‘Stens in the City’ creator Courtney Stensland shares her picks for the MLK holiday weekend. From live music events and getting your cowboy on at The Stockyards.

DALLAS — WFAA’s Morgan Young sits down with lifestyle expert Courtney Stensland, creator of Stens in the City, to share all the best ways to spend the MLK weekend in Dallas-Fort Worth. 

This weekend isn’t just a holiday weekend, it’s one filled with celebration and opportunities to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. From community clean-up opportunities to an award-winning civil rights concert and one of the largest MLK Day parades in the country, there is not shortage of events in North Texas to commemorate this special holiday. 

They’ve also got all things Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, live music events, great spots to grab great mocktails for those participating in Dry January and some highly anticipated new restaurant openings. 

If you’re looking for something fun to get into this weekend, you’ve come to the right place. 

Here are some great picks to keep your weekend full of fun and adventure!

MLK Fest  Saturday, Jan. 17, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ MLK Jr. Community Center in DallasCommunity clean-up and mural painting volunteer opportunity followed by a free block party with live music, food and speakersReserve your free ticket here43rd Annual Black Music & Civil Rights Concert Sunday, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m. @ Meyerson Symphony Center in DallasTickets start at $55MLK Freedom Run Saturday, Jan. 17, 7:30 a.m. @ Trinity River Trail in Fort Worth 5K, 10K and half marathon44th Annual MLK Day ParadeMonday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. @ MLK Blvd in Dallas One of the largest MLK Day parades in the nationFree to the publicFort Worth Stock Show & RodeoKicks off Friday, Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 7Days and nights filled with professional rodeo tournaments, multi-stage competitions for events like bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more. There’s something for everyone!Find the full schedule of events hereBONUS FOR YOUR FASHIONISTAS: Aspen-based high-end western wear brand, Kemo Sabe, is bringing its exclusive shopping experience to Fort Worth during the rodeoJan. 16 – Feb. 1, Wednesday-Sunday11 a.m. – 7 p.m. @ Fort Worth StockyardsDolly Day at all Truckyard locationsDallas, Fort Worth and The ColonySaturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m.Food trucks, live music, costume contests, themed drinks and a children’s book driveFree and perfect for your family and four-legged friendsShania Twain Tribute Band Saturday, Jan. 17, 8 p.m. @ Legacy Hall in PlanoFree general admission 80’s in Aspen Apres Ski and DJ Party Saturday, Jan. 17, 1p.m. – 6 p.m. @ Happiest Hour in Dallas General admission tickets start at under $20 

If you’re looking to try a new restaurant, here are three new openings in Dallas to book your next reservation!

DelilahTheme- 1920s supper club with live performances following dinner hoursReservations open on February 3rd 4th U.S. location, joining Miami, Las Vegas and Los AngelesUrban ItaliaServing up traditional Italian fare with Neapolitan-style pizzaLocated in PNC Plaza in Victory Park, right next to the AAC where the old WFAA studio was locatedRitual LoungeCocktail lounge scheduled to open sometime this monthSlogan- “Small Bites. Late Nights.”Going into the former Alice space off of Hall Street in Dallas

Whether you’re starting the year participating in Dry January, you don’t drink but still want to catch a vibe or just want an option for when you decide not to partake, here are some spots that offer great mocktail options (not expensive juice, we promise). 

Mayer’s Garden Henderson Avenue in Dallas Lively sports bar, and a great spot to watch the College Football National Championship on Monday January 19CATCH Highlight- Non-alcoholic espresso martiniTequila SocialOn the Katy Trail in DallasAll margaritas can be made with non-alcoholic tequila The RusticGreat mocktails and live music every weekend. Here’s the schedule of performers. Birdie’s EastsideGreat, kid-friendly patio Sixty VinesNon-alcoholic wine options Il Bracco Clifton ClubAnother great n/a espresso martiniGoodwin’sCheck out the speakeasy! 

You can find Courtney on Instagram (@stensinthecity) for regular information about what to do, new places to try and great deals around DFW!