Houston’s first MLK Unity Parade steps off downtown today at 10 a.m. Watch live on KHOU 11+.
HOUSTON — Houston will come together today for the city’s first MLK Unity Parade, a unified celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
After more than three decades of holding separate Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades, organizers say this year’s event marks a new chapter for the city, bringing everyone together under one unified celebration.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. in downtown Houston, and KHOU 11 will stream the full parade live on the KHOU 11+ streaming app, giving viewers a front-row seat to the celebration from anywhere.
A new tradition honoring Dr. King’s legacy
The MLK Unity Parade is presented by the City of Houston, in collaboration with the Black Heritage Society and the MLK Grande Parade.
Organizers say the event is designed to unite the community while reflecting on Dr. King’s lasting impact and message of shared responsibility and justice.
More than 300 participants, including marching bands, community organizations, and floats, are expected to take part in the parade as it winds through downtown Houston.
Pre-parade ceremony begins at 9 a.m.
Before the parade steps off, a special ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at McKinney and Smith streets, one hour ahead of the parade start.
The ceremony will feature Brian Courtney Wilson and the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul, which was featured in Beyoncé’s Christmas Day NFL halftime performance in 2024 at NRG Stadium.
Mayor encourages Houstonians to take part
Mayor John Whitmire, who is one of the parade’s three grand marshals, is encouraging Houstonians to get involved by marching, riding on floats, or cheering from the sidelines.
“we’re here to fix things, unite Houstonians, and improve the quality of life. I can’t wait to see the reaction of young people and participants in this parade.”
Event: MLK Unity ParadeDate: Monday, January 19, 2026Time: Parade begins at 10 a.m.Location: Downtown Houston
MLK Unity Parade map
The parade route winds through the heart of downtown and is expected to draw spectators from across the Houston area. Spectators can watch along the parade route near Lamar and Smith streets, where the parade begins, and throughout downtown.
MLK Unity Parade route and closures
Drivers should expect significant traffic impacts in and around downtown Houston today due to parade staging, the parade route, and post-event breakdown. Closures are subject to change.
The City of Houston’s ParkHouston says there is no charge for on-street metered parking today.
Sunday, January 18 – Monday, January 19
Walker between Bagby & Smith (north & south curb lanes): 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.McKinney between Bagby & Smith (north curb lane): 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, January 19 (Parade staging & production)
McKinney between Bagby & Smith: 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.Walker between Bagby & Smith: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.Smith between Rusk & Dallas: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.McKinney between Smith & Louisiana (north & south curb lanes): 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.Brazos between Dallas & Lamar (two center lanes): 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
East and west curb lanes remain openLamar between Smith & Bagby (two south curb lanes): 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.Sabine at Allen Parkway: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Traffic redirected from I-45 off-ramp toward Memorial DriveAllen Parkway (inbound & outbound) between Shepherd & Smith: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
In/out access allowed from Clay Street to West Dallas east curb lane to C. Baldwin HotelBagby (northbound) between Dallas & McKinney: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.Bagby (southbound) between Walker & Clay: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.Lamar between Louisiana & outbound Allen Parkway at I-45 overpass: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.Gillette Street (mid-block north of the Federal Reserve Bank to Allen Parkway): 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Parade route (begins at 10 a.m.)
Smith between Lamar & WalkerWalker between Smith & MilamMilam between Walker & PeasePease between Milam & LouisianaLouisiana between Pease & ClayClay between Louisiana & SmithSmith between Clay & Dallas
The parade concludes on Smith at Lamar, with participants disbanding into Allen Parkway outbound.
If you’re heading downtown, allow extra travel time, consider alternate routes, or watch the parade live on the KHOU 11+ streaming app.
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