Schedule announced for 2026 Charlotte-Mecklenburg MLK Jr. Day parade, events
Remembrances start Jan. 12
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade and associated events will once again be held in remembrance of Dr. King and hosted by the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County’s Community Relations Committee.
Here’s the 2026 schedule of events:
One of the biggest events is the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade, scheduled this year for 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 17. More than 100 community organizations, including drill teams, marching bands, civic organizations and more, will march along Tryon Street from Eighth Street to Brooklyn Village Avenue.
The Divine 9 Panel Discussion kicked off the week of events on Monday, Jan. 12, with the theme, “What does King’s legacy of faith and social action mean for us today?”
Members of the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council were invited to attend the discussion. King was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first of the Divine 9 fraternities.
The next event scheduled was the Atrium Health Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Wreath-Laying Memorial Service. Held every year on King’s birthday, this year’s memorial service was scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 15 at Marshall Park.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. P.E.A.C.E. Basketball Showcase, presented by Back to the Basics Academy, takes place at 10 a.m. on Jan. 17 at West Charlotte High School.
Ten high school teams from the Carolinas will compete. Admission is $13.42 after taxes and fees.
The week continues next with the National Observance at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Covenant Presbyterian Church.
The Rev. Dr. Peter M. Wherry and Christian Greer will discuss critical moments in the country, followed by a question-and-answer session led by award-winning journalist Tonya Rivens.
The annual Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Arts and Writing Showcase continues the series of events at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Charlotte Ballet. Students will showcase their spoken word, music, dance and visual arts talents, inspired by Dr. King’s lasting legacy and vision.
The week of events will culminate in the Keep Charlotte Beautiful Day of Service on Jan. 19. Cleanups will take place in each of the city’s six Corridors of Opportunity.
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