Your guide to Black History Month in D.C.

Black History Month is right around the corner. And in Washington, D.C., a place once known as “Chocolate City,” there is never a shortage of ways to celebrate Black culture, creativity, and community. 

From the legacies of powerful political leaders and activists to a thriving arts and music scene, D.C. is a testament to the profound impact of Black Americans. While Black history should be celebrated all year long, February is a great time to catch special events, exhibits, performances, and more happenings throughout the District. 

Here are some ways we’re excited to celebrate Black History Month in 2025. 

Jump to a category: For the kids, museums and galleries, eat and drink, shows and performances, on the page and screen, outdoor tours, celebrate from home.

FOR THE KIDS 

Birthday Party: Happy 207th birthday, Frederick Douglass! Join the party celebrating the civil rights leader’s life and accomplishments at Martha’s Table. The event will include a puppet show, live music, and more. (2375 Elvans Road, SE, February 8, FREE) 

Reading Showcase: MidnightRose regularly invites writers in the Washington Metro area to share their work. This month, the Black History Month edition is for the whole family and will feature award-winning children’s literature authors. You can learn more about the authors here. (4450 Wisconsin Ave NW, February 8, FREE)

Read & Create: The West End Neighborhood Library invites children to read Ruth and the Green Book by Calvin Alexander Ramsey. Students can then create a project inspired by the story, which is about a little girl whose family relies on a pamphlet called "The Negro Motorist Green Book" to find places that will serve them during a road trip. You can learn more here. (2301 L St NW, February 10, FREE)

Movie Nights: Head over to the Bellevue Library for family-friendly movie nights combining Black history with creativity. Scheduled films include A Wrinkle in Time, Shook, and Ellington Was Not a Street. You can find a detailed schedule here. (115 Atlantic St SW, Thursdays, FREE) 

Story Time: Beginning February 1, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will open its doors to children, aged 4–8, for story times celebrating Black history makers such as Stacey Abrams and Naomi Osaka. You can find more info here. (1400 Constitution Ave NW, every other Saturday, FREE)

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES 

Anacostia Community Museum: Check out the Anacostia Community Museum’s unique programming highlighting D.C.’s Black history. One of their featured exhibits is Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900–2000, which features original artworks, rare video footage, and artistic artifacts from recognizable and not-so-well-known visionaries like Elizabeth Catlett, Alma Thomas, James A. Porter, and Loïs Mailou Jones. (1901 Fort Place SE, FREE)

Go-Go Museum: This month, D.C.’s newest museum will open for regular hours. Starting February 19, visit the Go-Go Museum & Cafe in Anacostia to learn about the history, appreciation, and study of go-go — D.C.’s official music born from a fusion of funk, R&B, hip-hop, and Afro-Latin rhythms. (1920 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, FREE)

Library of Congress: The Library of Congress’ happy hours have become one of those IYKYK activities, popular among locals. This month, the library will open a small, curated display highlighting different facets of Black labor. The exhibit will remain open for attendees during Live! At the Library hours. You can view the library’s calendar here. (10 First Street SE, FREE) 

NMAAHC: No Black History Month Guide to D.C. is complete without mention of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Of course, any time is a good time to visit NMAAHC, but special Black History Month programming makes February an especially exciting time with a performance series featuring influential Black women, a public lecture series honoring invisible changemakers, and more. You can learn more about Black History Month events here. (1400 Constitution Ave. NW, FREE) 

Frederick Douglass House: Take a guided tour of the Cedar Hill home where abolitionist Frederick Douglass lived the last 17 years of his life. Rangers guide 30-minute tours of the house on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at various times. (1411 W Street SE, FREE or $1 Reservation Fee)

Zenith Gallery: Not only is this gallery’s Black History Month exhibit, “Hold On, Change is Coming,” a must-see this month, you can also check out accompanying artist talks, receptions, and book signings. Plan your visit and get to know the artists here. (1429 Iris Street NW)

