MLK Parade Houston

MLK Parade Houston 2024

MLK Parade Houston 2024 is filled with traditional and fun events like the 46th Original MLK Jr. Parade Day, MLK Festival at Downtown City HallMLK Jr Day Freedom Run HOUSTON, and even Hop Topic World’s Annual Chili Cook-Off 2024!

The Houston MLK Parade is one of the largest and oldest in the country, celebrating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. And, as tradition goes, the MLK Parade Houston 2024 will also be held on the third Monday of January, which is the 16th of this month.

Check out below our comprehensive list of MLK Day parade Houston activities, events, activities, and celebrations!


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

And for other events happening in Houston on the MLK weekend, please check out our posts on Top 10 Things to Do in Houston This Weekend of January 13, Top 10 Things to Do in Houston with Kids this Weekend of January 13, and Things to do in Galveston this Weekend of January 13.


MLK Parade Houston 2024 and other Martin Luther King Day Activities

46th Original MLK Jr. Parade Day and Festival-Children’s Day of Service

Martin Luther King Day in Houston - 45th Original MLK Jr. Day Parade

MLK Houston Parade | Image Credit: Black Heritage Society

The Black Heritage Society and the City of Houston present the 46th Annual “Original” MLK Jr. Day Parade on January 15, 2024, at 10 am. See the actions with marching school bands, decorated floats, cars, and more!

Immediately following the MLK Jr. Day Parade, the Black Heritage Society is hosting the Houston MLK Festival-Children’s Day of Service in Hermann Square Park until 4:00 pm.

Houston MLK Festival features live multicultural musical performances, kid-friendly activities, art, trinkets, craft vendors, marketing booths, great food, and more!

Free for the Public to attend. You are sure to have a blast!

When: Monday, Jan 15, 2024 | 10:00 am
Where:  Starting Downtown Houston at Lamar and Smith Street
How Much: Free


30th Annual MLK Grande Parade

The Martin Luther King Parade Houston is a free, annual event that celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. The parade aims to promote racial harmony through education and awareness. It features marching bands, floats, dance teams, and cultural performances from around the world.

When: Monday, January 15, 2024 | 10:00 am
Where: 1300 Holman Street, San Jacinto Steet & Elgin Street, Houston,77004
How Much: Free


MLK Festival at Downtown City Hall

MLK Parade Houston - Black Heritage Society

MLK Parade Houston – Black Heritage Society

Houston MLK Festival downtown City Hall on Jan. 15, 2024, starts immediately after the parade until 5 p.m. Featuring live musical performances, kid-friendly activities, art, craft vendors, marketing booths, great food, and more!

Free for the public to attend.

When: Monday, January 15, 2024 | starts immediately after the parade until 5 pm.
Where: 900 Smith St Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free


2024 MLK Day Observance: Audio Installation

Martin Luther King Day in Houston - Annual MLK Birthday Observance

Image Credit: Rothko Chapel FB Page

In honor of MLK Day Houston, each year, the Rothko Chapel plays 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.

11 am – Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, delivered on December 11, 1964 in Oslo, Norway (52:42)

1 pm – “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,” delivered on April 4, 1967, at Riverside Church, New York City, NY (56:19 minutes)

When: Monday, January 15, 2024 | 11:00 am
Where:  Rothko Chapel, 3900 Yupon St, Houston, TX 77006
How Much: FREE


Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Scholarship Program

Martin Luther King Day in Houston - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Scholarship Program

Image Credit: greaterhoustonfrontiers.com

The Greater Houston Frontiers Club (GHFC) and KHOU 11 are teaming together to bring you a Virtual Memorial Scholarship Program Broadcast live for MLK Day 2024.

When: Monday, January 15, 2024 | 9:00 am
Where: 15814 Champion Forest Dr. #116 Spring, Texas 77379
How Much: Free


Other MLK Day 2023 Activities

Martin Luther King Day in Houston - 27th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration

Image Credit: cmhouston.org

Each year, the Museum honors the legacy of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with messages of unity, justice, and peace. These past years, his message has been essential as communities continue to rise together to speak against injustice.

Join this event that honors Dr. King’s legacy and recognizes this year’s Caryakid Award winner, Mr. Larry Payne.

When: Saturday, January 13, 2024 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Where: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: $17 Per Person (Adult/Child)


Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day With GatorServe

Each year, UHD’s Center for Community Engagement & Service Learning organizes GatorServe events for the National Days of Service in remembrance of 9/11 and Martin Luther King Jr.

On Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, GatorServe will gather to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. by working to clean up and restore Houston’s historic Moody Park.

When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Moody Park Community Center, 3725 Fulton St., Houston, 77009
How Much: FREE | Register online


Hop Topic World’s Annual Chili Cook-Off 2024

MLK Parade Houston - Chili Cook-Off

Image Credit: hoptopicworld.com

Hop Topic World’s Annual Chili Cook-Off is back! Join them as a competitor or come chill, drink, and enjoy delicious chili.

Hop Topic World’s preferred vendors will be onsite for your shopping guilty pleasures.

When: Sunday, January 14, 2024, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Equal Parts Brewing, 3118 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
How Much: $18


MLK Jr Day Freedom Run HOUSTON

The run will sell out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. You can sign up for the virtual run option or waitlist if waves are sold out. This small, private group run is capped at just 15-20 participants per wave. All paces and ages (under 18 with a guardian) are welcome – Run or Walk!

When: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 7:30 am – 11:00 am
Where: Eleanor Tinsley Park, 18-3600 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
How Much: 5K – $37 | 10K – $42 | Half-Marathon 13.1 – $45 | Virtual Run – $37 | Family 1 Mile Fun Run – $35


There are always lots of fun events going on in Houston. Check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in Houston this WeekThings to Do in Houston this Weekend, and Things to Do in Houston this Weekend with Kids to stay up to date! 

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