK Advancing the Dream Gala
Friday, January 16
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

MLK Step Showcase
Saturday, January 17
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

MLK Poetry Meets Jazz
Saturday, January 17
7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

MLK Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service
Sunday, January 18
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service
Monday, January 19
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  

MLK Day of Service Festival
Monday, January 19
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

MLK Youth Extravaganza
Monday, January 19
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

MLK Historical Timeline Exhibit
On display at each event
January 16 – 19

To see the complete event schedule, including venue addresses and links to purchase tickets or register to events, click here.