Phillips Collection: Public murals change the landscape of major cities and rural communities, making many neighborhoods feel more like home. This month, Phillips@THEARC is focusing on famous murals that have transformed Wards 7 and 8. To the East: The Rise of Murals East of the River features a collection of D.C. murals and those who helped bring them to Wards 7 and 8. (Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 1801 Mississippi Ave SE, FREE) 

EAT AND DRINK 

Beer Tasting: The National Black Brewers Association estimates that less than 1% of U.S. craft brewery owners are Black, and very few have their own brick-and-mortar stores. This February, celebrate Black History Month by sampling some of the best beers from Black brewers in your own backyard. Metrobar is hosting an afternoon tasting, which includes over a dozen beer pours and a discussion with brewers from Black Brew Movement and D.C. Beer. Did I mention you get a commemorative glass, too? (640 Rhode Island Ave NE, February 8, $32)

Dine with Baldwin: August 2, 2024 marked what would’ve been James Baldwin’s 100th birthday. This month, NMAAHC continues his centennial birthday celebration with a culinary exploration of his favorite foods. Join Dr. Jessica Harris, a culinary historian and close friend of Baldwin, for a meal honoring the writer and civil rights activist's life and legacy. (1400 Constitution Ave NW, February 8, $30)

Historic Luncheon: Celebrate Black History Month’s 99th year with one of its oldest traditions: a themed lunch. The 2025 theme, ‘African Americans and Labor,’ focuses on the work experiences of Black people throughout history. Join the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH,) also known as the founders of Black History Month, to learn more at this event. (999 9th St NW, February 22, $200) 

Cooking Class: They say food is love. And, well, we have to agree. One of the best ways to celebrate Black History Month is by indulging in food from across the African diaspora. This virtual cooking class promises to take you through a multigenerational journey of dishes and recipes. Register here to experience the cooking demonstration, storytelling, and a shared love for Black culture and heritage. (February 28, $25)

SHOWS AND PERFORMANCES  

Game Show: The D.C. Public Library Foundation is kicking off Black History Month with “Historically Black Phrases Live!” NAACP award-winning Authors jarrett hill and Tre’vell Anderson will have you laughing and learning during this Black History and pop culture game show featuring some surprise local guest stars. RSVP here. (901 G Street NW, February 1, FREE) 

Gospel Tribute: The Gospel Choirs of Washington Performing Arts and the Choral Arts Society of Washington will perform at the Kennedy Center in an annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on February 2. Living the Dream…Singing the Dream promises to be a joyous celebration of music, community, and legacy. (2700 F St NW, February 2, Tickets start at $25) 

Comedy Show: D.C. has always been home to some of the best Black comedians. This Valentine’s Day, show them some love at Busboys and Poets. Seven Black comedians will share seven minutes of their comedy routines. Attendees should also come dressed to impress — there will be a contest. You can learn more here. (2004 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, February 14, $15)

Step Afrika: The inaugural Step Afrika! Step Classic will highlight the HBCU legacy of stepping. With teams from across the country, the group will host various events, activities, and performances that build community and honor Black heritage. (February 14-16, locations and prices vary)

ON THE PAGE AND SCREEN 

Documentary Screening: The Negro Motorist Green Book is well-known for helping 20th-century African Americans navigate segregated communities across the country. Now, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is celebrating its impact with a special exhibit and documentary film screening of The Green Book: Guide to Freedom. A conversation with the film’s director and screenwriter Yoruba Ruchen will follow the screening. You can learn more here. (901 G Street NW, February 2, FREE)

Public Square Talk: How has the digital labor of African Americans shaped national movements, media, and politics? Find out during a public square conversation with authors and professors Dr. Sherri Williams and Dr. Meredith Clark at MLK Library. Attendees can ask their own questions after the moderated discussion, so come prepared with your pen and pad. (901 G Street NW, February 8, FREE)

Author Talk: Go to the library and check out “The Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America” by Candacy Taylor ahead of her talk at MLK Library. Taylor is known as the leading Green Book expert in the country, and her projects have been commissioned and funded by the Library of Congress, The National Endowment for the Humanities, National Geographic, and more. Learn more here. (901 G Street NW, February 19, FREE)

