Black History Month 2026 in Philly: 35+ Events & Things to Do

Through Sunday, February 15, 2026

There’s still time to see Woodmere’s comprehensive exhibit showcasing the work of renowned watercolorist and illustrator, Jerry Pinkney. The artist illustrated more than 100 books in his lifetime.

Woodmere’s exhibit of Pinkney’s work includes a section called “A Chorus of Voices: Honoring Black History,” which focuses on select works that highlight African American traditions, events and contributions to music history.

The exhibit also features examples of Pinkney’s illustrations of reimagined fables and folk tales, as well as his illustrations of legendary musicians like Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix.

Through Friday, February 27, 2026

The Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia kicks off Black History Month with its third annual Black History Month Art Showcase. Philadelphia-based artist Chelsey Luster curates the multimedia exhibition featuring art by four local Black women artists: Brittany Baum, Devyn Dais, Michele Pierson and Susan Ragland.

This year’s theme — Soft Light — examines how these artists use light in their artistic works to portray emotion. The exhibition featuring paintings, mixed media and figurative art greets visitors to the hotel’s lobby through the end of February.

Through Sunday, March 15, 2026

The Arden Theatre Company presents the Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ play, Good Bones. The play confronts issues of gentrification in a humorous yet biting one-act play. As a stadium project severs a community, urban planner Aisha buys a fixer-upper in her rapidly changing old neighborhood.

Theater lovers might be interested in the brand-new Citywide James Ijames Pass, offering access to three Ijames plays for $130. The Arden, The Wilma Theater and Philadelphia Theatre Company partner to offer the pass available through the Philadelphia Visitor Center.

Through Sunday, April 26, 2026

The curators at the Pennsylvania Historical Society examine the “changing faces” of America in this new, two-phase exhibit free and open to the public during library hours. The exhibit — part of the historical society’s 2026 programming — looks at the paper trail our ancestors left in their documents ahead of the other big birthday celebrations, America’s 100th and 200th birthdays.

The first phase of the exhibit focuses on Pennsylvania in the 1800s and includes information about the movement of free and enslaved African people throughout the state following Emancipation.

Through Sunday, April 26, 2026

The Philadelphia Art Museum presents a survey of African American artist Noah Davis’ body of work, featuring 60 items the artist created from 2007 until his death in 2015. Arranged chronologically for this exhibit, Davis’ art centers on the lived Black experience with themes of politics, family, race and more.

Three museums partnered to organize the show: DAS MINSK in Potsdam, the Barbican in London and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Philadelphia marks the international tour’s final stop.

The showcase of work is in the Special Exhibits galleries and is included with regular museum admission.

Ongoing

Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s work takes center stage at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s latest exhibition — Afrofuturism in Costume Design. Carter won Oscars for her costume designs for the Black Panther films and was also just nominated in 2026 for her work on Sinners. She is the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards in any category.

The modular exhibition — with interactive elements — showcases costumes and artifacts from Carter’s esteemed career, including a rare glimpse of the artist’s personal sketches and costumes from Carter’s private collection. Visitors can see how Carter’s award-winning costumes started as hand-drawn images before becoming iconic film characters.

Enjoy Black History with a comedic twist as the performers (who are a tiny bit tipsy) school the audience in the biographies of lesser-known Black figures. Comedian Brandon Collins hosts the touring show, stopping for one night at Punch Line Philly.

In celebration of the anniversary of Black History Month (see Commemoration below), expect surprises and special guest appearances from Marquise Richards, Eric Cole and Mo B.

You’ll need tickets to get your laugh on at the 21-plus show (or 18-plus with a legal guardian), which also requires a two-drink minimum per person.

Celebrate 100 years of Black History Month at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) — the nation’s premier institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and showcasing the heritage and culture of African Americans.

2026’s theme — “A Century of Black History Commemorations: From Negro History Week to Black History Month” — honors historic milestones while looking ahead with family-friendly activities to shape the next generation.

Programs include a Super Bowl watch party, a 52 Weeks of Firsts Saturday Firstival marking the creation of the nation’s first abolitionist society and the return of the museum’s kid-focused “Everyday Heroes” program.

