Event Roundup: What to Look Forward to this MLK Weekend

Happy Friday! Here are some highlights around town this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend: 

Marathoning
It’s Marathon weekend, which includes Party on the Plaza presented by HoustonFirst downtown tonight, 5:30-7:30 p.m., the We Are Houston 5K presented by Aramco and Chevron on Saturday morning, RunFest presented by Michelob Ultra on Saturday, and the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon, and RunFest taking place on Sunday. Find the full weekend schedule here and the course info here. (Participating in the Marathon this year? Share your Buzzworthy pics and stories with us here.)

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy during Children Museum Houston's 27th annual celebration.

Children's Museum Houston's 27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration  
Join Children’s Museum Houston in honoring civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his legacy during the museum’s 27th annual celebration, in partnership with Houston Defender, on Saturday (the museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; the ceremony begins at noon). Special events include a violin performance from international violinist Jamie Perry; a musical medley from Dr. Kiana Williams; a Peace March led by the kid’s committee; a reenactment of the powerful “I Have a Dream” speech reenacted by Steve Scott; an emotional dance performance by Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, plus more meaningful activities and events. 

POST’s Lunar New Year Celebration 
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at POST starting at 12 p.m. on Sunday. Fun includes an Asian pop-up market and Lion Dances. From 9 p.m.-2 a.m., there will be a Lunar New Year Night Party with DJs, Lunar New Year activations, multiple bars, and more (21+ for the night party; RSVP required). Find the full schedule and more details here. 

MATCH-Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston presents the 6th annual MATCH Family Fun Day on Sunday, January 15, 1-5 p.m. It will be an afternoon full of fun for little ones, and it’s all free for the family.

MATCH Family Fun Day
MATCH-Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston brings back its annual tradition and presents the 6th annual MATCH Family Fun Day on Sunday, 1-5 p.m., with lots of fun for the whole family. Live performances include Main Street Theater, concerts from Prelude Music, and Open Dounce Project. There will also be bounce houses, face painters, balloon artists, stilt walkers, chalk artists, concessions, and food trucks. Free to attend. 

Images & Words: 2023 Annual MLK Birthday Observance 
In partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and The Gordon Parks Foundation, the 2023 Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance explores the role of the media in civil rights movements past and present. Inspired by the MFAH’s current exhibition Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power, panelists share their work and perspectives on how photographers and journalists shape narratives around social justice movements and leaders. The event takes place at Rothko Chapel on Sunday, 3 p.m. Admission: Pay what you can, $5-20. 

45th Original MLK Parade Downtown 
The 45th Annual Original MLK Parade will begin at 10 a.m., Mon., Jan. 16, starting at the intersection of Smith and Lamar streets in downtown Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner will serve as the 2023 parade grand marshal. Co-grand marshals are Dr. Camille Cash and Rev. Dr. Derek King with a memorial tribute to John W. Bland. See the parade route here. Following the parade, head to Hermann Square in front of City Hall for the MLK Festival, including live music, kid-friendly activities, vendors, food trucks, and more. The festival continues until 5 p.m. Find more details here. 

29th Annual MLK Grande Parade in Midtown 
The MLK Grand Parade will kick off at San Jacinto St. and Elgin St. on Monday beginning at 10 a.m. 

More Events
See more upcoming events on our online calendar here.