Weekend Roundup: What to Do This MLK Day Weekend

Happy Friday! Find ways to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day this weekend and other happenings around Houston. And grab your Texans gear to cheer on our team in the Divisional Round of the playoffs!

Celebrate MLK Day

Photography from the Menil Collection: Curated by Wendy Watriss includes a lesser-known and rarely seen photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. moments after delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech. (Photo: Paul Hester)

Visit Photography from the Menil Collection: Curated by Wendy Watriss  
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (closed Monday)
The Menil Collection
Free
Photography from the Menil Collection: Curated by Wendy Watriss is an exhibition of documentary-style photographs that underscore how images can ignite conversation about diverse social realities. A strong focus is the fight for social, racial, and political equality in the U.S., and includes a lesser-known and rarely seen photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. moments after delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech.

MLK Freedom Run
Sat., Jan. 17, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his lasting message of justice, equality, and peace at this citywide run at Eleanor Tinsley Park. Open to all abilities.

YMCA of Greater Houston's MLK Day of Service 
Jan. 19, throughout the day
Opportunities around Houston
On Monday, January 19, YMCAs throughout the Greater Houston Area will host service events to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. The non-profit invites all to join in serving the community. The full list of opportunities can be found here. Volunteer for YMCA of Greater Houston's MLK Day of Service

Children's Museum Houston hosts its Annual MLK Day Celebration on Jan. 17, 2026, including music, art, storytelling, and hands-on activities, plus a Peach March, performances, and more.

30th Annual MLK Day Celebration at Children's Museum Houston 
Sat., Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Children's Museum Houston
$19.95/adults and children over 1
Children’s Museum Houston will host its Annual MLK Day Celebration, including music, art, storytelling, and hands-on activities. The day features a meaningful Peace March; reenactment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, performed by actor Steve Scott; live musical performances by Dr. Kiana Williams, featuring powerful selections; live speed painting by artist Ange Hillz, showcasing creativity in action and the power of visual storytelling; plus hands-on activities, storytimes, and crafts.

MLK Unity Parade and Festival 
Mon., Jan. 19, 10 a.m.
Downtown Houston
Free
The Black Heritage Society Inc., in collaboration with the City of Houston and Mayor John Whitmire, will unite with MLK Grande Parade for the first time to honor MLK Jr. Day with one singular parade and celebration. The MLK Unity Parade starts in Downtown Houston at Smith and McKinney Street. After the parade, head to Tranquility Park (400 Smith) for the MLK Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., which will feature giveaways, vendors, family fun, and more. The MLK Unity Parade will feature legendary radio personality “MADD HATT” as the Grand Marshal, with Freddie Jackson and Debora Nixon, RN, serving as Co-Grand Marshals.

2026 MLK Day Observance: Speeches & Gospels 
Mon., Jan. 19, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Rothko Chapel
Free, drop-in event - no registration required
In honor of MLK Day each year, the Rothko Chapel plays critically influential speeches from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life throughout the day. Listen to the quiet of the Chapel resonate with MLK’s voice accompanied by local gospel choirs inspired by selected speeches. Find the schedule of speeches and musical responses here. Artist Barnett Newman’s sculpture Broken Obelisk (1968) on the Rothko Chapel Plaza is dedicated to Dr. King as a reminder of the unfinished work of building beloved community and struggling for justice together.

More Events

MATCH Family Fun Day
Sun., Jan. 18, 1-5 p.m.
MATCH
Free
MATCH’s 9th Annual Family Fun Day features free, live performances throughout the day from local favorites like Main Street Theater for Youth, Prelude Music, and Open Dance Project. Plus, look forward to face painting, balloon art, stilt walkers, bounce houses, and vibrant chalk art displays. Food trucks and MATCH concessions will be on-site.

ReelAbilities Houston Presents ReelArt Opening Reception. See the world through the eyes of artists from Celebration Company, an entrepreneurial employment program for adults with disabilities and enjoy a special exhibition by featured artist. 

ReelAbilities Houston Presents ReelArt Opening Reception 
Sun., Jan. 18, 1-4 p.m.
Laura Rathe Fine Art
Free; registration required
The ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival promotes inclusion and celebrates the lives, stories and talents of people with disabilities, making an impact that lasts far beyond the Festival. At the ReelArt Opening Reception, see the world through the eyes of artists from Celebration Company, an entrepreneurial employment program for adults with disabilities and enjoy a special exhibition by featured artist. Celebration Company artists work with various mediums, such as painting, photography, and glass fusion. Register here. See the full schedule for ReelAbilities Houston here.  

NFL Divisional Round: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots 
Sun., Jan. 18, 2 p.m.
Gillette Stadium
$263+
Our Texans are in the NFL Divisional Round! The Texans take on the Patriots Sun., Jan. 18, 2 p.m. at Gillette Stadium. Tune in to ESPN or stream via Hulu, Fubo, or DirecTV. Go Texans!

H-Town Send-Off and Car Stencil Drive-Thru (Sat., Jan. 17, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Fans are invited to the West Club entrance of NRG Stadium to send the team off before they head to New England. Free parking beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Green Lot. Fans will walk across the Green Lot pedestrian bridge to line the path as players, coaches and staff board the buses. On Saturday in the Green Lot from 9:30 a.m. – Noon, fans can also get their car windows spray-chalked with Texans-branded stencils to celebrate the Playoffs. The first 300 vehicles who get their windows stenciled will receive free SWARM City rally towels, car flags and more while supplies last.

Playoff Watch Party powered by Reliant (Sunday, Jan. 18)
On Sunday, fans of all ages are invited to the official Houston Texans Playoff Watch Party powered by Reliant at NRG Stadium as the Texans take on the New England Patriots. Free tickets were available to fans on a first-come, first-served basis and sold out within hours. Fans who claimed tickets will enjoy watching the game on the videoboard, SWARM City rally towels courtesy of Reliant for the first 10,000 fans, merchandise offers, opportunities to win autographed items and special guest appearances by TORO, Texans Cheerleaders, Deep Steel Thunder and more. A ticket is required for entry and NRG Stadium Clear Bag Policy will be in effect.

More Events
See our event calendar for more upcoming events.