Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest 2026 in Raleigh
Four days of art, service, and community—with a 5K to match.
Shannon
January 07, 2026
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From January 16–19, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamfest 2026 brings Raleigh a thoughtfully packed weekend of art exhibits, film screenings, children’s activities, community service, and the always-energizing 5K Walk for Hope—plus a keynote from Rev. Jerome Gay.
Curious about what’s happening each day? You can browse the full schedule of programs, exhibits, and activities online and map out your perfect Dreamfest weekend.
Not sponsored—we just like events that make the calendar feel meaningful. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Don’t Miss These Free Sips at Wine Authorities 🍷🔥
Stop by for complimentary wine tastings on Tuesdays from 5–7pm and Saturdays from 12–3pm—no purchase needed, just show up and swirl.
📍Where: Wine Authorities
📅 When: Every Tuesday (5–7pm) & Saturday (12–3pm)
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $300K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,491 SQ FT | .2 ACRES | $299,000
Beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in desirable Village Lakes featuring an open living area, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a breakfast space, a deck for outdoor living, and a one-car garage.* Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 1,581 SQ FT | $327,990
Olde Birch is Raleigh’s newest community, offering upgraded two-story townhomes with private backyards, wooded surroundings, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a one-car garage—just minutes from downtown and I-40.* Take a look here →
🏘️ FOR SALE OVER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 1 BATHROOMS | 1,258 SQ FT | $429,000
Charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch in Raleigh featuring a bright one-level layout, stylish updates throughout, and a prime, move-in-ready location.* Take a look here →
🏰 FOR SALE OVER $1M: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 3,251 SQ FT | .21 ACRES | $1,295,000
Beautifully crafted new-construction home in Raleigh’s desirable Belvidere Park community, offering an open, light-filled layout just minutes from downtown dining, shopping, parks, and greenways.* Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: Mala Pata Molino + Cocina’s Barbacoa de Borrego is a rich, slow-roasted lamb dish featuring leg and loin braised in adobo and served with red corn chochoyotes.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: BALOO | DOG | 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS | MALE
Baloo is a 60-lb young adult full of playful, social energy, excelling on hikes and ready to bring humor and adventure to a poodle-loving home. Check him out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to West Raleigh on January 17 at 7AM for a great selection of furniture including beds, dressers, desks, seating, and tables, plus kitchen appliances and supplies, DVDs, video games, and assorted household items. More details here →
📝 LOCAL CLASS: Winter Cocktails & Crepes Cooking Class at Simply Crêpes Craft Kitchen North Raleigh on January 9 at 6PM.
An interactive, hands-on experience where guests learn the history of crêpes and craft a signature dessert crêpe and seasonal cocktail to enjoy. Sign up here →
🧠 UNSCRAMBLE, WIN A PRIZE: Unscramble this Raleigh-related phrase, be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a tote bag, stickers, and a magnet in the mail: BATTOBS REEKC RTLAI
🌳 Golden Years Gatherings
Handpicked social, cultural, and community events especially for Raleigh’s older adults.
👋 Event of the day: Chair Yoga @ North Regional Library | January 8 | 10AM
Chair Yoga offers a guided practice with a yoga professional, focusing on improved mobility, better breathing, a calmer mind, and connection through shared community. Get details here →
💲 Senior Discount of the Day: Golden Corral | Early Bird Senior Special
Golden Corral offers an Early Bird Senior Special with discounted buffet pricing during select hours.
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: Shoot to Thrill | Rock
Shoot to Thrill is an all-female AC/DC cover band that brings thunderous riffs, gritty vocals, and pure high-voltage energy to every stage. | Lincoln Theatre | January 9, 8PM | Get tickets here →
🎤 Plan Ahead: Nate Smith | Country
Nate Smith is an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful voice and blend of country, R&B, and pop influences. | The Ritz | April 4, 6:30PM | Get tickets here →
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Call them and tell them we sent you!*
✔️ Auto Mechanic: King’s Auto Service has 630+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted for over 75 years for reliable, expert car care in Raleigh.
✔️ Botox: BeautyCo has 260+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—Raleigh’s go-to spot for expert Botox treatments and natural-looking results.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Body): Amelia Aesthetics has 580+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted experts for body contouring and enhancement.
✔️ Cosmetic Surgeon (Face): Raleigh Eye and Face has 140+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—expert facial aesthetics and surgical care you can trust.
✔️ Dentist: Russo DDS has 1,500+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—trusted by families all over Raleigh for exceptional dental care.
✔️ Handyman: Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County has 900+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—because getting things fixed right matters.
✔️ Home Remodeler: Simply Right Remodeling has 100+ Google reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating—expert craftsmanship to transform your home with style and precision.
✔️ HVAC Services: Air Experts—Raleigh’s go-to HVAC specialists with 7,300+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Don’t wait for the next heatwave!
✔️ Laser Hair Removal: BodyLase Med Spa has nearly 900 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert laser hair removal. Book your glow-up today!
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✔️ Mortgage Broker: Erika Fonseca - Oak City Lending (NMLS #2679761) has 15 Google reviews, all 5.0 stars. Get the best home loan options with a pro who truly cares!
✔️ Orthodontist: Wake Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry has 1,400+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating—creating confident smiles for kids and adults across Raleigh.
✔️ Therapist: Elizabeth Tatum, LCMHC has 5.0 stars and 30+ Google reviews for compassionate, effective therapy. Take care of your mental wellness with one of Raleigh’s best.
✔️ Wealth Advisor: Capitol Financial has 25+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating for expert financial planning. Your future self will thank you.
Let’s Get Laughing:
🎤 This Week: Liz Miele at Goodnights Comedy Club | January 9-11 | Liz Miele is an American stand-up comedian and writer known for her smart, self-deprecating humor and sharp takes on relationships, mental health, and everyday life. Get tickets here →
😂 Plan Ahead: Josh Wolf at Goodnights Comedy Club | March 5-7 | Josh Wolf is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer known for his high-energy storytelling, edgy humor, and frequent television appearances. Get tickets here →
Find Friends in Raleigh:
Curated social events without an emphasis on alcohol or romance:
👋 Dinner with Creatives | January 9 | 7PM
A fun, low-effort night out that brings strangers together over dinner, encouraging connection and community across all backgrounds. Get details here →
🤝 Pickleball Event @ The Underground Pickleball and Recovery Cave | January 10 | 9AM
An exclusive afternoon of pickleball, premium recovery, and socializing at The Underground Pickleball & Recovery, blending activity, relaxation, and meaningful connection. Get details here →
If you're ever in Raleigh and need a cozy spot to unwind, you’ve got to check out Jubala Coffee. It’s a small, laid-back place with great vibes and even better coffee. The baristas are super friendly, and they make some of the best lattes around. Plus, the bakery items—especially the cinnamon rolls—are next level.
—Colleen, a longtime reader
Oak City Job Openings:
🖥️ WORK-FROM-HOME JOB HIRING IN RALEIGH: Welocalize is seeking English Talent Hub.
💼 RALEIGH JOB: Live Nation is seeking a VIP Host Staff.
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Hey, y’all: Event info can change—always check the organizer’s site before you go.
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