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February is Black History Month, a time to dedicate attention to and seek deeper understanding of the many contributions of Black Americans to science, art, music, culture, human rights and more. Local museums and other organizations invite families to take part in workshops, discussions, learning opportunities and community celebrations.
Radiant Reflections: Celebrating the Beauty of the African Diaspora
Date and time: Daily, through Feb. 23
Cost: Free
Head to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) to check out a group exhibition which celebrates Black identity, culture and experience across the African diaspora through art.
Black History Month Scavenger Hunt
Date and time: Daily, Feb. 1–28
Cost: Free
Take part in an ongoing scavenger hunt at all Tacoma Public Library branches to learn more about the work and contributions of Black artists and earn a prize!
Black History Month at MOPOP: Black Beyond
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Included with admission (up to $30; ages 4 and younger are free)
Attention, pop culture fans, head to MOPOP to catch its Black History Month kick-off celebration, “Black Beyond” featuring a movie screening, pop-up exhibition and panel discussion highlighting Black artists.
WSBLI Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Black History Art Exhibition
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; exhibition runs Monday–Saturday through Feb. 28
Cost: Free
The Washington State Black Legacy Institute is unveiling a new art exhibition at its new digs in West Seattle and inviting the public to celebrate the occasion at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The exhibition can be viewed during open hours through Feb. 28.
African American Folktales and Legends
Date and time: Feb. 1, 19 and 27, various times
Cost: Free
Multicultural folktales and legends come to life when voiced by storyteller Eva Abram during special Black History Month story times at Pierce County Libraries. Attend a session especially geared toward school-ages kids, tweens and teens, or all ages, from tots to adults.
Buffalo Soldier Adventure & Discovery
Date and time: Saturdays, Feb. 1, 8 and 22
Cost: Free
Another Black History Month program through Tacoma Public Libraries allows kids to learn about what life was like for Buffalo Soldiers through hands-on activities at the Fern Hill, Wheelock and Swasey branches.
Black History Month Crafts and Story Time at Local Libraries
Date and time: Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 22, various times
Cost: Free
Get creative and learn about prominent African Americans at a story time or crafting session taking place at a local library. Create paper figures at Steilacoom Library or fold themed origami crafts at Newcastle Library.
Black History Month Museum
Date and time: Tuesday–Sunday, Feb. 1–28, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Cost: $25 general admission; $15 students
Book tickets for “Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum,” a month-long installation celebrating Black excellence in the Pacific Northwest. The temporary museum will be on display through the end of February at the Columbia City Theater.
Black History Luncheon
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 1, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Reserve your seat at the table for a lunch celebrating the Hilltop Community at People’s Community Center in Tacoma. In addition to a tasty meal, there will be speakers, performances, music and games. All are encouraged to bring a family recipe to add to a community cookbook.
Black Artist Spotlight
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 1, noon–6 p.m. and Tuesdays, Feb. 4–25, noon–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Drop into Tacoma Public Library’s Moore location during open hours to explore a different Black artist each week, plus create a masterpiece of your own.
Endangered Archives: A Black History Exhibit
Date and time: Daily, Feb. 4–28, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get a close look at rare endangered African American archives from the Pacific Northwest at Tacoma Evergreen State College’s Black History Month exhibit. Visit anytime to discover little-known stories, works of art, achievements and more.
BE Great Celebration at Occidental Square
Date and time: Thursday–Friday, Feb. 6–7
Cost: Free
All are invited to celebrate Black community and creativity at a 2-day event in downtown Seattle’s Occidental Park featuring arts, food, music, pop-up market and more.
Living Voices: Home Front/War Front
Date and time: Thursday–Saturday, Feb. 6–8, various times
Cost: Free
Bring the older kids to experience history through live theatrical performances and archival film in this presentation by Living Voices about the contributions of women, including Black Rosie the Riveters, working in the aeronautics industry during World War II. Shows can be found at the Museum of Flight, as well as King and Pierce County libraries. Library shows require preregistration.
Living Voices: The Right to Dream
Date and time: Thursday, Feb. 6, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
MOHAI also has a multimedia presentation by Living Voices in February—this one about the struggle for civil rights in America. Best for ages 12 years and older.
Up and Atom STEAM Days
Date and time: Various dates and times, Feb. 6–27
Cost: Free
Also part of Tacoma Public Library’s Black History Month programming, take part in Black history-themed STEAM Day workshops with craft activities at select branches.
NAAM Black History Month Events: Coloring Outside the Lines
Date and time: Weekends throughout February
Cost: Varies by activity
Join the Northwest African American Museum for its month-long Black History Month celebration, “Coloring Outside the Lines,” highlighting Black artists, entrepreneurs and leaders. Take part in workshops, panel discussion, guided tours and more.
Black History Month Family Trivia Night
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 8, 4–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gather your crew to test your collective knowledge about prominent African Americans. Join the King County Library System for a Black History Month trivia night at the Des Moines Library. Prizes will be awarded! Preregister.
Celebrating Black Voices Film Fest
Date and time: Sunday, Feb. 9, noon–6 p.m.
Cost: $15
Part of BIMA’s Black History Month programming, screen classic and contemporary works from Black filmmakers at this all-ages film fest.
Black Artists Exhibition
Date and time: Tuesday–Friday, Feb. 11–March 7
Cost: Free
Drop by Tacoma Community College’s Gallery during open school hours to view the Black Artists Exhibition which features paintings, photographs, glass sculpture and other works of art by 23 artists.
‘We the People and the American Dream’
Date and time: Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:30–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Explore the Civil Rights movement from 1866 to present with UW Professor, Luther Adams, Ph.D., during a discussion in partnership with the Buffalo Soldiers Museum. Preregister for this free event held at the Washington State History Museum.
Girl Scouts of Western Washington Black History Month Celebration
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 22, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gather at the Auburn Community and Event Center where the Girl Scouts of Western Washington invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with interactive activities, performances and more.
Black History Month Soirée
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 22, 6–10 p.m.
Cost: Free; $10 suggested donation
Spend an evening at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art in celebration of Black culture. This all-ages soirée features art, live performances and a special Black Love Market pop-up so you can shop and support Black-owned businesses.
When the Past Meets Your Future: A Celebration of BHS
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: Included with admission ($19–$25; ages 14 and younger are free)
Reserve your spot to this event celebrating The Black Heritage Society of Washington State, whose mission is to archive and share the history of African Americans in our state. Head to MOHAI where nearly 50 years of history will be on view during the program.
Black History Month Market
Date and time: Sunday, Feb. 23, noon–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Black Night Market brings back its annual Black History Month Market to Mount Tahoma High School with live performances, inspiring speakers, local food trucks and activities for all ages. Shoppers can support small and local Black-owned businesses and celebrate community.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was updated most recently in January 2025 by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, to include this year’s Black History Month events.
