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 17 to 20, 2025, 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.
Farming While Black: Film Screening and Panel Discussion
January 17, 2025
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Cary Theater
122 E Chatham Street, Cary, NC
Free, but ticket is required (follow above link)
Join us for a screening of “Farming While Black,” a powerful documentary that explores the historical and ongoing struggles of Black farmers in the United States. The film highlights the experiences of a new generation of Black farmers reclaiming land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots. After the screening, engage in a dynamic panel discussion with Brea Baker, author of Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership, and a member of the Triangle Black Farmer’s Market Collective. Moderated by Janelle Jennings-Alexander, Interim Provost at Saint Augustine’s University, this discussion will delve into the fight for land justice and the revitalization of Black farming communities. Don’t miss this important conversation on history, resilience, and the future of Black land ownership!
Tellebration
January 18, 2025
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King at the annual “Tellebration” Children’s Program! This vibrant event promises a day full of engaging arts and crafts, along with captivating live storytelling. Join us as we honor Dr. King’s values through creativity and imagination, making it a memorable experience for children and families alike.
DreamFest Celebration
January 18, 2025
5 p.m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
Free
This event features live music, poetry, speakers, food, a MLK Virtual Reality experience, community resource fair and more.
Charitable Collection
January 18, 2025
5 p.,m.
Cary Arts Center
101 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC
Learn more here.
Interfaith Service
January 19, 2025
3:30 to 5 p.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
600 Walnut Street, Cary, NC
Free
Christ the King Lutheran Church warmly invites individuals of all faiths to join us in a celebration honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This special event will bring together our diverse community to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equality, and peace. Come share in this meaningful gathering as we unite in gratitude and commitment to his vision for a better world. All are welcome!
It Takes a Village: Community Meal & Discussion
January 19, 2025
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cary First United Methodist Church
117 S Academy Street, Cary, NC
Free (but registration is required)
In the spirit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., you are invited to join the Coalition for Better Tomorrows for dinner, fellowship, and engaging self-exploration games. Together, we’ll explore policy-making, the racial wealth gap, and how we can work toward Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality. Join us for an evening of meaningful discussions and community connection as we build a brighter, more equitable tomorrow. This is a free event but registration is required, click here to register.
MLK 5K Walk for Hope
Monday, January 20, 2025
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mt. Zion Church
316 Allen Lewis Drive, Cary, NC
Free, but please bring donation
Follow above link to learn about registering
In honor of the MLK Day of Service, Mt. Zion Church has partnered with the Town of Cary to participate in the MLK 2025 Dreamfest weekend to honor Dr. Martin L King Jr’s legacy through service.
The MT Zion family, friends, and the community are invited to lace up the tennis shoes/ sneakers/ kicks and walk for hope in a 5k event. Each year the church sponsors a community charity to collect much-needed items on their behalf. This year we will be collecting nonperishable food for Dorcas Ministries.
MLK Day of Service
Multiple events (follow above link for details)
Meet the Artist: Eric McRay
January 24, 2025
6 to 7 p.m.
Page-Walker Arts & History Center
119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, NC
Free
Join us for an exciting opportunity to meet artist Eric McRay at his art exhibition titled Cultural Ambrosia. This showcase features his stunning collage and mixed media works that celebrate diverse cultural narratives. Enjoy a free reception, where you can engage with the artist and explore his creative vision. Don’t miss this chance to experience art that inspires and provokes thought!
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.
More Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Check out a list of MLK Day events in the Triangle or look at few here:
