Apex
Apex will commemorate MLK Weekend from Jan. 16 to 19 with events including a National Day of Service, a unity march, a breakfast reception, and a Black authors exhibit.
Cary
Dreamfest, running Jan. 16 to 19, will present film screenings, service calls, children's programs, and cultural arts celebrations across various venues.
Chapel Hill/Carrboro
The MLK Youth Celebration on Jan. 17 at the Carrboro Century Center will highlight student speakers, music, poetry, and trivia, organized by local youth councils.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the MLK Jr. Week of Celebration at UNC-Chapel Hill, and there are a series of events happening on campus. On January 19, there will be a community food drive that runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations of nonperishable food items from all community members are welcome. The donations will go to pantries in Carrboro and Chapel Hill.
Durham
The W.D. Hill Recreation Center will host "Celebrating the Legacy Through the Arts" on Jan. 10, featuring visual art, open mic poetry, performances, and crafts. On Jan. 19, the "Book Harvest Dream Big MLK Day Book Drive Celebration" at Boxyard RTP will offer free books for children alongside entertainment and activities.
The Durham Martin Luther King Jr., Steering Committee will host its annual March and Religious service on Jan. 19. The march will take place at the Mutual Tower at 411 West Chapel Hill Street, starting at 11 a.m. The annual religious service will start at 6 p.m. at Orange Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 505 East End Avenue.
For the third consecutive year, the YMCA will host a community gathering to honor the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's National Day of Racial Healing. The event will take place at St. Joseph's AME in Durham on Jan. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., featuring a musical performance, remarks from community leaders, and breakfast. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Chalice Overy of Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. The event is free and open to the public, and attendees can register HERE .
Raleigh
Raleigh will host "King Day: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday" at John Chavis Memorial Park on Jan. 19, showcasing Dr. King's work through service and children's activities.
Garner
The Garner Performing Arts Center will host its annual MLK celebration and Unity Walk on Jan. 18, 2026 from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Community Hope Ministries. Participants in the Unity Walk are asked to assemble in the GPAC parking lot by 3:15 p.m. The program begins at 4 p.m.
Smithfield
The NAACP Johnston County Branch is hosting their 2026 MLK Jr. Parade on Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. The parade will start on Market Street (6th St through 2nd St.). Councilwoman Doris Wallace serves as the Grand Marshal, and comedian Jay Derrell is the parade MC. This free event is open to the public. To participate in the parade, request a free application via secretarynaacpofjoco5408@gmail.com.
Fuquay-Varina
MLK Day Celebration on Jan. 19 begins with a march from Falcon Park to First Baptist Church, followed by breakfast and speakers.
Wake Forest
Wake Forest will hold a Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration on Jan. 22 at Friendship Chapel Baptist Church, featuring creative performances and art.