The cities of Leander and Cedar Park will come together to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 2026 MLK Day March and Celebration on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main St.

This year marks the first time the two cities have partnered to host the free community celebration.

The program will feature a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Genail Marthol, essay readings coordinated by Matt Pitcher of the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission (LPACC) MLK Subcommittee, and the presentation of a City of Cedar Park proclamation by Council Member Kevin Harris. Leander Mayor Pro Tem Na’Cole Thompson will deliver the keynote address, with additional acknowledgements from Keysha Bradford of the LPACC MLK Subcommittee.

Mayor Pro Tem Thompson reflected on the event’s growth. “When I led the initiative to create Leander’s first official MLK Day observance in 2022, the team and I had a simple goal of honoring Dr. King through service and community,” she said. “Over the last five years, the event has grown tremendously with steady support and now brings together both Leander and Cedar Park in a shared commitment to unity and civic engagement.”

Cedar Park Mayor Jim Penniman‑Morin emphasized the importance of the regional collaboration. “We are honored to partner with our Leander neighbors in celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the MLK Day March and Celebration hosted at the Cedar Park Recreation Center. Guided by this year’s theme, ‘Teach Them Well: The Future Starts With Us,’ this event brings our community together in unity, reflection, and service and highlights our shared responsibility to lead by example. By investing in equity, opportunity, and understanding today, we help shape a stronger and brighter future for the next generation and for every resident.”

The 2026 theme, “Teach Them Well: The Future Starts With Us,” will guide the day’s activities. Coordinated by the Leander Public Arts and Culture Commission, the event begins with a community march at 10 a.m., followed by a program featuring remarks from Mayor Pro Tem Thompson and Mayor Penniman‑Morin, an invocation from Minister Wendell Holmes of New Birth Community Baptist Church, and a flag ceremony led by Scouts from the North Shore District of Scouting America.

Day of Celebration Project

In recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, the event will also support two community drives. Brighter Days Food Pantry will host a food drive, and The Healthy Hygiene Project will collect hygiene items. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations to the MLK Day of Service booth during the celebration.