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February is Black History Month, a time to dedicate attention to and seek deeper understanding of the many contributions of Black Americans to science, art, music, culture, human rights and more. Local museums and other organizations invite families to take part in workshops, discussions, learning opportunities and community celebrations.
Self-Guided Olympia Area Black Pioneers Walking Tour
Date: Ongoing
Cost: Free
This self-guided tour through Olympia and Tumwater includes 11 historical sites, with an introduction to important people in Olympia’s history. Take the whole family for an engaging walk through history.
Black History Month Activities at People’s Community Center
Date: Daily, Feb. 1–28
Cost: Free
The People’s Center in Tacoma has free family activities and events happening all month long in celebration of African American achievement. Kids can take part in daily trivia and open art projects.
Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month
Date and time: Daily, Feb. 1–28, hours vary by location
Cost: Free
The City of Bellevue and Bellevue Arts Museum are partnering to bring a special art exhibition honoring the 100th anniversary of Black History Month to the public. Visit both locations (check dates and times) to view an extensive collection of paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles and fashion. You can also register to attend a family-friendly opening or closing reception.
Black Inventors Scavenger Hunt
Date: Daily, Feb. 3–28
Cost: Free
Take part in an ongoing scavenger hunt at all Tacoma Public Library branches to learn more about the work and contributions of Black inventors and earn a prize!
Black Artist Spotlight
Date: Daily, Feb. 3–28
Cost: Free
Drop into Tacoma Public Library’s Moore location during open hours to explore a different Black artist each week, plus create a masterpiece of your own.
Up and Atom Design Challenge Inspired by Black Inventors
Date and time: Tuesday, Feb. 3, 4–5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Also part of Tacoma Public Library’s Black History Month programming, take part in a Black history-themed STEAM workshop and engineer your own invention with inspiration from Black inventors at the Kobetich branch.
Black History Month Tours at the Governor’s Mansion
Date and time: Wednesdays, Feb. 4 and 11, every half-hour, 10:30 a.m.–noon
Cost: Free
Sign up to take a free tour of the Governor’s Mansion in Olympia, where you can view work by acclaimed Black artist Jacob Lawrence and check out the new gallery exhibit, “Power of Place.” Preregister.
Living Voices: Fly for Freedom
Date and time: Thursday, Feb. 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Bring the older kids to experience history through live theatrical performances and archival film in this presentation by Living Voices about the contributions of women, including Black Rosie the Riveters working in the aeronautics industry during World War II. MOHAI has performances at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Best for ages 12 years and older.
Black History Luncheon
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 7, noon–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Reserve your seat at the table for a lunch celebrating the Hilltop Community at People’s Community Center in Tacoma. In addition to a tasty meal, there will be speakers, performances, music and games.
Black History Month Market
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Black Night Market brings its annual Black History Month Market back to the Tacoma Armory with live performances, inspiring speakers, local food trucks and activities for all ages. Shoppers can support small and local Black-owned businesses and celebrate community.
A Celebration of Life & Commemoration of Black History
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 7, 3–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
You’ll find African drumming, make-and-take crafts, musical performances and more at this family-friendly tribute to BlackPast.org’s founder, Dr. Quintard Taylor Jr. Head to the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent for this Black History Month celebration.
Black Artists Exhibition
Date and time: Tuesday–Friday, Feb. 11–March 13
Cost: Free
Drop by Tacoma Community College’s Gallery during open school hours to view the Black Artists Exhibition, which features paintings, photographs, glass sculptures and other works of art by more than 20 artists.
Black History Month Museum
Date and time: Thursday–Sunday, Feb. 14–28
Cost: $25–$30 general admission; $15–$20 students
Book tickets for “Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum,” a month-long installation celebrating Black excellence in the Pacific Northwest. The temporary museum will be on display from Valentine’s Day through the end of February at the Columbia City Theater. Attend the opening ceremony for free or catch one of the special events taking place prior to opening.
The 100th Black History Month Commemoration and Celebration
Date and time: Sunday, Feb. 15, 3–5 p.m.
Cost: $25; students are free with ID
Marking the centennial of Black History Month, join this celebration featuring music by local jazz guitarist Michael Powers, stories and community connection at Lakes High School in Lakewood.
‘Then and Now: The American History Trail, 1776 to 2026’
Date and time: Thursday, Feb. 19, 5–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hosted by the Buffalo Soldiers Museum, explore notable events in African American history and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with University of Washington professor Luther Adams, Ph.D., at this free event held at the Washington State History Museum.
Olympia Black History Month Celebration
Date and time: Friday, Feb. 20, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
The community is invited to a celebration of Black history and culture at the Washington Center for Performing Arts in Olympia featuring presenters, food and community engagement. This year’s focus is on racism in education, and teachers and students are encouraged to attend.
Hilltop Healthy Kids and Family Carnival
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 21, noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Part of Tacoma’s month-long celebration, don’t miss the Hilltop Healthy Kids Carnival at the People’s Community Center, which features live music, free services and tons of fun.
Black History Month Soirée
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 21, 6–9 p.m.
Cost: Free; $10 suggested donation
Spend an evening at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art in celebration of Black culture. This all-ages soirée features art, live performances and a special Black Love Market pop-up so you can shop and support Black-owned businesses.
African American Folktales and Legends
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
African American folktales and legends come to life when voiced by storyteller Eva Abram during a special Black History Month story time geared toward all ages at the Fife Library.
NAAM Black History Month Events
Date and time: To be announced
Cost: Varies by activity
Each year, the Northwest African American Museum welcomes families to its Black History Month celebration. Plans for 2026 are in the works, so stay tuned for updates!
More resources for Puget Sound families: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was updated most recently on Jan. 23, 2026, by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, to include this year’s Black History Month events.
