Every February since 1976 we celebrate Black History Month, a nationally recognized time to honor, learn and recognize the vast contributions and achievements of Black Americans. Although a month is not nearly enough time to reflect on Black history, as is the case with all designated months, here are a few family-friendly events in Los Angeles to learn and uplift Black history this month and beyond.
Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1 | Anaheim City Hall
The 45th annual Black History Parade & Unity Festival returns to downtown Anaheim.The parade and street fair features community marching bands, dancers and parade vehicles as well as music, food and more.
The event, put on by the Orange County Heritage Council, celebrates Black History Month and the contributions of African Americans to our city, region and nation.
Everyone is welcome to join the celebration of African American pride, family and community fun! More info.
Black History Month at Pretend City
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1 | Pretend City Children’s Museum
Join Pretend City as they honor and celebrate black leaders, artists, and innovators throughout the day in honor of Black History Month with engaging story time and activities. Story times for “You Come from Greatness: A Celebration of Black History: A Picture Book” will take place at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. More info.
Forest Lawn Celebrates Black History Month
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sat., Feb. 1 | Forest Lawn – Glendale
The evening features a one-night-only performance of moving and enlightening music, dance, poetry, and special-guest speeches celebrating the African American experience and culture, following a community resource fair and reception.
Doors open at 4 p.m. for the resource fair and pre-show reception with refreshments, music and prizes, and continues with a 6:30 p.m. curtain for the performance. More info.
Tuesday Tales: A Travelin’ Storytime (Black History Month)
10:30 a.m. Tue., Feb. 4 | Fairview Branch Library
Join the Santa Monica Public Library for this fun and engaging weekly series, featuring stories, songs, and rhymes. Free tickets are available at 10:15 a.m. More info.
Pasadena Black History Festival
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 15 | Robinson Park
The Human Services and Recreation Department and volunteer Black History Parade and Festival Planning Committee host the annual Pasadena Black History Festival. Note the parade portion is canceled this year due to the devastating impact from the Eaton Fire on our community. This year’s Black History Festival will focus on recovery within the community amidst the ongoing tragedy caused by the Eaton Fire.Live bands, dance performances, community booths, guest speakers, vendors, public assistance and services, free food and more. More info.
A Black History Month Celebration
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 15 | The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
Join The Museum of the San Fernando Valley for a Black History Month Celebration. This year’s focus is Mental Health Awareness, Support, and Providers. The free, family-friendly event features special guests, speakers, recognition awards, networking opportunities, educational resources, food vendors, entertainment, a vendor market and more. More info.
Aquarium of the Pacific’s African-American Festival
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22 – 23 | Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-third annual African American Festival, which features music, dance, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Guests can also experience presentations, including storytelling, hip hop and break dance, drum circles, and live bands during the festival. They can also visit participating booths with displays. More info.
Children’s Programs and Crafts
1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 22 | Central Library
Activities designed for children ages 3-11. Part of Central Library’s Inspiring Journeys: African American Histories. More info.
A Day In Nature
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23 | Stoneview Nature Center
Stoneview Nature Center hosts its first Black Heritage Month programming beginning Sunday, Jan. 2, with events every weekend, culminating with “A Day In Nature” event on Sunday, Feb. 23.
There will be activities for families and adults, including nature walks, drum circle, story walk and more. More info.
Black History Month Festival
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun., Feb. 23 | Pan Pacific Park
This year’s festival will focus on African American history, music and contributions worldwide. The family-friendly festival features live music, arts and crafts, food, local vendors, jobs fair, education fair and more. More info.
Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future
11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Feb. 23 | The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is proud to announce “Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future,” an inaugural Black History Month celebration taking place at the iconic ship. For the first time ever, The Queen Mary will bring the vibrant culture of Leimert Park to life, transforming it into a hub celebrating the profound influence of Black artistry and storytelling. From visual arts to spoken word performances, guests will experience the creativity and resilience that define Black culture in Los Angeles and beyond. More info.
This Black History Month, step into a transformative experience with
“Black History Moor Than a Month: Takes You Black Through Time”
3 p.m., Feb. 23 | YouTube Theater
This groundbreaking live performance produced by School Yard Rap, an organization dedicated to creating culturally relevant educational content that resonates with diverse audiences. The organization was founded by Brandon “Griot B” Brown, an educator, artist and entrepreneur who has made it his mission to bring history to life through hip-hop, turning history into a high-energy immersive experience.
The family-friendly “Black History Moore Than a Month: Takes You Black Through Time” show will take place Feb. 23 at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood. The performance will take attendees on a powerful journey through the Black diaspora, using musical styles from different regions, spoken word and storytelling to celebrate the impact of Black leaders, innovators and changemakers — from pre-colonization to the present. Some event highlights:
- Live music performances and cultural dance performances
- Engaging storytelling that brings Black history to life
- Special tribute to HBCU’s and Divine 9 organizations
- A family-friendly atmosphere perfect for educators, students and community members
Tickets are available at schoolyardrap.com and Ticketmaster.
For more family-friendly events visit our calendar.
