Black History Month in Philadelphia is a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and community, offering families an opportunity to learn, reflect, and honor the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. With a rich history of activism, art, and innovation, Philadelphia hosts a variety of events that cater to all ages, from interactive exhibits and educational workshops to live performances and storytelling sessions. Whether exploring the legacies of trailblazers or enjoying music and dance that reflect the city’s diverse Black culture, these events provide meaningful ways for families to come together, celebrate, and engage in an important dialogue about history and progress.
Black History Month Events at Branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia
Looking for FREE events in Philly celebrating Black History Month? The Free Library of Philadelphia has many different events planned at their branches for Black History Month!
Story Quilting with Mama Carly Wiley
February 3rd, 5:00 PM, Queen Memorial Library
February 4th, 4:00 PM, Falls of Schuylkill Library
February 10th, 3:30 PM, Fox Chase Library
February 11th, 4:00 PM, Bustleton Library
February 12th, 3:00 PM, Charles Durham Library
February 18th, 3:30 PM, West Oak Lane Library
February 24th, 4:00 PM, Whitman Library
Combine the tales of the African diaspora with the opportunity to create your very own tied quilt square. Mama Carla Wiley will show you how to tell your stories in words and cloth. This program is intended for children, tweens, teens, families & caregivers, and patrons of all ages.
Betye Saar Box Art: Black History at Eastwick Library
February 4th, 4:30 PM
Join the library staff and learn about Black Arts Movement artist Betye Saar. Make 3-dimensional art out of a box. For children ages 6+
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146722
Black History Month: Pick up Your Pens! The Power of Writing at Welsh Road Library
February 7th, 3:30 PM
Join the library staff as presenter Raheem Curry shares a program on the enormous power of writing to transform lives and overcome obstacles. Mr. Curry will show how writing can be used to channel expression and solve issues in our daily lives in a healthy, nonviolent way. Open to all ages.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146535
Black Hair Care 101 at Charles Durham Library
February 8th, 12:00 PM
This first program will focus on the impact of society on black hair culture and how black hair culture has impacted the world. Michelle Prince will highlight how some of these practices have negatively impacted black hair including alopecia (hair loss) and scalp related issues in the black community and provide an introduction into Ayurvedic Hair Care
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/147064
Black History Month: Story and Craft at Bustleton Library
February 7th, 2:30 PM
Stop by to listen to the picturebook, “More than Peach” by Bellen Woodard. Afterwards kids will get to make a rainbow craft using markers and crayons that celebrate all skin tones.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/147215
Black History Month Scavenger Hunt at Queen Memorial Library
February 10th, 11:00 AM
Children ages 4-12 are welcomed to the library to learn about library resources and figures in Black History by completing a scavenger hunt! Turn in your completed sheet to Librarian Kate for a special treat! . Please note, this is a passive program and will run all day.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146039
Trains, Trains, Trains! at Fumo Family Library
February 10th, 3:30 PM
Storytellers Ki and Q using folk tales, puppets and songs tell the stories of trains in African-American history. Beginning in Africa with the camel trains of ancient Mali through the enslavement and freedom struggles of the Underground Railroad…then over to the railroad workers like John Henry and inventor Elijah McCoy. ALL ABOARD!
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/145910
Afro-Caribbean Healing Dance Class at Overbrook Park Library
February 10th, 4:00 PM, February 24th, 4:00 PM, March 10th, 4:00
Come out to Overbrook Park library to participate in Afro-Caribbean dance classes with MYDesires Traditional Arts, suitable for everyone. Through the universal language of dance, we will create spaces where individuals can come together, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.
Classes will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m on Mondays, February 10th, February 24th, and March 10th
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/147050
Black History Month: African Drum Circle with Mister Boom Boom!
