MLK, Jr. DREAMFEST 2020

January 18-20, 2020
Each year, they recognize and celebrate the life, work, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join us for the following programs, which are free (unless otherwise noted) and open to the public.

Tellebration: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, January 18 | 10 a.m.-noon | Free

Page-Walker Arts & History Center

Tellebration brings together two exceptional African-American storytellers, Willa Brigham and Linda Gorham. You and your children will enjoy a morning learning about Dr. King and his teachings through the art of storytelling.


Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presents Amazing Grace, A Staged Reading
Saturday, January 18 | 2 p.m. | Free

The Cary Theater

In Grace’s imagination, she can be anything she wants to be. When Grace is told she can’t be Peter Pan in the school play because she’s a girl and because she is black, Grace proves she can do anything she sets her mind to in real life, too. By Shay Youngblood; adapted from the book by Mary Hoffman.


Mike Wiley presents "Breach of Peace"
Saturday, January 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Tickets

Cary Arts Center

“Breach of Peace” is based on true accounts of surviving participants of the Freedom Rides as well as many other individuals involved in the early struggle for African-American equality. This solo play is a living monument to those remarkable young men and women of various races, religions, and backgrounds who rose to face the dangers of fighting for just and equal treatment for all.

The Virtual MLK Experience
Sunday, January 19 |12:30-3:30 pm | Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 Walnut Street | Free

Experience a digital recreation of Martin Luther King’s “Fill Up the Jails” speech given on February 16, 1960, at Durham’s White Rock Baptist Church, including a collective sound experience, digital simulation, virtual reality presentations and historical displays. Sponsored by the NC State vMLK Project and Christ Lutheran Church

Dreamfest Interfaith Service
Sunday, January 19 | 3:30 pm | Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 Walnut Street | Free

Featuring guest speaker, Rev. Albert Starr, Chicago, and the NC State Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir, sponsored by the Cary Area Ministerial Alliance (CAMA), Congregation Beth Shalom, and the Islamic Association/Cary Mosque.


DAR HE: The Lynching of Emmett Till
Sunday | January 19 | 3-5 p.m. | Free

The Cary Theater

DAR HE: The Lynching of Emmett Till is a true dramatization of the historic interviews and events surrounding the murder that became pivotal in inspiring a generation to commit to social change in the 1950s. The film was adapted from the acclaimed one-man play written and performed by Mike Wiley and will feature a talk-back with the actor following the film.


Service & The Dream: MLK Day of Service
Monday | January 20 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free

Good Hope Farm

Join us in celebrating Dr. King and his commitment to service during our Martin Luther King Day of Service event. Together we will prepare our urban agriculture project, Good Hope Farm, for spring planting. Located at 1580 Morrisville Carpenter Road, this farm partners the Town with local nonprofits to support startup farmers and connect Cary to local food. This event consists of two volunteer shifts from 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.

Registration is full.

Canned Food Drive

New this year! To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and in partnership with Good Hope Farm, we are focusing on food security this year during Dreamfest. A household that faces hunger cannot freely contribute their gifts and talents back into our community, so we ask you to help us fight hunger by donating one nonperishable healthy food item per participant when you come to an MLK Dreamfest event. All collected food will be donated to our partner organization, Dorcas Ministries, to provide emergency assistance to our community in need.

Donation sites: Cary Arts Center, The Cary, Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Good Hope Farm.