February is Black History Month, which means lots of great events celebrating Black music, culture and excellence. This year is extra special because it marks the celebration of 100 years of Black history commemorations, which began with the week-long observance of Black History led by Dr. Carter G. Woodson back in 1926.
We’ve compiled a list of family-focused Black History Month events being held in the DMV area. Events range from musical performances, plays and crafts to educational workshops. You don’t want to miss out on these!
Washington, DC
Discover Local Stories at the Anacostia Community Museum
- When: View calendar for specific event dates/times
- Where: 1901 Fort Place SE, Washington, DC
- Cost: Free
For a meaningful Black History Month visit, explore the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in the historic Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This Smithsonian museum focuses on the lived experiences, struggles and successes of urban communities—especially African American life and culture—through dynamic exhibitions, oral histories and thoughtful programs that put everyday voices at the center of history. While galleries may rotate with seasonal exhibitions and events, the museum’s community-centered approach makes it an inspiring stop for families and history lovers seeking perspectives that enrich and deepen understanding of local and national stories.
Chez Joey: A Bold Reimagining of Rodgers and Hart’s Pal Joey
- When: Jan. 30-March 15
- Where: Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW, Washington, DC
- Cost: Tickets start at $83
Celebrate Black History Month by seeing a stage performance of “Chez Joey” at the Kreeger Theater. It’s a bold reimagining of John O’Hara’s novel and the “Pal Joey” stories published in The New Yorker, which tells the story of a young, Black musician in 1940-something Chicago.
‘Imagine a World Without…’ Scavenger Hunt
- When: Feb. 1-28, during open hours
- Where: Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library, 3935 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC
- Cost: Free
Search for all of the labels around the library highlighting the everyday objects that wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for African American inventors. It’s a fun, educational activity to do during your library visit.
Crafter-noon: Black History Month Crafts
- When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 26
- Where: Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Cost: Free
Enjoy an afternoon at the library with self-guided paper quilts and collage making crafts. Stick around for bingo games with prizes. Designed for kids 5-12 years old.
Maryland
Celebrate Black Innovation!
- When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 19-Feb. 25
- Where: KID Museum, 3 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD
- Cost: Tickets are $15 each
During February, the KID Museum is honoring and celebrating Black inventors, past and present. Stop in on Sundays for hands-on activities and fun educational workshops, available with a General Admission ticket purchase.
Maryland Youth Ballet Black History Month Classes
- When: Feb. 8-27
- Where: Maryland Youth Ballet, 926 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring
- Cost: Free
The MYB is offering special themed dance classes to the public (ages 10+) during the month of February to celebrate Black History Month. Sign up to try out an Umfundalai class with Miriah Auth, or Femme Vogue with Aquarius Moon. Classes are free but donations are greatly appreciated.
“George Washington Carver & Friends” with Bright Star Touring Theatre
- When: 10-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Feb. 10
- Where: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Hyattsville
- Cost: $8 Adult / $6 Child
Bright Star Touring Theatre is putting on two performances of “George Washington Carver & Friends” at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse. Your host, Black inventor and scientist George Washington Carver, will introduce kids to other great scientists, entrepreneurs and groundbreakers from Black History. Recommended for grades K-5.
Black History Month Family Day
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 14
- Where: Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring
- Cost: Free
Attend a special family day celebration inside the Woodlawn Manor House. Enjoy traditional African music, learn about historical African American figures and listen to powerful stories. Recommended for families with kids ages 6 and up.
Living the Dream…Singing the Dream
- When: 7 p.m. Feb. 15
- Where: Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
- Cost: Tickets start at $28.75
The whole family can enjoy a moving choral tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., performed by the Gospel choirs of Washington Performing Arts and the Choral Arts Chorus. Honor Dr. King’s legacy through song, inspirational stories and special tributes by community leaders.
Virginia
“A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution”
- When: 6-7 p.m. Feb. 6
- Where: Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond
- Cost: Tickets start at $28
Dive into a pivotal and often overlooked chapter of Revolutionary history with this special VA250 lecture at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Journalist and historian Andrew Lawler recounts the dramatic story of Virginia’s royal governor, Lord Dunmore, his promise of freedom to Black allies and the resulting conflict that helped propel the colonies toward independence. This illuminating talk sheds new light on how events in Virginia—not just in New England—shaped the drive for American freedom and stirred debates that still resonate today.
Still We Rise – A Free Black History Month Concert
- When: 3-5 p.m. Feb. 8
- Where: The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria
- Cost: Free
Attend a free concert at the Alexandria History Museum celebrating African American music and culture, from the Civil War to present day. Enjoy traditional African American spirituals, poetry, dance, ring shouts, banjo tunes, stories and audience participation.
Black Historartemon91y Month at the Meeting House
- When: Noon-2 pm. Feb. 21
- Where: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
- Cost: Free, registration required
The Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse is opening its doors to the public for a few hours so that families can peruse educational signage about the Black history of the Meeting House and stories of the people from the community.