February 10th, 6:00 PM at Fishtown Community Library
February 12th, 4:00 PM at Parkway Central Library
Unleash the rhythm within you with this exclusive program that teaches you to play a range of West African hand drums, including the djembe and the talking drum. The program wraps up with an exhilarating dance and drum circle, where you get to showcase your newly acquired skills.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/145332
African Storytelling with Kala Jojo at Lovett Memorial Library
February 15th, 1:30 PM
Kala Jojo - the Tall Storyteller - brings music and performance to the art of African storytelling. With the use of African-based instruments and exciting stories, his presentation makes for a cultural gem.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/147013
Crowned Head Wrapping Workshop at Widener Library
February 15th, 1:30 PM
An in-depth teaching about the history of head wrapping. The workshop will also provide demonstrations on how to tie a headwrap through self-expression.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146963
Super Sort Game: Black History at Eastwick Library
February 18th, 4:30 PM
Join the library staff and learn black history playing this fun sorting game. Participants get an inspirational bracelet. For children ages 6+
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146725
Hip Hop Fundamentals Teen Workshop
February 10th, 5:00 PM, Northeast Regional Library
February 13th, 3:00 PM, Wyoming Library
February 15th, 2:00 PM, Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library
February 26, 2025, 3:30 PM, Parkway Central Library
Students will amaze themselves as they learn basic moves and create their own choreography by exploring the American art form of breakdancing with Hip Hop Fundamentals. Created in the 1970s by New York’s youth, the dance form is an engaging and exciting way for young people to express themselves, have fun, exercise, build confidence, and work as a team. This workshop is designed to build self-confidence and reinforce the idea that you can do anything you put your mind to doing.
Part of Black History Month at the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Literacy Festival: Black Children's Book Week Kickoff at Lovett Memorial Library
February 22nd, 11:00 AM
Black Children's Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure that Black children are represented in books and other children's media. This program is designed to help bridge the gap between home and school, specifically intended to help children transition from 100% being at home to being in daycare or school during the week.
Join the library for book giveaways, local authors reading or speaking, information tables set up to connect families with local literacy-related resources, library tours, light refreshments and more.
This program is made possible by First Up, a group who empowers and equips early childhood professionals, families, and other adults influential in young children's lives. Designed for ages 2 to 6 years old, along with their caregivers, program will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/147015
Chestnut Hill Concert Series: Kulu Mele at Chestnut Hill Library
February 25th, 5:15 PM
Established in Philadelphia in 1969, Kulu Mele is the nation's longest-enduring African dance company. For 50+ years, Kulu Mele has embodied excellence in West African, Cuban and African Diasporan traditions, including contemporary American hip hop, and brings traditionally meaningful African dance, drums, and culture to communities throughout our city.
This program runs from 5:15 - 6:30 and is supported by the Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/146919
Honoring Anna Russell Jones: Black Women in World War II at Overbrook Park Library
February 27th, 4:00 PM
Anna Russell Jones was a Black women artist and designer; first Black Women to attend Moore College of Art and the first Black Women from Philadelphia to join the Women's Amy in World War II. In this hands-on history program, you will learn about Anna Russell Jones' time serving in World War II, and do collage with vintage and contemporary imaged of Black Women in the armed forces.
https://libwww.freelibrary.org/calendar/event/147234
Black History Month Events Throughout Philadelphia
Here are more events happening in the city to celebrate Black History Month!
Black History Month at the Museum of the American Revolution
February 1st - 28th
The Museum of the American Revolution will highlight experiences of Black men and women living in Revolutionary-era America. This will include guided tours, crafts, pop-up talks, theatrical performances and more!
African American Children's Book Fair at the PA Convention Center
February 1st, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Celebrate Black authors, Black books, and Black stories at the 33rd annual African American Children's Book Fair! This annual showcase highlights diversity within literature written for children ages preschool through young adults. This free event features nationally known authors and illustrators, book vendors, and literacy activities.
https://www.paconvention.com/events/detail/african-american-children-s-book-fair-2025-26072
Black History Celebration at the Please Touch Museum
February 1st - 28th, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The Please Touch Museum will highlight special programs during Black History Month, including:
- Meet the Dolls: In this program for our youngest visitors, we’re highlighting StepStitches, a Black-owned small business and home of the Cinnamon Annie Dolls! Meet and play with the dolls through several different pretend play activities. Ages 3 and under.
