Every year, the Town of Cary celebrates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with Dreamfest, a collection of events. Dreamfest will take place from January 16 to 19, 2026, and will include storytelling, film, community service and more.
Learn about the many ways to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the Triangle for MLK Day.
Please visit the Dreamfest website for links to sign up for the various events. All descriptions on this page are from the Dreamfest website. In addition to the events listed below, there are art and film events that take place over several days or weeks.
Film Screening — John Lewis: Good Trouble
Friday, January 16, 2026
7:30 p.m.
The Cary Theater
122 E Chatham Street, Cary, North Carolina
Free
Watch John Lewis: Good Trouble, followed by an engaging discussion about civic engagement and resilience.
Children’s Program
Saturday, January 17, 2026
10 a.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
A time of storytelling and crafts celebrating Dr. King’s values.
MLK Cultural Arts Celebration
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
Pre-show activities at 5 p.m.
Showtime at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy performances by talented artists, musicians, poets, and speakers, as well as informational
vendors and concessions. This year’s Keynote speaker will be Rev. Jerome Gay of Vision Church, RDU. ABC 11’s Kweilyn Murphy’s will be Mistress of Ceremonies. The Sigma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will sponsor a charitable collection on behalf of
the Period Project NC.
Interfaith Service
Sunday, January 18, 2026
3 p.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
600 Walnut Street, Cary, NC
Free
Participate in a heartwarming service at Christ the King Lutheran Church, reflecting on Dr. King’s vision of peace and equality.
Dining and Discussion Community Dinner
Sunday, January 18, 2026
5:30 p.m.
First Cary United Methodist Church
117 S Academy Street, Building B, Cary, NC
Free (Register here)
Share a meaningful meal at First Cary United Methodist Church with your neighbors while engaging in interactive learning experiences that celebrate community and shared values.
MLK 5K Walk for Hope
Monday, January 19, 2026
10 a.m.
Mt. Zion Church
316 Allen Lewis Drive, Cary, NC
Free
Join Mt. Zion Church and the community in a powerful walk symbolizing unity and charity collection as we honor Dr. King’s dream of equity and service.
MLK Outdoor Day of Service
Monday, January 19, 2026
If you love the outdoors, consider volunteering to help prepare the organic teaching farm for spring
planting at Good Hope Farm, or assist staff with mulching and other trail improvements throughout the
nature preserve at Hemlock Bluff.
Good Hope Farm,1580 Morrisville Carpenter Rd, Cary, NC 27519
- Shift A: 10 a.m. – noon
- Shift B: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
- Registration at carync.gov/spruce
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518
- 10 am -12 pm.
- Registration will be in Rosterfy. https://carync.rosterfy.com/login
Art Exhibit — Christopher Evans: “Within the Light: Finding the Balance”
January 7 to March 7, 2026
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
Reception on January 30, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.
North Carolina native Chris Evans draws from his childhood, culture, and community
to create deeply personal art. For him, art is a necessity, driven by emotion and instinct. His work
challenges norms, evokes emotion, and invites viewers to experience art without limits.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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More Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Check out a list of MLK Day events in the Triangle or look at few here:
