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MLK Weekend 2026 in Dallas-Fort Worth: 14 Best Things To Do With Kids

The Day of Service and Festival holds music, dance, spoken word, and video performances for all ages that celebrate and honor MLK. Photo courtesy of the City of Arlington
The Day of Service and Festival holds music, dance, spoken word, and video performances for all ages that celebrate and honor MLK. Photo courtesy of the City of Arlington
1/14/26 - By Gabby Cullen

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas-Fort Worth for MLK weekend 2026? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

There's no telling when that infamous North Texas ice storm will blow through the metroplex, so take advantage of the mild winter temps and enjoy all the fun things to do with your kids for MLK weekend 2026! There are many opportunities to honor the legendary civil rights leader: attend the 44th MLK Day Parade in Dallas, the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Rally in downtown Fort Worth, or spend time with fellow community members at the MLK Day of Service and Festival in Arlington.

Plenty of other iconic DFW events are happening this weekend,  including the start of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, and the 42nd Annual KidFilm Family Festival at the Angelika Film Center. Happy long weekend, y'all! 

Want even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Dallas-Fort Worth Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week— and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not on our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

 

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Screen new short films like "Miss Moxy" at the 42nd Annual KidFilm Family Festival. Film still by Studio100 courtesy of the festival

Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth This Weekend With Kids

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Opening Weekend!
Cultural District
Friday, January 16 - Saturday, February 7, 2026
This epic event puts the yee-haw in North Texas! For 23 days, DFW can enjoy all the rodeo, livestock and horse shows, kids' activities, live music, carnival games, and all the festival food they can handle. Don't miss the All-Western Parade on January 17, 2026, and check out the schedule to see everything else happening! READ MORE

37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and March

Garland - FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this free event that starts at Dairy Road and Garden Drive. See high school marching bands, kick lines, local organizations, and more. Once the parade is over, head to Granville Arts Center’s Brownlee Auditorium to continue the celebration. READ MORE

Shark Day at Dallas Public Library Lakewood Branch

Lakewood - FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Michelle Eyrich, from Sharks4Kids will be on hand to teach kids of all ages about one practice of shark conservation — shark tagging. She will give a short talk about the practice, and then visitors can get hands-on trying it out themselves. She will then be on hand to answer questions about all things sharks and shark conservation. The library will also have stations to experiment with shark buoyancy and make salt dough shark teeth! It'll be a jaw-esome time! READ MORE

The Unicorn's Birthday at Bass Performance Hall

Downtown Fort Worth / Sundance Square
Saturday, January 17, 2026
It's a magical birthday like never before! Join the FSWO for a celebration full of music, narration, fun sounds, adorable on-stage activity, colorful visuals, and gentle audience interaction. Kids will get a thrill seeing friendly penguins, monkeys, ducks, and other animals come together to celebrate the Birthday Unicorn in a musical world full of imagination and joy. READ MORE

Crocheting Workshop at Nash Farm

Grapevine
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Discover the heritage craft of crochet in this beginner-friendly class, where you’ll learn how wool is transformed into yarn and then into beautiful handmade pieces. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll create your own project to take home, complete with all the supplies you need to keep stitching with confidence. READ MORE

42nd Annual KidFilm Family Festival

Park Cities - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, January 17-18, 2026
The oldest and largest all-ages film festival in the United States is back! This iconic family event features diverse new films for all ages, and an IRL appearance by beloved book author Deborah Diesen, who will read The Pout-Pout Fish Movie Storybook. Screenings include films like The Pout-Pout Fish Movie, Spiked, Flower of the Dawn, and The Land of Sometimes.  READ MORE

Dallas Area Train Show

Plano
Saturday & Sunday, January 17-18, 2026
Your Thomas enthusiast will be in 7th heaven at this family-friendly event. See model trains, intricate displays, and even buy a new addition for their collection. Then ride the Choo Choo Express and check out the Junior Engineer Academy! READ MORE

Cinemark National Popcorn Day

Various locations
Saturday & Sunday, January 17-18, 2026
On National Popcorn Day, moviegoers can bring their own bucket or container to any Cinemark theatre and get it filled to the brim with buttery popcorn for only $5. Literally anything can be a bucket! Folks can get creative and bring in any container, tote, or bag. Cinemark will fill it with popcorn for $5: up to 400oz (equivalent of 2 XL popcorns), and provides a food-grade liner to use on your container. READ MORE

ECHL All-Star Fan Fest at CUTX Event Center

Allen
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Fans can view iconic trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame, including the Conn Smythe, Vezina, and Art Ross trophies, meet Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano (1pm to 3pm), and enjoy interactive games, live music, and hockey-themed exhibits. This all-ages event is a highlight of All-Star weekend for fans looking to experience the sport beyond the rink! READ MORE

Grand Prairie's Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Celebration

Grand Prairie - FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Celebrate the life and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at this community event! READ MORE

44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Fair Park - FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Celebrate the legacy of MLK Jr. at this annual downtown Dallas event. Participants include elected officials, high school bands and dance teams, car clubs, horses, local businesses, and other community organizations. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service and Festival

Arlington - FREE
Monday, January 19. 2026
Spend your day off giving back to the community. Gather at the Mission Arlington-Mission Metroplex for your community assignment and stay for the festival once your tasks are completed. The first 500 volunteers will receive a free t-shirt, and awards will be presented to the largest youth organizations and the largest overall organizations. READ MORE

41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade and Rally

Sundance Square/Downtown Fort Worth - FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
This family-friendly parade and rally will highlight community unity, the living hope of Dr. King’s Dream, and a commitment to justice for all humankind. Head downtown and watch classic cars, floats, and walking groups celebrate the legacy of Dr. King Jr. READ MORE

NAACP Collin Country Presents: 2026 MLK Parade

Plano - FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
The NAACP of Collin County invites you to gather in Plano’s historic Douglass Community, where residents, families, civic leaders, and organizations from across Collin County will come together for a morning of celebration, reflection, and action. READ MORE
See the longhorns at the Stockyards! Photo courtesy the Fort Worth Stockyards
See the longhorns at the Stockyards! Photo courtesy the Fort Worth Stockyards

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About the Author

Gabby Cullen
Gabby Cullen has over 15 years of media experience, starting in public relations before moving to the editorial side in 2009. With a decade of expertise in parenting and lifestyle, she balances her work as an editor and writer while navigating life as a mom of two. An avid reader and true crime podcast fan, Gabby lives in Dallas, TX with her family. Find her on Instagram and Threads @gabbycullen.
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