Cary Hosts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest 2026

• Dreamfest 2026 takes place from January 16 to 19 and offers a weekend of events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through reflection, service, education, and celebration.
• Programming spans all ages and interests, including a performing arts cultural celebration and interfaith service, a children's program, film screening and discussion, art exhibition and reception, Dining and Discussion, and the 5K Walk for Hope.
• Community service and engagement are central themes, with volunteer opportunities and charitable collections of canned and non-perishable food items, and feminine hygiene products.

Cary, NC - The Town of Cary will host Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest 2026 from January 16 to 19, inviting the community to come together for a weekend of reflection, service, creativity, and celebration inspired by Dr. King's legacy. Dreamfest offers a variety of programs designed to engage residents of all ages while honoring Dr. King's vision of unity, justice, and hope.

The Dreamfest weekend features a diverse lineup of events, including a Good Trouble film screening, and facilitated discussion, and a dedicated children's event focused on learning and creativity. Community members are invited to attend a cultural celebration that honors Dr. King's legacy through the performing arts and an interfaith service that highlights the shared values of compassion, service, and understanding across cultures and faith traditions.

Additional programming includes Dining and Discussion events that encourage thoughtful conversation, as well as the annual 5K Walk for Hope, which promotes wellness and collective action. Service opportunities will be offered throughout the weekend, including a Work Day at Good Hope Farm and activities at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, reinforcing Dreamfest's commitment to hands-on community engagement. Nonperishable and canned food items will be collected for donation to the local food pantry.

Dreamfest will also feature the Cultural Celebration, sponsored by the Sigma Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., which supports the Period Project NC. Donations of feminine hygiene products will be accepted during this event. A special art exhibition, Within the Light: Finding the Balance, featuring work by artist Chris Evans, will be on display until March 7. An artist reception will provide an opportunity for attendees to engage with the exhibit and reflect on themes of balance, justice, and resilience.

Through Dreamfest 2026, the Cary continues its commitment to honoring Dr. King's legacy by creating space for education, dialogue, service, and celebration. Additional details, including event times and locations, can be found at carync.gov/dreamfest.

Primary Contacts

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

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