- Storytime – Abdul’s Story: Abdul loves to tell stories, but when his writing ability affects his confidence, Abdul wants to quit storytelling. Join us for Storytime as we learn about the importance of process over product and doing the things we love even when it gets hard.
- Black History Walk: Black changemakers are featured in the Museum’s Black History Walk, on display throughout February. Children and caregivers learn about Black artists, authors, scientists, innovators, explorers and more along the walk, and receive a special reward upon completing the journey.
https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/learn/black-history-month/
2025 Black History Month Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
February 1st - February 28th
The African American Museum in Philadelphia Celebrates and Commemorates Black History Month by exploring the theme of “African Americans and Labor” and offering inclusive programming for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, bringing together diverse audiences in greater appreciation of the Black Experience.
Leaders and Legends: Celebrating Notable Members of Philadelphia's Black Community at Smith Memorial Playground
February 3rd - 28th
The Leaders and Legends of Philadelphia exhibit celebrates notable members of Philadelphia's Black community. For the month of February, the free and public exhibit provides an entry point for family discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion as it uplifts and affirms the achievements of remarkable Philadelphia individuals. The exhibit offers an example for children that can both inspire and encourage them to see in themselves a path to achievement.
The exhibit features displays for each honoree featuring biographical information, kid friendly facts, and information about related Philadelphia landmarks, activities, and recommended reading for future exploration. It is installed on Smith’s beautiful 6.5-acre facility providing free, outdoor viewing for visitors both young and old.
Black History Month at the Betsy Ross House
Saturdays and Sundays in February, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Meet influential African Americans from Colonial America and hear true stories of the Black experience in Philadelphia history for free at the Betsy Ross House during Black History Month!
History Maker Saturdays
Saturdays in February from 11:00 AM – to 4:00 PM, meet a different African American historical figure, which may include James Forten, Ona Judge, Bishop Richard Allen, and others.
Storytelling Sundays
Hear true stories of the Black experience in Philadelphia history for free on Sundays in February from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
https://phillyfamily.com/event/black-history-month-at-the-betsy-ross-house/2025-02-23/
Black History Month Programs at Penn Museum
Saturday, February 8th, 11:00 AM: Exploring Ancient Egypt/Second Saturdays Discover what life was like in Ancient Egypt with a family-friendly tour, design-your-own cartouche, scavenger hunt, a “games station,” and write-your-name in hieroglyphs. In addition, at 2:30 pm, there is a free film screening of the Science Channel’s documentary Lost Kingdom of the Black Pharaohs in Harrison Auditorium.
Saturday, February 15th, 10:00 AM: Hosted in partnership with Artvolution, the Penn Museum brings contemporary and traditional practices across Africa and the African Diaspora together for an all-day, family-friendly festival. Experience the cultures of Africa and the African Diaspora through art-making, mask-making, live musical and dance performances, drumming, interactive dance workshops, a storytelling circle, workshops for all ages, and an African-inspired marketplace.
Each day throughout February, 1:00 PM: Daily Dig: The Daily Dig is a 15-minute pop-up talk that encourages Museum guests to “dig a little deeper” into one artifact. Every day in February, to celebrate Black History Month, the Daily Dig will focus on a different object in the Africa or Egypt Galleries. Included with Museum admission.
Every weekend, the Penn Museum hosts Global Guides Tours of its new Africa Galleries. Global Guides are immigrants from Africa who share their own firsthand knowledge to lead one-of-a-kind tours with a personal touch. Included with admission, Global Guides Tours are Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 PM.
(Event dates and times are subject to change. Please check with the venue before heading to the event.)
