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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 and time: 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 and time: 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.
Black Inventors Scavenger Hunt
Date and time: 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!
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.
Black History Month Crafts and Story Time at local libraries*
Date and time: Saturdays, Feb. 1 and 22, various times
Cost: Free
Get creative and learn about prominent African Americans at a story time or crafting session taking place at a local library. Create paper figures at Steilacoom Library or fold themed origami crafts at Newcastle Library.
Black History Month Museum
Date and time: Thursday–Sunday, Feb. 14–28
Cost: $25 general admission; $15 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.
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 Artist Spotlight
Date and time: 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.
Endangered Archives: A Black History Exhibit
Date and time: Daily, Feb. 4–28, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get a close look at rare endangered African American archives from the Pacific Northwest at Tacoma Evergreen State College’s Black History Month exhibit. Visit anytime to discover little-known stories, works of art, achievements and more.
BE Great Celebration at Occidental Square
Date and time: Thursday–Friday, Feb. 6–7
Cost: Free
All are invited to celebrate Black community and creativity at a two-day event in downtown Seattle’s Occidental Park featuring arts, food, music, a pop-up market and more.
Black History Month at the Museum of Flight
Date and time: Feb. 6–16 and 23–28
Cost: Included with admission ($21–$29; ages 4 and under free) or membership)
Learn about Black trailblazers in aviation and aerospace by creating paper crafts and other hands-on activities and taking a guided tour from a museum docent (weekends only).
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 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Best for ages 12 years and older.
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.
NAAM Black History Month Events: Coloring Outside the Lines
Date and time: Various dates throughout February
Cost: Varies by activity
Join the Northwest African American Museum for its month-long Black History Month celebration, “Coloring Outside the Lines,” highlighting Black artists, entrepreneurs and leaders. Take part in workshops, panel discussion, guided tours and more.
Black History Month: Adventures in Art History
Date and time: Feb. 7, 15, 17 and 21
Cost: Included with admission ($22 adults; ages 12 months and younger are free)
Create your own colorful artwork inspired by African-American artist and educator, Alma Woodsey Thomas, during weekly sessions at Imagine Children's Museum in Everett.
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 over 20 artists.
‘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.
Black History Month at The Bellevue Collection
Date and time: Thursday, Feb. 20–March 9
Cost: Free
Drop by Bellevue Square’s Center Court to experience MoPOP’s Black History Month tribute, Icons of Style, an immersive interactive video presentation exploring the influence of music artists on fashion. Plus, check out fashions by local designer Olayinka Ola in her showcase, Essence of the Peacock, throughout the mall.
Hilltop Healthy Kids and Family Carnival
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 21, noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Don’t miss the Hilltop Healthy Kids Carnival at Tacoma’s People’s Community Center, which features live music, free services and tons of fun.
Girl Scouts of Western Washington Black History Month Celebration
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 22, 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Gather at the Auburn Community and Event Center where the Girl Scouts of Western Washington invites the community to celebrate Black History Month with interactive activities, performances and more.
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.
Black History Month Market
Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2–8 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Black Night Market brings back its annual Black History Month Market 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.
More resources for Puget Sound families: |
Editor’s note: This article was originally published many years ago and was updated most recently in January 2025 by ParentMap’s calendar editor, Julie Dodobara, to include this year’s Black History Month events.
