“318 MLK DreamFest Returns Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Shreveport-Bossier, LA – Visit Shreveport-Bossier, in partnership with local community partners, proudly announces the return of the 318 MLK DreamFest 2026, a collective 10-day, two-weekend celebration, January 15–24, 2026, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through culture, history, and community engagement.

318 MLK DreamFest 2026 Schedule of Events:

Thursday, January 15, 2026

KREWE OF SOBEK FLOAT LOADING PARTY

Sobek Den, 6PM – 8PM

Celebrate Dr. King’s 97th birthday with the Krewe of Sobek—tour the Sobek Den and Floats, meet the Royal Court, take photos, enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and more!

Friday, January 16, 2026

VOICES OF THE DREAM CHOIR COMPETITION

First Methodist Church, 12PM

The inaugural event unites local and regional vocal choirs for an inspiring afternoon celebrating musical excellence while honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by uplifting voices and strengthening community through music.

KREWE OF SOBEK GRANDE BAL XXIII

Shreveport Convention Center, 6PM

Celebrate “An Evening of Magic” as the Krewe of Sobek kicks off their signature Mardi Gras festivities with a spectacular night of dazzling costumes, vibrant colors, and pulsating music.

Saturday, January 17, 2026

KREWE OF SOBEK PARADE

Louisiana State Fairgrounds, 1PM

The lively Krewe of Sobek Parade rolls through the Louisiana State Fairgrounds at 1 PM, bringing Mardi Gras magic with vibrant floats, music, and community spirit.

VOICES OF THE DREAM CHOIR COMPETITION

The Strand Theatre, 3PM

The inaugural event brings together local and regional finalist choirs for an inspiring afternoon that celebrates musical excellence while honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by uplifting voices and strengthening community through music. For tickets, visit: thestrandtheatre.com

KREWE OF SOBEK PARADE AFTER-PARTY

Sobek Den, Immediately Following the Parade

The celebration of Dr. King’s Holiday weekend continues at the Sobek Den after the parade, where the community will gather in a spirit of unity to reconnect, make new friends, and enjoy dancing, fellowship, and complimentary food.

Sunday, January 18, 2026

DREAM KEEPER ALLIANCE

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Celebration

Morning Star Baptist Church, 11AM

The Dream Keeper Alliance will honor Dr. King’s legacy of faith, justice, and service by recognizing senior and present-day civil rights leaders, followed by a reception celebrating the Divine Nine and African American Mardi Gras Krewes for their leadership and community impact.

Monday, January 19, 2026

KREWE OF HARAMBEE

MLK Hopes & Dreams Scholarship Breakfast

Petroleum Club, 8AM – 10AM

In the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Krewe of Harambee “pulls together” annually to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduates from single parent homes.

Minister Michael Coleman Hicks will serve as guest speaker. For tickets, visit: eventbrite.com

KREWE OF HARAMBEE

Annual MLK Parade

Downtown Shreveport, 1PM

Krewe of Harambee celebrates Dr. King’s legacy with the highly anticipated MLK Parade. Experience vibrant floats, marching bands, and a powerful tribute to Dr. King’s dream.

Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn serves as the grand marshal, and will feature the Alcorn State University “Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite” Marching Band.

KREWE OF HARAMBEE

Inaugural Dreamfest

Downtown Shreveport Caddo Common Park, 2PM – 5PM

The celebration of Dr. King’s legacy culminates with the Krewe of Harambee’s debut Dreamfest, an exciting showcase of unity, culture, and community spirit featuring food trucks, local vendors, live music, and entertainment highlighting Shreveport talent and creativity, community pride.

MYSTIC KREWE OF IMANI DAY OF SERVICE: MLK RESOURCE FAIR

Airport Park Community Community Center, 10AM – 3PM

This family-focused event honors Dr. King’s legacy through service and civic engagement, featuring community resources, health vendors, youth activities, entertainment, food distribution, and giveaways.

KING: FROM ATLANTA TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP RADIO BROADCAST KDKS 102.1, 12PM – 3PM

This three-hour special radio broadcast chronicles Dr. King’s life and legacy through inspirational messages, historical reflections, and voices from community and faith leaders dedicated to unity, service, and progress.

January 19-23, 2026

CENTENARY COLLEGE ANNUAL DREAM WEEK

Various Campus Locations & Times

Centenary College’s 2026 Dream Week honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a week of educational and cultural events; visit centenary.edu for details.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

LSUS OFFICE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

A Celebration of Justice Program

9AM - 1PM

Presented by the Louisiana State University Shreveport Office of Community Engagement, this program celebrates the national MLK Day theme “Mission Possible II: Building Community Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way” featuring Mahogany Ensemble Theatre and vocalist Daniel Coleman.

Friday, January 23, 2026

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Historic Black Business Bus Tours

9AM - 1PM

Presented by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, these guided tours highlight the legacy and impact of former and current Black-owned businesses providing an immersive experience into the rich history, stories, and contributions of people and places Shreveport-Bossier City. For more info, visit: sbaacc.org

Saturday, January 24, 2026

NORTH LOUISIANA CIVIL RIGHTS COALITION

3rd Annual Bridge Builders Breakfast

Shreveport Convention Center, 9AM

The North Louisiana Civil Rights Coalition presents the 3rd Annual Bridge Builders Breakfast recognizing individuals and organizations that advance Dr. King’s vision of servant leadership in North Louisiana across racial, social, civic, economic, and geographical barriers.

For tickets, visit: nlcrc.org.

This weeklong celebration promises an immersive experience for all, emphasizing principles of unity, equality, and dreams realized. Event details will continue to be updated at www.VisitShreveportBossier.org/mlk. 

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About Dream Keepers Alliance
The Dream Keepers Alliance is committed to fostering unity and celebrating diversity through impactful events that honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Their mission is to inspire positive change and promote a harmonious community.”

Source: https://www.visitshreveportbossier.org/articles/post/318-mlk-dreamfest-returns-honoring-dr-martin-luther-king-jr/