February is the time to celebrate, reflect, and engage with the rich history and culture of the Black community.
From family-friendly events to fashion showcases, museum exhibitions, and live performances, Chicago offers countless opportunities to learn, connect, and support Black creators, entrepreneurs, and cultural institutions.
Explore these events, bring your friends and family, and immerse yourself in experiences that celebrate resilience, creativity, and community.
If you’re looking for ways to engage in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, here’s a curated list from The Chicago Defender of events, exhibitions, and performances happening in February 2026.
Key Events & Celebrations
Musical Lunch at the Library with Windy Indie: Celebrating the Black Renaissance in Music
Location: Harold Washington Library Center
Date: Feb 4, 12:00 PM
Windy Indie is a Chicago-based, multi-genre violinist with 21 years of experience on the instrument. This nonstop set honors the Black Renaissance through dynamic violin arrangements that blend jazz roots, spirituals, and modern grooves. No lecture—just live music. Bring your bag lunch and enjoy this amazing performance!
Black History Month Celebration: Rooted in Resilience
Location: Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
Date: Feb 4, 6:00 PM
A cultural celebration highlighting stories of strength and community, featuring performances by UChicago students, local business spotlights, and a menu inspired by Bryant Terry’s Black Food.
A Fall from Royalty & 1800VS2020
Location: APC Theater in Chicago
Date: Beginning February 5th with various dates and time
Actor and director Richard Gallion presents two powerful stage plays in celebration of Black History Month: A Fall from Royalty and Together. Along with 1800 vs. 2020, these works weave a sweeping narrative of loss, awakening, and redemption, reminding us that while royalty may fall, its spirit always rises.
Black and Highly Flavored: A Black Excellence Comedy Revue
Location: The Second City
Date: Feb 5 – March 20
The Black Excellence Revue brings the heat with a high-energy celebration of Black joy, featuring new songs, bold sketches, and The Second City’s iconic improv. With a hilarious, brilliant cast leading the charge, it’s a can’t-miss night of laughter – and a perfect break from the Chicago cold.
Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells
Location: DuSable Black History Museum
Date: Feb 12
Film screening and guest speakers honoring the journalist and civil rights leader. Free and open to the public with advanced registration.
Black Cypress Bayou – Theatre Production
Location: Definition Theatre, 1160 E. 55th St
Dates: Feb 13 – Mar 15
A Chicago premiere exploring family, loyalty, and history, blending humor with a powerful reckoning on truth and legacy.
PlayLab PlayDate: Black History Month Storytime
Location: Field Museum
Date: Feb 18
Families with 2-6 year olds are invited to a free, drop-in Black History Month story time session led by Angelica London, Community Engagement Manger for the Africa Hall. Join us for a fun-filled PlayDate with stories honoring Black identities, communities, history and culture.
UMOJA Black History Celebration at Homan Square
Location: Homan Square Community Center Park
Date: Feb 21
Free for all ages. Stop by the UMOJA Black History Celebration at Homan Square Park to watch amazing cultural arts performances, listen to great music, and support vendors.
My Block My Hood My City, Jahmal Cole, The Ripple Effect Tour
Location: Harold Washington Cultural Center
Date: Feb 22, 7:00PM
Jahmal Cole, Founder of My Block My Hood My City and JC Enterprises LLC, curated this event featuring four other prominent men from Chicago to share stories about community, accountability and how change happens.
The Shops – Black History Month Edition
Location: Water Tower Place
Date: Feb 22
Fashion and accessory pop-up showcasing Black designers.
Black History Family Event
Location: Chicago History Museum
Date: Feb 24
Family-friendly activities including art-making, storytelling, and scavenger hunts.
COMTO Chicago Black History Month Scholarship Gala
Location: The Martinique Banquet Complex
Date: Feb 27
Evening gala supporting minority students.
School Girls – Or The African Mean Girls Play
Location: Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts
Date: Feb 27
Black History Month Program
Written by Jocelyn Bioh, School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play is a critically acclaimed, sharp, hilarious, and heartfelt comedy set in 1986 at an elite all-girls boarding school in Ghana.
Ongoing & Multi-Date Events
Jewel-Osco Black History Celebrations
Jewel-Osco is hosting its 27th Annual Black History Celebrations across multiple Chicago locations, featuring family-friendly activities:
- Food and drink samples from minority-owned brands
- Live music and DJ performances
- Face painting and fun activities for all ages
- Special savings and prize giveaways
- Appearances by Jewel-Osco mascot, JoJo
Event Dates & Locations:
- Jan 29 – 87 W 87th St, Chicago | 2–6 PM
- Feb 1 – 11730 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago | 12–4 PM
- Feb 15 – 9400 S Ashland Ave, Chicago | 12–4 PM
- Feb 21 – 17705 S Halsted St, Homewood | 12–4 PM
Africa Fashion Exhibit Opening
Exhibition showcasing couture from 20 African countries with live performances.
Chicago Museums & Cultural Venues
- DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center – Celebrating African American history and contributions.
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry – Special Black History Month exhibits such as Black Creativity.
- American Writers Museum & Newberry Library – Talks and exhibits focused on Black authors and cultural expression.
- Chicago History Museum & The Art Institute of Chicago – Exhibitions and programs highlighting Black history.
Additional Resources & Event Listings
- Uniting Voices Chicago – Black History Concert Series
- Chicago Cultural Alliance – Black History Month
- Chicago Mahogany – Black Events & Programs
Plan your February now, mark your calendars and join the Black History Celebration everyday
