MLK March San Antonio 2026 - Collage

Updated: Thursday, January 15, 2026

Jump to: MLK March and Parade 2026 | MLK Day Events | Community and Cultural MLK Events | Family MLK Activities

MLK March San Antonio 2026 marks one of the most important civic traditions in the city. Every January, San Antonio hosts the largest Martin Luther King Jr. march in the United States, bringing together families, students, leaders, and organizations to honor Dr. King’s legacy.

Here’s everything you need to know about MLK Day in San Antonio 2026, including the march, parade, and related events happening across the city.


Editor’s Note: We strive to keep listings up to date, but details are subject to change. Always verify with event organizers or participating locations before heading out.

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MLK March & Parade San Antonio 2026

39th Annual MLK March

martin luther king day san antonio - MLK March San Antono 2026

Image Credit: sa.gov

The 39th Annual MLK March in San Antonio invites the local community and visitors from across the country to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

What began in 1968 as a grassroots effort by the Rev. R.A. Callies has evolved into the largest march of its kind in the United States. Sponsored by the City of San Antonio, the nearly three-mile route begins at the Martin Luther King Jr. Academy and concludes with a celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park.

This historic event offers a significant opportunity for participants to gather and march in support of human and civil rights.

When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 10:00 am
Where: 

How Much: FREE


Official MLK Day Events in San Antonio

New Baptist Ministers’ Union MLK Worship Service

Gather with the New Baptist Ministers’ Union for an inspiring worship service dedicated to the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This evening program focuses on faith and unity, featuring soul-stirring music and reflections that challenge the community to pursue justice and service.

When: Friday, January 16, 2026 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Where: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 N Walters St, San Antonio, TX 78202
How Much: Free


MLK Youth Empowerment Summit

Experience the MLK Youth Empowerment Summit, a vibrant celebration where young people and families can honor Dr. King’s legacy through creativity, movement, and community connection.

This event features youth-planned workshops and activities throughout the park and the Boys & Girls Club, offering a personalized experience for attendees of all ages and abilities.

When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Eastside Clubhouse – Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, 3503 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220
How Much: Free


Paint the Dream: MLK Sign & Lotería Day – Creating signs, sparking change, and celebrating the dream

Experience a creative afternoon at Paint the Dream: MLK Sign & Lotería Day, where youth can connect through art and conversation.

Participants will enjoy a round of Racial Justice Lotería to discuss equity and inclusion before painting their own custom signs for San Antonio’s historic MLK March. This event empowers young people to honor Dr. King’s legacy by using their creativity to speak up for justice.

When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am – 1 pm
Where: YWCA Olga Madrid Center, 503 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237
How Much: Not stated


MLK 5K 2026

MLK March San Antonio 2026 - MLK 5k

Image credit: runsignup

Join your friends and family for the MLK 5K 2026 at Martin Luther King Park. This timed race helps support the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, San Antonio’s first all-boys public school. 

When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 9 am – 11 am
Where: Martin Luther King Park, 3503 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220
How Much: $12


MLK Wreath-Laying Ceremony

MLK Wreath-Laying Ceremony - MLK March San Antonio 2026

Image credit: sa.gov

Join your neighbors and community leaders for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This gathering is a special opportunity to reflect on his legacy together and show our shared commitment to his vision of justice and equality.

When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: Martin Luther King Park, 3503 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220
How Much: Free


38th Annual MLK Citywide Interfaith Worship Service

Join faith leaders from across San Antonio at the 38th Annual MLK Citywide Interfaith Worship Service to honor Dr. King’s life through prayer and music.

When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Friendship Baptist Church, 935 Iowa St, San Antonio, TX 78203
How Much: Free


MLK March Commemorative Event

Participate in the MLK March Commemorative Event at Pittman-Sullivan Park for a full day of performances and inspiring speakers. Those unable to march can head directly to the park at 9:30 AM for the Morning Praise and Worship Program.

The afternoon continues with a musical performance and a variety of community celebrations showcasing local talent.

When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: Pittman-Sullivan Park, CG6Q+X9, 1101 Iowa St, San Antonio, TX 78203
How Much: Free


MLK Afternoon Celebration – A Community Gathering in Reflection, Culture, and Commitment.

Celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact at the MLK Afternoon Celebration, an uplifting event focused on reflection and community service. This gathering features cultural expressions and local performances that highlight a shared commitment to unity.

When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Pittman-Sullivan Park, CG6Q+X9, 1101 Iowa St, San Antonio, TX 78203
How Much: Free


Trinity University MLK Commemorative Lecture

Discover the early life of Dr. King at Trinity University’s annual commemorative lecture. In his presentation, Young King, Stanford professor Dr. Lerone A. Martin traces how King’s youth and formative experiences built the foundation for his legendary leadership and activism.

This free public event at Stieren Theatre offers a unique look at the man behind the legacy through compelling scholarship and storytelling.

When: Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 7 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212
How Much: Free


Community & Cultural MLK Events

New Baptist Ministers’ Union MLK Worship Service

Gather with the New Baptist Ministers’ Union for an inspiring worship service dedicated to the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This evening program focuses on faith and unity, featuring soul-stirring music and reflections that challenge the community to pursue justice and service.

When: Friday, January 16, 2026 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Where: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 N Walters St, San Antonio, TX 78202
How Much: Free


MLK 5K 2026

Join your friends and family for the MLK 5K 2026 at Martin Luther King Park. This timed race helps support the Young Men’s Leadership Academy, San Antonio’s first all-boys public school. 

When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 9 am – 11 am
Where: Martin Luther King Park, 3503 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220
How Much: $12


38th Annual MLK Citywide Interfaith Worship Service

Join faith leaders from across San Antonio at the 38th Annual MLK Citywide Interfaith Worship Service to honor Dr. King’s life through prayer and music.

When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Where: Friendship Baptist Church, 935 Iowa St, San Antonio, TX 78203
How Much: Free


MLK March Commemorative Event

MLK March San Antonio 2026 - MLK March Commemorative Event

Image credit: DreamWeek San Antonio

Participate in the MLK March Commemorative Event at Pittman-Sullivan Park for a full day of performances and inspiring speakers. Those unable to march can head directly to the park at 9:30 AM for the Morning Praise and Worship Program.

The afternoon continues with a musical performance and a variety of community celebrations showcasing local talent.

When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Where: Pittman-Sullivan Park, CG6Q+X9, 1101 Iowa St, San Antonio, TX 78203
How Much: Free


MLK Afternoon Celebration – A Community Gathering in Reflection, Culture, and Commitment.

Celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact at the MLK Afternoon Celebration, an uplifting event focused on reflection and community service. This gathering features cultural expressions and local performances that highlight a shared commitment to unity.

When: Monday, January 19, 2026 | 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Pittman-Sullivan Park, CG6Q+X9, 1101 Iowa St, San Antonio, TX 78203
How Much: Free


Educational, Museum & Family MLK Activities

MLK Youth Empowerment Summit

Experience the MLK Youth Empowerment Summit, a vibrant celebration where young people and families can honor Dr. King’s legacy through creativity, movement, and community connection.

This event features youth-planned workshops and activities throughout the park and the Boys & Girls Club, offering a personalized experience for attendees of all ages and abilities.

When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Eastside Clubhouse – Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio, 3503 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220
How Much: Free


Paint the Dream: MLK Sign & Lotería Day – Creating signs, sparking change, and celebrating the dream

MLK March San Antonio 2026 - Paint the Dream: MLK Sign & Lotería Day - Creating signs, sparking change, and celebrating the dream

Image credit: YWCA San Antonio

Experience a creative afternoon at Paint the Dream: MLK Sign & Lotería Day, where youth can connect through art and conversation.

Participants will enjoy a round of Racial Justice Lotería to discuss equity and inclusion before painting their own custom signs for San Antonio’s historic MLK March. This event empowers young people to honor Dr. King’s legacy by using their creativity to speak up for justice.

When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am – 1 pm
Where: YWCA Olga Madrid Center, 503 Castroville Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237
How Much: Not stated


MLK Wreath-Laying Ceremony

Join your neighbors and community leaders for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This gathering is a special opportunity to reflect on his legacy together and show our shared commitment to his vision of justice and equality.

When: Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: Martin Luther King Park, 3503 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220
How Much: Free


Trinity University MLK Commemorative Lecture

Discover the early life of Dr. King at Trinity University’s annual commemorative lecture. In his presentation, Young King, Stanford professor Dr. Lerone A. Martin traces how King’s youth and formative experiences built the foundation for his legendary leadership and activism.

This free public event at Stieren Theatre offers a unique look at the man behind the legacy through compelling scholarship and storytelling.

When: Thursday, January 22, 2026 | 7 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212
How Much: Free


Looking for more local fun? See our current list of things to do in San Antonio this weekend.

Maya Keith