Early Screening: The documentary Forgotten Hero: Walter White and the NAACP tells the story of a civil rights activist self-described as “an enigma, a Black man occupying a white body.” Walter White led the NAACP from 1929 to 1955, but few people know his impact on the movement. The National Museum of American History will show an exclusive early screening of the film, followed by a discussion and special display of NAACP and Civil Rights Movement artifacts. Reserve your tickets here. (1300 Constitution Ave NW, February 20, FREE)

Film Festival: If your most-used app is Letterbox’d, this event is for you. RSVP to Lincoln Theater’s annual Black History Film Festival on February 28. The six-hour cinematic journey will feature documentaries and dramas that explore the Black experience through film. (1215 U Street NW, February 28, FREE) 

Sankofa: This Shaw mainstay was founded in 1998 by Shirikiana and Haile Gerima as a book and video store, focused on content by and about people of African descent. This month, the store is continuing that work by hosting several book talks and author events related to Black liberation, political power, and belonging. You can find specific dates, times, and details here. (2714 Georgia Ave NW, FREE)

OUTDOOR TOURS 

Dr. Woodson Tour: Step into the footsteps of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “The Father of African American History,” who is credited with founding Black History Month. The 45-minute walking tour through Logan Circle and Shaw revisits places frequented by Dr. Woodson and other landmarks in Black History. (1318 Vermont Avenue NW, Fridays at 1 p.m., FREE)

Fort Washington Park Tour: Now part of the National Park Service, Fort Washington was constructed more than 200 years ago to defend D.C. from attacks across the Potomac River during the Mexican War and the American Civil War. This February, the park will offer guided tours highlighting African Americans’ significant yet often overlooked contributions to the fort’s history. You can find more info here. (13551 Fort Washington Road, Saturdays, FREE)

African American Heritage Trail: Grab your sneakers, water bottle, and this map for a self-guided stroll through D.C.’s most iconic Black history sites across 15 neighborhoods. Although it’s been nearly 20 years since the guide was first published, most of the nearly 100 historic places are still accessible to the public. (Dozens of sites across the city, FREE)

Black History on U: Transport yourself to a time when businesses along the U Street corridor were predominantly Black-owned and run, its buildings were built and financed by Black entrepreneurs, and its entertainment was created for and by Black community members. Use this Black Broadway on U virtual map (which has more than 50 locations stretching beyond the U Street corridor) to learn about historic spots during a time that boasted more than 300 Black businesses within a few square miles. (U Street and beyond, FREE)

MLK Memorial: In 2011, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial opened to the public. It was the first monument to honor an African American on the National Mall. This month, remember Dr. King’s legacy as a changemaker and civil rights activist. While you’re in the area, take a walk to other important Black History spots such as the Lincoln Memorial steps where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. (1964 Independence Ave. SW, FREE) 

CELEBRATE FROM HOME 

Digital Stage: You don’t have to go outside to catch a great performance. With the Kennedy Center’s Digital Stage, you can log in and watch past performances uplifting the artistry and achievements of Black creators through dance, film, music, and conversation. Start by exploring this collection of videos curated by The Black Light Employee Resource Group at the Kennedy Center. (FREE)

Virtual Festival: The Association for the Study of African American Life and History will host virtual programming in February on issues related to its 2025 Black History Theme: African Americans and Labor. Keep an eye on their website and YouTube channel for more information and upcoming events. (FREE)

Virtual Exhibit: Can’t make it to the MLK Library for its Green Book Exhibit? No worries! The program has a virtual component that’s available online through March. Learn about how the Green Book came to be, its 20th-century applications, and the implications it still carries today here. (FREE)

Buy Black: D.C. has some of the country’s oldest — and most famous — Black-owned businesses. You can support many of them from afar by making a purchase from the comfort of your own home. Order flowers from what’s possibly the oldest Black-owned flower shop in the U.S., check out the latest book releases by, or about people of the African diaspora, or order a big bowl of Ben’s chili from the comfort of your own home. See some other recommendations here. (I don’t have to tell you this isn't free!)