Old City’s Museum of the American Revolution highlights the experiences of Black men and women living in Revolutionary-era America with guided tours, theatrical performances, pop-up talks and more:

• The Declaration’s Journey: For America’s 250th birthday, the museum presents a special exhibition dedicated to the stories surrounding the Declaration of Independence, including those detailing the fight for equality. The exhibit features artifacts like the prison bench Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. sat on while writing his Letter from a Birmingham Jail.  
• Lectures & Discussions: The museum presents two forums this month. First up, a free virtual and in-person talk titled It Begins with Each of Us: Fostering Racial Understanding on Saturday, February 7, 2026 (1 to 3:30 p.m.). Later in the month, the museum’s ticketed Read the Revolution Speaker Series features professor-authors Julia Gaffield and Marlene L. Daut on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.), speaking about their books on Haitian revolutionaries.
• Daily In-Gallery Talks: Visitors to the museum during February have several in-gallery talks to choose from each day, including: From Seeking Freedom to Civil Rights (11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.), Phyllis Wheatley (12:30 p.m.) and Finding Freedom (1:30 p.m.)
• First-Person Theatrical Performance: Meet Elizabeth Freeman: After watching America begin its fight for freedom, Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, an enslaved woman living in Massachusetts, bravely sued for her own — and won. Actress Katelyn E. Appiah-Kubi brings the revolutionary woman’s court case — which formed an important precedent for subsequent “freedom cases” — to life in this live theatrical performance (Saturdays, 1:15 and 3:15 p.m.).
• Gallery Highlights Tour: Black Voices of the Revolution: A museum educator guides guests on a tour of the museum’s core exhibit galleries, paying special attention to stories and artifacts connected to colonial men and women of African descent, including Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth Freeman and Harry Washington. Tickets are required and include general admission into the museum (Saturdays & Sundays).

Throughout February, the National Constitution Center features daily crafts, trivia and scavenger hunts in the main hall, along with timed talks about the many African Americans who changed history.

Each day, visitors can learn about: the “four Harriets of history” (Harriet Tubman, Harriet Robinson Scott, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Harriet Jacobs) at 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; the first Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, at 1:45 p.m.; and the Emancipation Proclamation and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment at 11:45 a.m.

General admission includes access to these Black History Month happenings.

February 1-28, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays)

Get a special look at the historic Betsy Ross House during these weekend Black History Month events.

On Saturdays, costumed actors share amazing stories about prominent members of colonial Philadelphia’s free Black community, including Ona Judge (who escaped George Washington’s enslavement) and Margaret Woodby (who ran a successful bakery in the city). On Sundays, visitors can hear professional storytellers highlight true stories about the lesser-known parts of Philly’s Black history.

The free programs happen each weekend throughout February.

Black history takes center stage at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s 50-plus branches throughout the city all month long — no library card needed.  The expansive list of free programs for all ages includes hands-on activities, author talks, music and dance, food, genealogy, and so much more, including:

• Black History Month: African Drum Circle With Mister Boom Boom! at Parkway Central Library: Kids can learn the art of West African hand drumming with the help of children’s music educator and multi-instrumentalist Mister Boom Boom, which wraps up with a dance and drum circle (Wednesday, February 4, 2026).
• Fundamentals of Rhythm Workshop: Break Dancing: Children, teens and their families can learn and practice the basic moves of break dancing and choreographing the dance form born in the 1970s at the Logan Library (Saturday, February 7, 2026).
• Hip Hop Jazz Musicology: Northeast Regional Library hosts this all-ages workshop where participants can learn about the history and evolution of Black music in America, including hip-hop (Tuesday, February 10, 2026).
• The African Influence on American Food: Those eager to learn more about African American foodways have two opportunities to hear Chef Valerie Erwin present, first at Philadelphia City Institute (Saturday, February 7, 2026) and then at the Paschalville neighborhood library (Saturday, February 21, 2026).

Throughout the month of February, the Philadelphia Art Museum offers guided tours showcasing its collection of Black art and artists on view. Tours come with museum admission on a first-come, first-served basis with space for 20 guests each day.

The daily tour runs from 2 to 3 p.m. (note the museum closes each week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays), and participants should meet in the Great Stair Hall in the museum’s main building early to secure a spot.

Note: The museum’s exhibition of Noah Davis’ work (see above) also runs throughout the entire month.

InterAct Theatre Company’s latest production, Plantation Black, presents a play with a twist: Before each performance, the show producers pull a ball from a drum to determine from which part of the play’s timeline to start.

The plot centers around the determination of the rightful heir to a Civil War plantation. With six possible starting points, the show’s structure teases out the ways we learn about our history and repeat it.

InterAct hosts the world premiere of the Phaedra Michelle Scott production at The Drake. Note: plan to arrive 20 minutes early if you want to see the ball drawing.

Philly’s favorite children’s museum honors Black history with a dedicated day full of hands-on workshops and activities to teach kids all about Black changemakers throughout history.

Located in historic Memorial Hall, the Please Touch Museum aims to bring together the past, present and future through six interactive exhibit zones across 157,000 square feet, including four areas specifically designed for children 3 and younger.

The museum promises an action-packed celebration where kids can dance, drum and learn through play about inventions and designs from Black innovators.

Celebrating 34 years of promoting African American children’s literature, the annual African American Children’s Book Fair returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center this February.

The free event offers an opportunity to meet and listen to nearly 40 Black authors and children’s book creators — like Nikki Grimes, Derrick Barnes and Ibi Zoboi — and participate in a variety of literacy activities.

Promotions, giveaways and games with literacy prizes round out the afternoon, along with a marketplace showcasing the best in Black literature from preschool to young adult.

The Miller Theater transforms into an immersive dance and theatrical performance for one night when Step Afrika! brings its blend of step, storytelling, songs and humor to the stage. Audience members can expect to join in the fun as the group leads everyone through the art of stepping.

The dance ensemble meshes the percussive dance common among African American sororities and fraternities with both traditional and contemporary dance styles, incorporating claps, steps and spoken word. The performance is part of Ensemble Arts’ buy-two-or-more Family Discovery Series savings package.

February 7, 14 & 28, 2026

52 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly’s historic achievements — every week, all throughout 2026. The free celebrations take place at the original location of each first (or in spaces that represent where these significant milestones occurred) and include guest speakers, a sculpture, monthly marquee events and historic deep dives by Once Upon a Nation.

This February, celebrate Black history during three Saturday events honoring: the first African Methodist Episcopal congregation (February 7, 2026); the first abolitionist society (February 14, 2026); and the first public protest against slavery (February 28, 2026).

February 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026

Black Americans’ role in the nation’s founding often goes undiscussed. The walking tours from The Black Journey Tours aim to educate others about that rich history.

On the Original Black History Tour of Old City, you’ll journey past sites like the Liberty Bell to walk in the footsteps of early African Americans, enslaved people, slave-owners and abolitionists. You’ll need a ticket for the one-and-a-half-hour tour, which runs each Saturday in February at 2 p.m.

Short on time or can’t make a Saturday tour? Go DIY instead with the tour company’s self-guided Resilience and Revolution audio tour.

Smith Memorial Playground honors the contributions of Black Philadelphians who’ve left a positive impact on the city with this month-long exhibition.

Each year, the outdoor exhibition inspires kids and grown-ups alike by showcasing entrepreneurs, politicians, entertainers, athletes, artists and more.

While the honorees for 2026 remain under wraps, guests can expect to see Black youth leaders who embody “revolutionary action” highlighted this year as part of the playground’s America 250 programming. Smith remains free and open to all, including access to Leaders and Legends.

As the Great Depression descends on 1930s Harlem, a group of five friends struggles to find their big break when a stranger from the south appears. Will he help them realize their dreams or dash their hopes?

Blues for an Alabama Sky captures the final days of the Harlem Renaissance as cultural shifts and economic uncertainty make for tough times amidst increasing racism and sexism.

Lantern Theater Company brings the emotional production of Pearl Cleage’s drama to the stage at St. Stephen’s Theater in Center City.

February 13-28, 2026 (Dates vary by event)

Fairhill Puerto Rican arts and culture organization, Taller Puertorriqueño, presents two Black History programs this February:

• Jorge Luis Rodríguez: Orisha Santos: An Artistic Interpretation of the Seven African Powers: This new exhibition, opening Friday, February 13, 2026 showcases the work of New York sculptor Jorge Luis Rodriguez who collaborated with members of Philly’s Yoruba Orisha community to inspire his work. Joined in conversation with an Orisha practitioner, Rodriguez discusses the work at the annual Schomburg Symposium (see below).
• Arturo A. Schomburg Symposium: Held annually in honor of the influential Puerto Rican scholar and community builder of the same name, the Arturo A. Schomburg Symposium at Taller Puertorriqueño celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. This year’s theme — Spirituality as Resilience and Resistance Across the African Diaspora in the Americas — brings together scholars, professionals, activists, artists and community members to explore the intersection of Latin American and African American communities (February 27 to 28, 2026).

February 14 – March 7, 2026 (select dates)

Note: As of February 12, 2026, the four Black history tours are sold out. Still interested in attending? Join the waitlist on each tour company’s Eventbrite page (here and here).

For Black History Month this year, Visit Philadelphia (that’s us!) has partnered with 1838 Black Metropolis and The Black Journey to offer four free, professionally guided walking tours throughout the city’s historic Seventh Ward — as well as at sites where the city’s Black forebears walked, talked and helped shape the nation.

The tours — part of Visit Philadelphia’s ongoing Indivisible series — coincide with the year-long celebration of America’s 250th birthday and aim to explore the lived experiences of our shared multicultural history.

