Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events will take place January 15 - 19.
The theme for this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration is “Keep On Moving!” Attendees can expect a weekend filled with reflection, education, and community, as we come together to celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Activities include:
Wreath Laying Ceremony in Concord – 6 p.m. Thursday, January 15
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, there will be a Wreath Laying Ceremony starting at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Concord, NC.
Keeper of the Dream Awards Banquet in Kannapolis – 6 p.m. Friday, January 16
Join us on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 6 p.m. for the Keeper of the Dream Awards Banquet. This event will be held at the Laureate Center: 401 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081
This is a ticketed event and tickets are currently on sale at https://bbcm.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3240278.
The Dream Day Parade in Kannapolis – 11 a.m. Monday, January 19
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Day Parade will be held at 11 a.m. on January 19 in Kannapolis. The parade will be comprised of a variety of local cheer and dance teams, marching bands, civic organizations, and corporate groups.
The parade will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and travel down Main Street to Laureate Way, ending at City Hall, 401 Laureate Way. Please be aware that partial street closures will begin at 10:50 a.m. to accommodate the parade.
Dream Day Event in Kannapolis – 12 – 3 p.m. Monday, January 19
Following the parade there will be several free activities at the Laureate Center, at Kannapolis City Hall, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
You and your family are welcome to attend and enjoy:
- Minority Business Fair
- Health & Wellness Fair
- Local Non-profit Organization Fair
- Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Information Fair
- Art Contest
- and more!
Click here to submit an entry for the MLK art contest, open to Cabarrus County students aged 4-18, by January 13: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2zFMVwaqTosdjnJr-6ln9w0puD1PWCDmNduuzVC2z7Bkcog/viewform
Events are sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Planning Committee of Concord-Cabarrus and the City of Kannapolis.