Black History Month offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Black communities' achievements, history, and culture. One of the best ways to observe this month is by participating in local events that showcase Black culture's stories, art, and traditions. Whether through cultural festivals or educational exhibits, these events allow us to connect, learn, and honor the enduring contributions of Black individuals, past and present.
How to Celebrate Black History Month in Washington, D.C.
Visit the National Museum of African American History - Daily until 5:30 PM - Free
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Experience one of the ongoing tours, such as Slavery and Freedom and Making A Way Out of No Way, or attend one of the upcoming events.
Living the Dream…Singing the Dream: A Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr - Sunday, February 2nd at 7:30 PM - $25-$75
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This concert is a must-see-and-hear annual highlight featuring the combined Men, Women, and Children of the Gospel choirs of Washington Performing Arts and the Choral Arts Society of Washington in tribute to Dr. King’s achievements and ongoing, indelible impact.
Black History Month Live with the Culture Queen - Saturday, February 8th at 12 PM - Free
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"Black History Live with Culture Queen” is a modern-day Josephine Baker-inspired performance for children which uses live, original, and interactive music, movement, and storytelling to teach them to celebrate their history and love themselves.
Freedom Visions: A Black Film Festival at Howard University - Monday, February 10th at 5 PM to Friday, February 14th at 9 PM - $20
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Join the celebration of Black cinema at Howard University! This in-person event will showcase a diverse range of films that highlight the Black experience. From thought-provoking documentaries to powerful narratives, this festival aims to inspire, educate, and entertain. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Black filmmakers' rich storytelling and unique perspectives. Get ready for a weekend filled with inspiration, reflection, and community.
Glass in Session: Black History Month - Sunday, February 23rd at 12 PM - $55
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Celebrate with a lively and educational cocktail experience at Glass in Session, hosted by BoozeBruvas at Eaton Workshop. Guests will engage in a dynamic hands-on cocktail class, learning to craft the Rosey Eyes and Starburst Cruiser, two vibrant and flavorful drinks. This event blends brand education, tastings, and mixology skills while honoring the contributions of Black culture to the world of spirits.
How to Celebrate Black History Month in Virginia
Arlington and Alexandria
Arlington Public Library Black History Month Events - Throughout February - Free
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Learn about Black inventors, Minorities in Aquaculture, and Mary Fields in these in-person events.
Visit the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington - Thursdays 3-6 PM and Saturdays 2-5 PM - Free
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Explore this museum dedicated to celebrating the African American journey to Freedom and learn about Arlington’s Freedman’s Village, its residents, and its history.
The 2025 Virginia Black History Month Gala - Saturday, February 22nd, 6-9 PM - $25-$100+
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Get ready for one of Virginia's most anticipated events of the year in black excellence and culture! See historical speakers, scholarship presentations, a broom jumping ceremony, a youth orchestra, 360 videos, family portraits, and over 30 vendors!
Feel the Heritage Festival - Saturday, February 22nd, 12 PM-5 PM - Free
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The festival welcomes hundreds each year to learn about Arlington’s historically African-American neighborhoods while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food, and dozens of vendors
Visit Freedom House Museum - Saturdays 11 AM to 5 PM and Sundays 1 to 5 PM - Free to $5
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The Freedom House Museum commemorates the lives and experiences of both enslaved and free Black individuals who lived in or were trafficked through Alexandria.
Fairfax County
Black History Month at the Meeting House - Saturday, February 1st, and Saturday, February 15th Noon to 3 PM - Free
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Read about the Black History of the Meeting House and stories of the people from the community.
Enslaved Lives and the Legacy of Slavery - Monday, February 3rd, 1-2 PM, $12
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Join a historian for a tour of Huntley that explores the Mason family's connection to slavery and offers insights into the lives of the Humphrey family and other enslaved individuals whose labor supported Mason's wealth and social standing.
Remembering Metilda - Growing Up Enslaved - Saturday, February 22nd, 1-2 PM, $8
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Come learn about Metilda, a 14-year old enslaved girl who came to live at Colvin Run Mill. Discuss her life at the mill and the house. Examine what history tells us about the lives of enslaved children, their work, and their families.
Paths of Freedom Seekers - Sunday, February 23rd 3-4 PM, $8
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Hear the stories of African Americans who were forced to live and work on this farm, reflecting on their acts of resistance and survival. Discover how enslaved communities and freedom seekers have shaped a legacy of resilience throughout American history.
Loudoun County
Story Time: Mae Among the Stars - Tuesdays and Thursdays in February 2025 at 11:00 am and 11:30 am, Free
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Visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and learn the inspirational story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space.
Winter Talks at Oatlands - Trafficked to Louisiana: The Untold Story of the People Enslaved at Oak Hill - Saturday, February 8th at 1 PM, Free
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Emily Stanfill shares the research that led her across multiple states and through thousands of documents as she learned the fate of Oak Hill’s enslaved community.
Fredericksburg and Stafford
Lecture: Great Lives – Phillis Wheatley - Saturday, February 27th at 7:30 PM, Free
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Historian David Waldstreicher will discuss the incredibly important life of Phillis Wheatley and her literary works.
Visit Historic Landmarks in Stafford County - Free
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The Rowser Building, Historic Port of Falmouth, Aquia Landing, Chatham Manor, and Union Church are all significant to the history of African Americans in Stafford County and tell their stories.
How to Celebrate Black History Month in Maryland
Montgomery County
Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park - Saturday, February 8th, 11am-3 PM, Free
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Enjoy hands-on activities including compass making, share what freedom means to you, map your own family tree, and more! There will also be story times at 11:30 am and 1:30 PM.
History Hour: Thurgood Marshall: A Trail-Blazing Civil Rights Victory in Montgomery County - Thursday, February 20th, 6-7 PM, $5
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Tour the Josiah Henson Museum, then attend a lecture focused on Thurgood Marshall's fight for equal pay and the desegregation of schools in the county. This illustrated talk highlights this remarkable local story and its broader national impact.
Frederick
African American Sites Walking Tour - Free
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This tour provides glimpses of centuries of African American heritage in the City of Frederick and presents a new opportunity to experience the past.
Visit The Museum of the Ironworker - Saturdays and Sundays, Free
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Learn the story of Catoctin Iron Furnace through conserved artifacts and interpretive exhibits.
Black History Month powerfully reminds us of the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black communities throughout history. By participating in events and celebrations, we honor the past and inspire hope and progress for the future.