• 1838 Black Metropolis 101: This family-friendly tour guides you on an exploration of Philadelphia’s early free Black community, stopping at historic spots to share stories of what life was like for Black Philadelphians before the Civil War (February 14 & 21, 2026 | 11 a.m.).

• The Seventh Ward Tour: This tour explores the city’s historic Seventh Ward — once the epicenter of Black cultural, civic and political life. Intended for more mature participants, the tour stops by iconic institutions while also discovering the unvarnished history of the neighborhood, including instances of racial violence (February 28 & March 7, 2026 | 11 a.m.).

February 20-26, 2026 (times vary by date)

Join the Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) for a week-long celebration of classic Black cinema, with this year’s “Shot Callers” theme focusing on actors turned directors.

This year’s lineup features horror, comedy and drama, including two showings of Fences, the Denzel Washington-directed adaptation of the beloved August Wilson play. Harriett’s Bookshop collaborates with the Free Library of Philadelphia for the event to explore connections between filmmaking and writing.

Showtimes vary by day, with two 21-plus BYOB evenings (February 21 & 23, 2026). You can buy individual tickets for each screening or save by purchasing a four-film ticket bundle.

This 90-minute trolley tour gives guests a behind-the-palette look at a few of Philly’s beautiful, social justice-inspired murals as a professional Mural Arts tour guide shares the story enshrined on the wall in front of you, as well as information about the artist and the mural-making process.

Past highlighted murals have included the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters mural and the Staircases and Mountaintops: Ascending Beyond The Dream mural depicting Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. You’ll need advanced tickets for this limited-space tour.

As the creator of Black History Month, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) celebrates 100 years of Black history with a commemorative event at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania this month.

ASALH celebrates two milestones this year — 100 years of Negro History Week and 50 years of Black History Month — with a talk by historian Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham.

The free event kicks off a year-long celebration of preserving Black history, and advanced registration is required.

Just outside Powelton Village, Scribe Video Center celebrates Black History Month with a three-night event to honor award-winning filmmaker Yvonne Yelbon.

Sisters in Cinema — Yelbon’s documentary about Black women feature film directors — inspired her to create a non-profit by the same name. Participants can see Yelbon’s body of work, including shorts, a documentary about LGBTQ+ icon Ruth C. Ellis and a screening of Sisters in Cinema.

Screenings and discussions run from 7 to 9 p.m. each night at the Scribe Video Center with a $5 ticket charge per night.

Through the lens of modern American dance and the African American cultural experience, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s revolutionary show celebrates artistry and the human spirit with a different repertory selection during each of four performances across three days at the iconic Academy of Music.

All days of the multi-part program include Revelations — a renowned performance honoring Black cultural heritage and set to spirituals, song sermons, gospel and holy blues — plus signature classics and newer works from esteemed choreographers.

Honor some of the Black trailblazers and pioneers who’ve led brave, boundary-breaking lives at Montgomery County’s Laurel Hill West.

This guided walking tour makes its way through the beautiful cemetery’s grounds, stopping at the final resting places of influential musicians, entertainers, activists, politicians and athletes.

In previous years, tour subjects have included Dennie Hoggard, Jr., the first Black football player to play in the Cotton Bowl; singer Teddy Pendergrass; and civil rights leaders Raymond and Sadie T. M. Alexander.

Visitors to Philly can explore Black history any time of year at spots like Mother Bethel AME, the founding church of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination, and the African American Museum in Philadelphia, the country’s first major museum devoted to African American history.

Those wanting a deeper dive can take self-guided tours like Black History on South Street: A Self-Guided Tour and The Philadelphia Inquirer Walking Tours. Explore our comprehensive guide to the Philadelphia museums, landmarks, churches and other sites that tell of the successes, struggles and contributions of African Americans through the centuries.

Find a new favorite spot during Black History Month while supporting Philadelphia’s numerous Black-owned businesses. Browse specialty shops like Blue Sole Shoes and Blk Ivy Thrift; get pampered with treatments and products from Dope Botanicals; and find your next great read at book stores like Hakim’s, Harriett’s and Uncle Bobbie’s.

Dig into delicious dishes from places like Amina, Down North Pizza and other Black-owned restaurants; sip some coffee and relax at cafes like Arterial Coffee; or indulge in something decadent at bakeries like Sweet T’s in Reading Terminal Market.

Freedom was the goal for the thousands of enslaved Africans on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of safe houses, churches and farms that offered shelter and safety. Philadelphia has a rich history of being a safe haven for those seeking freedom, with the Greater Philadelphia area dotted with numerous historic stops on the Underground Railroad.

Discover Philly’s most notable sites and learn about Philadelphians who bravely worked to keep the route running in our comprehensive guide to the Underground Railroad in the Greater Philadelphia.