2026 Black History Month Events
February is Black History Month! It started in February 1926, a century ago, as a formal celebration to inspire educators to incorporate Black History into curriculum, and to urge all people living in the US to learn about our collective history. Understanding this history strengthens our ability to protect the civil and human rights of people today – including our rights to equal justice under the law. Together, we celebrate Black History and stand committed to fighting for equity and justice for all.
Find local Black History Month events below:
Seattle:
Call to Conscience Black History Museum
Feb 1–28, 2026 | Columbia City Theater
Rainier Avenue Radio continues its tradition of celebrating Black excellence with a pop-up museum and a full month of programming inside the Columbia City Theater. Events and installations—both historic and contemporary—center everything from Ezell’s Famous Chicken’s founding family to the Seattle Black Panther Party.
Taste of The Diaspora: Black-Owned Business Market with Pizza by Ruffin
Feb 19, 2026, 4:30-7pm | Fairview Market Hall
Food is one of the most efficient ways that culture travels, and Pizza by Ruffin is leaning all the way into that truth with Taste of The Diaspora. Hosted at the Fairview Market Hall (where Pizza by Ruffin and many other local faves reside), it's a Black-owned business market that brings community, commerce, and flavor together for an evening in honor of Black History Month
The Legacy of Black Workers' Struggle to End the War on the Poor
Feb 21, 6pm | New Freeway Hall, Rainier Valley
Tacoma:
Black Inventors Scavenger Hunt
Feb 3-28, 2026 | Tacoma Public Library (all locations)
Join us at any branch during open hours between February 3rd-28th for a fun and educational Black History Month scavenger hunt! From everyday items to groundbreaking innovations, participants will learn how Black inventors have shaped the world we live in.
Find all the images, turn the completed scavenger hunt in at the desk, and earn a prize!
Black History Month Activities at People's Community Center
Feb. 1–28 | People's Community Center
The People’s Center in Tacoma has free family activities and events happening all month long in celebration of African American achievement.
Feb. 20, 2026, 5:30 p.m. | Washington State History Museum
Black Washington is the Washington State Historical Society’s ongoing initiative to commemorate the presence, contributions, and evolving impact of local Black communities.
Read, watch, and listen to stories about community organizing, engaging in labor and operating business, striving for civil rights, achieving education, pursuing the arts, and overcoming adversity and racism during this virtual experience.
Tacoma Public Library: Black History Month Events
Feb 1-28, 2026 | Multiple Branches
Join Tacoma Public Library in celebrating Black History Month with curated events, booklists, and online resources. Highlighted events include Black History Month Scavenger Hunt at multiple branches, family story times featuring Black/African American authors, movie screenings of award-winning films, a panel discussion on racial equity and social justice, and more.
Vancouver:
The NAACP and Clark County Historical Museum Presents: Where Faith Meets Freedom
Feb 15, 2026, 6pm | Clark County Historical Museum
In celebration of Black History Month, the NAACP and the Clark County Historical Museum invite the community to a shared dinner and conversation centered on two foundational texts of Black theology: The Cross and the Lynching Tree by the Rev. Dr. James H. Cone and Jesus and the Disinherited by the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman, both part of the NAACP X CCHM joint reading list.
NAACP Women’s Community Conversation: Sisters in Strength – Leadership, Healing, and Community Impact
Feb 19, 2026, 6pm | Vancouver City Hall, Aspen Conference Room
This panel will bring together dynamic women leaders for a powerful conversation centered on leadership, healing, and building stronger communities.
Bainbridge Island:
Black History Month Soiree 2026
Feb 21, 2026 | 6-10 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The Black History Month Soirée is a time to come together and celebrate Black culture with a night filled with music, art, and a special pop-up group of vendors from Seattle’s Black Love Market. Indulge in a night of dancing while shopping Black-owned businesses and enjoying live music and performances. Grab a drink from the bistro, hit the dance floor, and surround yourself with community.
Olympia:
Self-Guided Olympia Area Black Pioneers Walking Tour – All February Long
This self-guided tour through Olympia and Tumwater includes 11 historical sites, with an introduction to important people in Olympia’s history. Take the whole family for an engaging walk through history.
Hearts and Hands at the Yew Tree – All February Long
Hands On Children’s Museum
414 Jefferson Street NE Olympia
Celebrate Black History Month and community by adding a hand to our heart garlands and writing a note on what you love about your neighborhood or friends at school.
Olympia Black History Month Celebration
Feb. 20, 2026, 9am-3pm | Washington Center
Join the Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture to celebrate African-American history, culture, and communities. This year's focus is on dismantling systemic racism in education. This free, family-friendly community event will feature presenters, food, and community engagement.
Lakewood:
The 100th Black History Month Commemoration and Celebration
Feb 15, 2026, 3-5pm | Lakes High School Performing Arts Center
Join your neighbors, Vibrant Schools of Puget Sound, and the Black Student Union at Lakes High School on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. as we celebrate the 100th year of Black History observances, honor Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s legacy, and continue Black History traditions.
Pleasant Movement
Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Interim Lakewood Library
Enjoy movement and music with Mr. Pleasant, designed to bring dance and learning together! All ages. Free.
Steilacoom:
Favorite Poems
Thursday, February 19 | 4-5 p.m. | Steilacoom Library | Free
Explore some favorite poets and poems that explore African-American history and culture. Ages 13 and up.
Graham:
Afro-Indigenous Music and Folklore Interactive Storytelling Get monthly stories of the people we serve, updates on our work, and ways to help.
Sunday, February 22 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Graham Library | Free, register
Stay connected to justice in Washington.