February is Black History Month. But did you know that the precursor to Black History Month, 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 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
Jan. 20-April 27, 2025
- 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 Bingo at Austin Branch
Feb. 3, 2025
- Address: 5615 W. Race Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Teens can join the Austin Branch to celebrate Black History Month with a fun and knowledgeable game of Black History BINGO. There will be prizes while supplies last.
Black History Month Events at Woodson Regional Branch
Feb. 3, 10, 13, 24, 2025
- Address: 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Chill Crafts: African Print Wooden Bookmarks (Feb. 3): Teens and tweens can enjoy decorating wooden bookmarks in special African prints, using acrylic paints and Sharpies.
Love Letters and Langston (Feb. 10): Teens ages 13 and up can gain experience writing poetry and love letters in this two-hour workshop at Woodson Regional Branch. They will also be introduced to the works of Langston Hughes. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Hair Braiding and BINGO Valentine’s Day Party (Feb. 13): Teens and tweens ages 10-18 can take a hair braiding class and relax afterward in a game of BINGO. There will be prizes, snacks and more.
Generative AI Technology for Beginners: Afrofuristic Character Creation and Story Making (Feb. 24): Ages 10-18 can learn to use AI technology and create Afrofuturistic character images and stories. Bring a personal tablet or laptop to work on during the program.
Black History Month Events at Lozano Branch
Feb. 4, 6, 2025
- Address: 1805 S. Loomis St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
African-American Inventors (Feb. 4): Ages 5 and up can hear about great African American inventors and then create their own inventions.Â
Mosaic Coaster Workshop (Feb. 6): Ages 6 and up can enjoy a hands-on workshop to create beautiful mosaic coasters. Registration required.
Celebrating Ella Jenkins’ Folk Songs at South Shore Branch
Feb. 5, 2025
- Address: 2505 E. 73rd St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 6-13 can celebrate the iconic folk songs of Ella Jenkins. Enjoy dancing and other activities, too.
Black History Month Events at Thurgood Marshall Branch
Feb. 5, 24, 2025
- Address: 7506 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
DIY: Resin Afro Picks and Combs (Feb. 5): Ages 13-plus can make handmade resin hair combs and picks. Decorate picks with colorful clay flowers and glitter.Â
Mosaic Coaster Workshop (Feb. 24): Ages 6-13 can enjoy a hands-on workshop to create beautiful mosaic coasters. Registration required.
Black Futures Concert Series: Afrofuturism: The Freedom Metropolis: Day One at Chicago Symphony Center
Feb. 7, 2025
- Address: 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the first part of the Black History Month concert series, which celebrates Africana music and its indelible impact on Chicago and the world.
Artist Inspired: Bisa Butler at King Branch
Feb. 8, 2025
- Address: 3436 S. King Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 6-13 can learn about African American textile artist, Bisa Butler and her quilted portraits. Make your own art, too.
Black Futures Concert Series: Afrofuturism: The Freedom Metropolis: Day Two at Chicago Symphony Center
Feb. 10, 2025
- Address: 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the second part of the Black History Month concert series, which celebrates Africana music and its indelible impact on Chicago and the world.
Make Your Own Ice Cream at Garfield Ridge Branch
Feb. 10, 2025
- Address: 6348 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 5-10 can celebrate Black History month by learning all about the famed chef, Augustus Jackson and help replicate his famous process of making ice cream. Registration required.
Black Futures Concert Series: Afrofuturism: The Freedom Metropolis: Day Two at Chicago Symphony Center
Feb. 11, 2025
- Address: 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the third part of the Black History Month concert series, which celebrates Africana music and its indelible impact on Chicago and the world.
Black History Month Trivia at Legler Regional Branch
Feb. 19, 2025
- Address: 115 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 14-19 can celebrate Black History Month with an interactive trivia game in YOUmedia.
Black History Month Celebration at Grand Crossing Park
Feb. 20, 2025
- Address: 7655 S. Ingleside Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
This Black History Month Celebration includes music, informational booths, cultural exhibits and more. For all ages.
Black History Month Show – Soul Train at Taylor Park
Feb. 20, 2025Â
- Address: 39 W. 47th St., Chicago
- Cost:Â Free
All ages can take part in this Black History Month Celebration, which includes an evening of soul train themed dance and musical performances.
Black Creativity Career Showcase at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Feb. 22, 2025
- 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.
Commemorative Day | Black History Month at Chicago History Museum
Feb. 22, 2025
- 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.
UMOJA Black History Month Celebration at Homan Square Park
Feb. 22, 2025
- Address: 3559 W. Arthington St., Chicago
- Cost:Â Free
Families can come by Homan Square Park for the UMOJA Black History Celebration, which features music, cultural arts dancing and vendors. For all ages.
Black History Month Crafts at Chinatown Branch
Feb. 25, 2025
- Address: 2100 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago
- Cost:Â Free
Ages 6 and up can celebrate Black History Month with a story and some crafts.
This article was updated on Jan. 14, 2025, 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.
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