MLK Austin Texas – Your Guide to Martin Luther King Weekend 2023 Activities, Events, and Celebrations!
Observed every year on the third Monday of January, the 2023 MLK day continues to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy.
Martin Luther King Jr. never lived in Austin, Texas but he did visit the city several times during the Civil Rights Movement to give speeches and participate in protests. His most famous visit was in 1962, when he gave a speech at the University of Texas at Austin, in which he called for the desegregation of the school. He also visited Austin in 1964, during his “I Have a Dream” tour.
One major event during this historical celebration is the MLK Parade Austin. The parade typically features a variety of participants, including marching bands, community groups, and local organizations.
With a long weekend ahead, here’s a round up of the many ways to celebrate MLK weekend 2023 in Austin.
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.
Also, check out our post on 10 Fun things to do in Austin this weekend of January 13, 2023 and Top 10 things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of January 13, 2023!
MLK Austin Texas 2023 -Events & Activities
Austin MLK Day March, Festival, and Food Drive
Image Credit: Visit Austin, Texas FB Page
The MLK Community March kicks off on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 9 am with a short program at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas campus. At the conclusion of the program at the MLK Statue, we will march to the south steps of the Capitol.
After the Capitol program, the march will proceed to the historic Huston-Tillotson University, where exciting activities are planned. The MLK Community Festival kicks off at 11:15 am and will last until 3:30 p.m.; it will include all types of vendors and local musical artists to make this year’s celebration the best ever!
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where: 110 Inner Campus Dr., Austin, TX 78712
How Much: FREE
Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Image Credit: library.austintexas.gov
Join Austin Public Library (Milwood) for a live-streamed community panel discussion followed by a live performance by Grammy-nominated artist Saul Paul. Community leaders will discuss Dr. King’s legacy and how their work continues his mission.
When: Friday, January 13, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Where: 12500 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78727
How Much: FREE
BRAVE Communities Conversation – Let Every Voice Be Heard: Honoring MLK
Image Credit: betterunite.com
Teens and Adults are invited to join us for a film screening of The Boy King followed by conversation circles led by BRAVE Communities, as participants discuss how they will walk in Dr. King’s footsteps for the coming year.
When: Saturday, January 14, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Where: 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
How Much: FREE
2023 DHA MLK Walk & Celebration
Image Credit: Dunbar Heritage Association FB Page
The Dunbar Heritage Association will proudly host the 21st Annual San Marcos Martin Luther King Jr. Walk and Celebration. The Celebration will start with a wreath-laying ceremony on the corner of LBJ & MLK at 9:30 a.m. with the walk following immediately after through town to the courthouse where a brief program will take place.
There will be a reception with light refreshments at the Dunbar Recreation Center after the program.
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 | 9:30 am
Where: MLK Drive & LBJ San Marcos, TX 78666
How Much: FREE
MLK Austin Texas: Martin Luther King Jr Walk 2023
Image Credit: elgintexas.gov
The Martin Luther King Jr Walk begins at 10 a.m. at the Elgin Depot Museum, 14 Depot Street. The program follows at 11 a.m. at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, 510 Martin Luther King Blvd. The walk is also known as “the Walk for Peace, Justice, and Equality Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off!”
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Elgin Depot Museum, 14 Depot St, Elgin, TX 78621
How Much: FREE
MLK Day March and Ceremony at Leander
Image Credit: Leander Parks & Recreation FB Page
In collaboration with the Leander Public Art Commission, the City of Leander observes and honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a march and ceremony. The march will leave from Camacho Elementary at 11:00 am and make its way to Old Town Park where there will be a ceremony featuring performances from dancers, musicians, choirs, and spoken word artists.
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: 105 N Brushy St, Leander, TX 78641
How Much: FREE
MLK Austin Texas – Other Events on Martin Luther King Weekend 2023
Trap Yoga ATX MLK Weekend
Image Credit: Encore ATX FB Page
Black Swan Yoga + Encore ATX Present: Trap Yoga is a Truly Unique Experience. Get ready to Flow to Today’s Hottest Music. This class is for Both Experienced Yogis and Beginners.
Led by a Black Swan Fully Certified Teacher, make sure to bring your mat, towel, water, and good energy! Mat rentals are available too.
When: Sunday, January 15, 2023 | 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Swan Yoga – Round Rock Studio, 2800 S I-35 Frontage Rd Ste. 310, Round Rock, TX 78681
How Much: $25
Sunday Funday MLK Weekend Day Party
Image Credit: eventbrite.com
Each year the Texoma community comes together for a celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Austin College is proud to host this event and to help raise scholarship funds to benefit college-bound residents of Grayson County through the NAACP Grayson Branch Scholarship.
When: Sunday, January 15, 2023 | 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Concrete Cowboy, 719 West 6th Street Austin, TX 78701
How Much: $0 – $250
MLK Day Food Drive Supporting Central Texas Food Bank
Image Credit: Pease Park Conservancy FB Page
In honor of Martin Luther King Day 2023, please bring donations to the Pease Park Conservancy MLK Day Food Drive supporting Central Texas Food Bank! Conservancy staff and volunteers will be at the picnic tables collecting donations between 12 pm and 5 pm.
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park, 1100 Kingsbury StreetAustin, TX, 78703
How Much: FREE
MLK Jr. Service Week 2023
Image Credit: United Way for Greater Austin FB Page
Join the United Way for Greater Austin in person, in celebration, service, and learning, to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The week of January 16, United Way for Greater Austin will host a series of community activities.
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Friday, January 20, 2023 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Where: Southwest Williamson County Regional Park | Gus Garcia District Park | Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District
How Much: FREE
Know of any other MLK Austin TX events? Share them by commenting below!
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