Every February we celebrate Black History Month. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of federal recognition of Black history. Fittingly, the theme for 2026 is “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” A single month can’t capture a century of Black American history and contributions, but here’s a roundup of some of our favorite family-friendly events and celebrations happening in L.A. this February.

Black History Month Celebration at Forest Lawn

4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 31 | Forest Lawn – Glendale

Forest Lawn’s Black History Month event celebration features a resource fair and pre-show reception with refreshments, music, and prizes, and continues with a 6 p.m. curtain for the performance. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis; standing room only is anticipated. More info.

Black History Month Kickoff

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sun., 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 activities and stories. More info.

Talking Drums With Ina the Sunshine Storyteller

4 p.m. Tue., Feb. 3 | Atwater Branch Library

Join LAPL for an afternoon of storytime with Ina. Ina will be performing “Talking Drums,” a participatory collection of Afro-centric folktales and songs to celebrate Black History Month. For children with parents or caregivers. More info.

Science Storytime: African American History Month

4 pm. Thurs., Feb. 5 | Palms – Rancho Park Library

Let’s read and talk about African American scientists and explore flight with a stomp rocket launcher! Recommended for ages 5 and up. More info.

LA Opera: An Ode to Black Opera

7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 5 | California African American Museum

LA Opera Connects returns to CAAM for an evening of music, celebrating Black History Month and Black composers with LA Opera artists Cedric Berry (bass-baritone), Ashley Faatoalia (tenor), Grace Lee (piano), and Thalia Moore (soprano). More info.

46th Annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sat., Feb. 7 | Anaheim City Hall

Orange County Heritage Council, presents the 46th Annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival. This year’s theme is “Unity in Purpose” – celebrating African American heritage and community unity. 

Held in Downtown Anaheim near City Hall, the community event features 15+ marching bands, dance groups and floats; two live stages (Freedom Stage & Unity Stage) with music and performances, 100+ community and retail vendors, including 25+ food vendors. Plus college and health fairs and Youth Village featuring sports games and inflatables for kids. More info.

15th Street Block Party

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 7 – 8 | Paramount Pictures Studios Backlot

Support Black founders, artists and creators at this 2-day festival, featuring live music, DJs, food trucks, book signings and pop-up stores. More info.

African American and Black History Month: 3D Paper Sculptures

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Wed., Feb. 11 | El Camino Real Library

Celebrate the work of Black American sculptor, Charles McGee, and create your own dimensional paper sculptures in his style using paper, glue or tape, and markers. All materials will be provided. For teens ages 13 – 17. More info.

2nd Annual Legacy Unity & Love: Black Future Celebration

2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 14 | The Promenade

“Legacy & Unity: Black Future Celebration”, a vibrant outdoor festival honoring African American achievements and heritage in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, is a free community event featuring a full of live entertainment, family-friendly activities, Black-owned businesses, wellness resources, and cultural exhibits.

Whether you’re enjoying live music, learning about local African American pioneers, shopping from incredible vendors, or participating in our engaging activities, there’s something for everyone!

Celebrate African American history, culture, and achievements while supporting local businesses and connecting with the community. This is more than an event—it’s a day to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. More info.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips: A Children’s Craft Inspired by Alma Thomas

4 p.m. Wed., Feb. 18 | Chatsworth Branch Library

In honor of African American History Month, the LAPL invites children and teens to join this a family-friendly event celebrating the famous artwork of Alma Thomas, “Tip Toe Through The Tulips.” During the event, participants will create their own colorful artwork using construction paper, inspired by Thomas’s style. More info.

West African Dance

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 19 | John Muir Branch Library

This workshop will explore the important role that African dance plays in African society. It will also feature a colorful display of African instruments and artifacts. Come prepared to learn, to dance, and to enjoy the fun and excitement of traditional African dance and rhythms. More info.

African American Festival

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 21 – 22 | Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-fourth 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.

44th Annual Black History Festival

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 21 | Robinson Park

The City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Black History Committee present the 44th Annual Black History Festival featuring youth performances, live entertainment from artists representing Pasadena’s vibrant cultural community, food trucks, community resource booths and more. More info.

Black History Month Festival

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat., Feb. 21 | La Brea Tar Pits

Mark your calendar for February 21, 2026, for a vibrant, all-day celebration held at the scenic La Brea Tar Pits, right next to the LACMA Museum. From 11 am to 6 pm, the outdoor festival will be buzzing with energy, offering something for everyone: enjoy captivating live music and performing artists, explore the Book Author Showcase, discover unique finds from small business pop-ups, and treat yourself to diverse food vendors. Families will love the dedicated Children’s Zone, and the excitement builds for the highly anticipated surprise headliner! Don’t miss this landmark event honoring Black History Month in the heart of Los Angeles. More info.

African Mask Art: History, Meaning, and Creativity

4 p.m. – 5 p.m. Tue., Feb. 24 | Valley Plaza Branch Library

Celebrate African American History Month with a hands-on art program! Learn how masks are used in different African cultures and explore the meanings behind colors, shapes, and patterns. Then design your own paper mask inspired by traditional styles. No art experience needed. All supplies provided. For teens ages 11–18. More info.

BUTTER Fine Art Fair

All day Thurs., Feb. 26 – Mar. 1 | Hollywood Park

BUTTER Fine Art Fair is an immersive four-day cultural experience that centers the care and viability of artists representing the African diaspora. Serving as a new model for economic justice, the no-censorship, no-commission fine art fair gives 100% of the proceeds from art sales to the artists, who pay no fee to participate. Guests 18 and under are also free, supporting arts education for the next generation.

Taking place February 26 – March 1 near SoFi Stadium and Intuit Dome in Inglewood’s Hollywood Park, the inaugural exhibiton of BUTTER LA will feature 40 independent, emerging, mid-career, and established artists, showcasing a well-curated collection of contemporary artworks during LA Art Week and Black History Month.

Featured in the The New York Times, Forbes, LA Magazine, Essence, and Ebony, BUTTER works to make contemporary art accessible, presenting the work with proper context, as one of the country’s most celebrated and impactful new art experiences.

BUTTER LA features plenty of activities for children, including a kids zone with hands-on art activities, games, and sports play. Children 18 and under are encouraged to attend BUTTER at no cost. More info.

Black History Month: Concert Feat. Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles

5 p.m. Sat., Feb. 28 | Los Angeles Trade Technical-College

The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), the largest majority Black orchestra in America, will present a special concert in honor of Black History Month hosted at LATTC. More info.

For more Black History Month events or things to do in L.A. check out our calendar.