The MLK Fest is a great way to combine service and entertainment in this all-day event with a resource fair, live mural painting, and more. (City of Dallas)
Volunteer your time, donate money, and learn more about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this MLK Day in North Texas.
As a civil rights advocate and one of the greatest nonviolent world leaders in history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. championed freedom for all in the U.S. Despite his tragic death in 1968, we have continued to remember this world-renowned leader through service and action.
MLK Day isn’t just a day to remember the legacy of Dr. King; it’s also a National Day of Service. Many people are off work and school for this federal holiday, making it a good time to give back in honor of this peaceful leader.
For those who live in North Texas, there are many opportunities to serve on MLK Day on Jan. 19 (and even a chance before and after). Volunteer at a local food pantry, donate to your favorite nonprofit, or check out one of these MLK events happening in Dallas-Fort Worth this month.
Let this holiday kickstart a heart of equality and a dedication to giving back this year.
1. 2026 MLK Fest
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 17
Where: 2922 MLK Jr. Boulevard, Dallas
Give back to the community by bringing the whole family for a clean-up in the South Dallas Fair Park neighborhood. Join others to clean sidewalks, mow grass, and clean vacant lots to help make the city more beautiful as part of the 2026 MLK Fest, hosted at the MLK Jr. Community Center.
You can visit the resource fair, listen to speakers, and enjoy music and food in the all-day, free event. You can even witness a live mural painting in honor of Juanita Craft, a civil rights advocate.
2. 44th Annual MLK Day Parade
When: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 19
Where: 400 N. Ervay Street #133054, Dallas
Honor the legacy of Dr. King by “walking together in unity with purpose” at the 44th annual MLK Day Parade in Dallas, hosted by H.E.L.P. The event unites and empowers our community, as people from diverse backgrounds come together to remember the legacy of MLK.
According to its website, “This year’s celebration highlights the importance of moving forward collectively—with compassion, justice, and service at the forefront—showcasing Dallas as a leader in unity and cultural pride.”
3. MLK Day Celebration & Day of Service
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 19
Where: 5300 Main Street, Rowlett
Learn more about Dr. King’s impact at this event hosted by the Rowlett Community Centre. Community and civic leaders will be on hand to give remarks and reflect on moments from MLK’s life, plus there will be performances “that promote hope, justice, and civic responsibility.”
The event is open to people of all ages and will feature a number of local organizations on site seeking volunteers, food trucks to refuel, and a proclamation ceremony in honor of MLK.
4. HHOH Wall of Love
When: Noon-2 p.m. Jan. 19
Where: 1819 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Dallas
Helping Hands, Open Hearts is hosting a Wall of Love for community members in need on MLK Day.
Volunteer to help the organization assemble donated sleeping bags, blankets, masks, socks, shoes, baby wipes, bar soaps, sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, snacks, and other items into plastic bags. You will then help zip tie the items to the wall, allowing people to take what they need without judgment.
Alternatively, you can donate to HHOH to support their mission to support the unhoused, elderly, and families with children in need.
5. MLK Jr. Day Celebration
When: 9:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 19
Where: 629 Lakey Street, Denton
March for community and justice, just like Dr. King, in this year’s MLK Jr. Day Celebration hosted by Denton Parks and Rec. This year’s theme is “Mentoring the Dream!” The event starts with a community march from the American Legion Hall Senior Center to the MLK Jr. Recreation Center.
Afterward, learn more about Dr. King’s vision and participate in fun activities, including a flag football tournament. This event is free for residents and $2 for non-residents.
6. Viola’s House MLK Day of Service
When: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 19
Where: 3647 Holmes Street, Dallas
Viola’s House is opening for a special volunteer event on MLK Day, offering families the perfect opportunity to give back at the Baby Benefit Boutique (BBB) or the Warehouse. At the BBB, you’ll sort and organize donated items for families, and at the warehouse, you’ll help wrap and prepare diaper bundles for those in need.
Of course, you could also donate money to the organization instead, which provides maternity housing and support to mothers with an unplanned pregnancy.
7. Lend a Hand for Hunger Worldwide on MLK Service Day
When: 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 19
Where: 1680 North Glenville Drive #300, Richardson
Children as young as 5 are encouraged to sign up with their parents to volunteer at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) as part of an effort to provide food for kids around the world. Volunteers will work together to prepare vegetarian food packs to distribute to global partner organizations.
FMSC has sent more than 4 billion meals to over 100 countries since 1987. Volunteering your time here is a great way to serve locally, while benefiting people worldwide who need it most.
8. MLK Day of Service
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan 23
Where: 2848 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas; 2800 North Hampton Road, Dallas
Can’t get out to give back on Monday? Dallas College is hosting a community MLK Day of Service on Friday instead, where volunteers will spend their time at one of two Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Dallas.
Whether you are assigned to help with customers, sort donations, or organize the store, you’ll be working with other volunteers in an effort to build affordable homes for community members.
If you need a ride, free transportation is being offered from the International and Global Student Engagement (IGSE) offices at the Cedar Valley and Brookhaven campuses.
