February is Black History Month, but did you know that the precursor to Black History Month — what was known as Negro History Week — was created in 1926 here in Chicago by Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History? He selected the month of February to overlap with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
In 1976, it officially became Black History Month. Decades later, there are now several family-friendly events where you can learn more about and celebrate Black history. You can also find more Black History Month events for kids in Chicago on our calendar.
Black History Month events for Chicago families
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Opens Jan. 19, 2026
- Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free w/museum admission
The longest-running exhibition of African American art in the U.S. features more than 100 dynamic works of art from amateur and professional African-American artists from around the nation, as well as a youth category which features work by a dozen area high school artists.
Black History Month Events at Woodson Regional Branch
Feb. 5, 7, 2026
- Address: 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Tween Craft Night: Cowrie Shell Jewelry (Feb. 5): Kids ages 9 and up are invited to a learn-together craft club celebrating the history and cultural significance of cowrie shells across the African diaspora. Participants will work alongside library staff to create their own cowrie shell bracelets and necklaces while learning about the shells’ meaning in African and African American history.
Woodson Community Heritage Quilt Project (Feb. 7): Children ages 3 and up and their guardians can explore the textile traditions of West Africa through this hands-on craft experience. Participants will learn about adinkra symbols and create a fabric square inspired by African wax resist textiles using paint and glue. Finished squares can be taken home or donated to be sewn into the Woodson Community Heritage Quilt later in the month.
Black Creativity Career Showcase at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Feb. 14, 2026
- Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free w/museum admission
Kids and families can talk with African American artists, scientists and engineers about innovative work happening right here in our city.
Black History Concert Series: Voices of Àṣẹ (Day One) at the Auditorium Theatre
Feb. 24, 2026Â
Address: 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
Cost: Free, but tickets are required
Enjoy Day One of the Black History Concert Series, celebrating Africana music and its lasting impact on Chicago and the world through “Voices of Àṣẹ: Afrofuturism II,” featuring student performers from across the city in a powerful, music-filled showcase.
Commemorative Day | Black History Month at Chicago History Museum
Feb. 28, 2026
- Address: 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Cost: Free w/general admission
Enjoy this family-friendly Black History Month event at the Chicago History Museum. It features music, speaking, hands-on arts activities and more. For all ages.
This article was updated on Jan. 6, 2026, by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update includes adding Black History Month events to the ChicagoParent.com calendar and highlighting the best Black History Month events to check out with your family. For questions, contact Kari at kari@chicagoparent.com.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
