San Antonio, January 14, 2026
The 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration in San Antonio will feature Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas as the keynote speaker, alongside Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones as the headline performer. Taking place on January 19, the event includes a 2.75-mile march followed by a celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park, offering a range of activities and free transportation for participants. This annual event honors Dr. King’s legacy with a focus on equality and justice.
San Antonio’s 39th Annual MLK March to Feature Gabby Douglas and Coco Jones
San Antonio, Texas – The 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration in San Antonio is set to take place on January 19, 2026, featuring Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas as the keynote speaker and Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones as the headline performer.
Event Details
The march will commence at 10 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, proceeding along a 2.75-mile route to Pittman-Sullivan Park. Participants can begin lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. Following the march, the celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park will include a fireside chat with Gabby Douglas from noon to 1:30 p.m., a performance by Coco Jones at 2 p.m., and various activities such as multicultural performances, health and wellness areas, youth zones, food and merchandise vendors, and information booths.
Transportation Information
VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering free rides to the march from 8 to 10 a.m. from the following locations:
- Alamodome – Lot C – located at the corner of Montana and S. Cherry streets
- St. Philip’s College – Lots 21, 22, and 23 – located along Montana Street and the intersections of S. Gevers and S. Mittman streets
Buses will return passengers from Pittman-Sullivan Park to the original pick-up locations from noon to 3 p.m.
Background
San Antonio’s MLK March is recognized as the largest in the nation, drawing approximately 300,000 participants annually. The event honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., promoting equality and justice through nonviolent activism. This year’s celebration continues a national tradition that began in 1986, when the federal holiday was first established to commemorate King’s birthday on January 15.
About the Headliners
Gabby Douglas made history as the first Black gymnast to win an Olympic individual all-around title and the first U.S. gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympic Games. She is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having competed in the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
Coco Jones is a multi-talented artist known for her work as an actress, singer, and songwriter. She gained prominence with her role in the Peacock drama “Bel-Air” and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance for her song “ICU” in 2024.
Additional Information
For more details about the march, celebration, and related events, residents are encouraged to contact the District 2 office or the MLK Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the date and time of the 39th Annual MLK March in San Antonio?
The march is scheduled for January 19, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy.
Who are the featured guests for this year’s MLK March and Celebration?
Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas will serve as the keynote speaker, and Grammy-winning artist Coco Jones will perform at the event.
What is the route and distance of the MLK March?
The march will cover a 2.75-mile route from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy to Pittman-Sullivan Park.
What activities are planned for the celebration at Pittman-Sullivan Park?
The celebration will include a fireside chat with Gabby Douglas, a performance by Coco Jones, multicultural performances, health and wellness areas, youth zones, food and merchandise vendors, and information booths.
Is transportation provided for attendees?
Yes, VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering free rides to the march from 8 to 10 a.m. from designated locations, with return service from noon to 3 p.m.
Key Features of the 39th Annual MLK March and Celebration
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | January 19, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy |
| Location | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy to Pittman-Sullivan Park |
| Headliners | Gabby Douglas and Coco Jones |
| Free Transportation | VIA offers free rides to and from the event |
| Expected Attendance | Approximately 300,000 participants |
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San Antonio Celebrates Community and Culture with DreamWeek
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
