Celebrate Black History Month with Kids in the DMV (2026)

Updated: 2/10/2026
Culture, Museums, Upcoming, Winter

Here in the DMV, February offers countless ways for kids to engage with Black history through hands-on events, museum visits, powerful storytelling, and books that spark curiosity. Use this list as a starting point for meaningful family exploration into the roots of African American legacy.

Whether you’re planning a special outing, adding learning to your winter routine, or looking for age-appropriate ways to explore history together, this guide will help! It highlights family-friendly events, museums, historic sites, and reads to help you make the most of Black History Month with kids across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Notes: Make sure to click the links for the most up-to-date event info. No affiliate links have been added to this blog.

Bookmark this blog – it’ll be updated from year to year!

Washington, DC Events

Thursdays in February at 11:00 am | Story Time: “Mae Among the Stars” at the National Air and Space Museum
Saturday (2/14) at 12:00 pm | From Rhythm to Resistance ~ A Celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage at MLK Memorial Library ♥
- Includes performances panel discussions & more!
Saturday (2/14) at 1:00 pm | Frederick Douglass Birthday Celebration at Capital Turnaround in SE ♥
- Highlights include music by the Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels, performances by the student winners of the annual Douglass Oratorical Contest, and “Black History Jeopardy.”
Saturday (2/14) at 2:00 pm | Axé Fest: Black History Month at The Capoeira Spot in NE ♥
- Celebrate Capoeira’s tradition of freedom fighting and Black liberation with a day of free Capoeira and Afro-Brazilian dance classes!
Sunday (2/15) at 1:00 pm | Melanated Melodies at Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in NE
- Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Negro History week with a community lecture and concert in tribute to composers of African descent of the early 20th century.
Sunday (2/15) at 3:00 pm | Accord Symphony Orchestra: Black History Month Concert at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in NW ($)
Wednesday (2/18) at 4:00 pm | Jesse Owens & the Long Jump featuring UMD Track Athlete Nyla Cherry at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library
- What does Jesse Owens and the 1936 Olympics have to do with famous brands Adidas and Puma? Join us, Professor J of Sneaker Theory, and NCAA track athlete Nyla Cherry to find out!
Thursday (2/19) at 4:00 pm | My Hair, My Crown at Benning Neighborhood Library in NE ♥
- A crafting event to celebrate the beauty, strength and versatility of afro textured hair
Thursday (2/19) at 6:00 pm | Amistad ~ Slavery, Heroism, Betrayal and a Fight for Freedom (Rendition) at Bellevue Neighborhood Library in SW (Best for ages 5+)
- In 1839, the slave ship Amistad set sail from Cuba to America. During the long trip, an emancipated slave, Cinque, led the slaves in an unprecedented uprising. But their betrayal to Connecticut and held as prisoners and their release became the subject of human rights and freeman debate.
Thursday (2/19) & Friday (2/20) | Come Rap with Mr. Root at Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater ($) (Best for ages 3-7) ♥
- Get ready for an engaging, high-energy experience with the masterful Hip-Hop artist Mr. Root!
Friday (2/20) at 3:15 pm | TeenyBopper Cinema ~ Black Panther (2018) at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW ♣
Saturday (2/21) at 10:00 am | “Walk with Woodson…in the footsteps of the Bookman” at Mary McLeod Bethune Council House in NW
- Actor Dexter Hamlett and NPS Rangers will regal visitors with stories and first-person accounts from the nation’s capital that both Dr. Woodson and Mary McLeod Bethune called home.
Saturday (2/21) at 11:00 am | Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Althea Gibson at the National Museum of African American History and Culture ♥
- Program honoring Althea Gibson—a pioneering athlete in tennis and golf, and the 20th and final honoree in the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters™ Program. Activities include creating a medal and completing a score card!
Saturday (2/21) at 4:00 pm | Alma Thomas Circle Art at Southwest Neighborhood Library
Monday (2/23) at 4:00 pm | Princesses in Black History at MLK Memorial Library ♥
- Learn about Black princesses and creating your own crown!
Wednesday (2/25) at 6:00 pm | Author Talk with Patricia Elam Walker at Bellevue Neighborhood Library in SW
- Black children’s book author!
Thursday (2/26) at 4:30 pm | Crafter-noon: Black History Month Crafts! at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW
- Paper quilt and collage making!
Saturday (2/28) at 1:00 pm | Afro House: Spirit Fest 2026 at Anacostia Arts Center ♥
- Festival includes live performances from local creatives, a creative marketplace, and so much more.

Maryland Events

Prince George’s County

Tuesday (2/10) at 5:30 pm | Kids Create: Basquiat Cardboard Crown at Accokeek Library
- Learn about the famous artist Jean-Michele Basquiat and learn how to recreate his signature crown using crafting supplies.
Tuesday (2/10) at 6:30 pm | The Story of the 1839 Amistad Rebellion at Bladensburg Library ♥
- Also, held on Wednesday (2/11) at Fairmount Heights Library!
- Truth Seeker Adwoa uses riveting details and artifacts to tell the story of diverse, intelligent, and strong people from 19th-century West Africa.
Wednesday (2/11) at 3:30 pm | Craft and Create: Alma Thomas at Hyattsville Library
- Recreate your own painting inspired by Alma Thomas, an African-American abstract artist who taught art in Washington DC.
Wednesday (2/11) at 6:30 pm | Heroes of Black History Puppet Show at Largo-Kettering Library (Best for ages 3-8) ♥
- Also held on Saturday (2/21) at 1:00 pm at Upper Marlboro Library & Wednesday (2/25) at 6:30 pm at Hillcrest Heights Library.
- Watch history come alive in this engaging theatrical performance by Ebony Sonshine Puppets.
Wednesday (2/11) at 6:30 pm | STEM Fun: Quilts at South Bowie Library
- Explore the geometric shapes and angles of quilts through interactive challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.
Saturday (2/14) at 11:00 am | Pages of History: A Vintage Black Magazine Exhibit at Oxon Hill Library ♥
- Celebrate Black History Month by exploring decades of photography, fashion, and stories that shaped Black culture.
Saturday (2/14) at 1:00 pm | Celebrate Black History Month with Children’s Author Allen Wells at Beltsville Library (Best for ages 4-8)
- Also held on Saturday (2/21) at Bowie Library ~ Join celebrated children’s author Allen Wells for a lively reading of his books, including “Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark” and “Danté Plays His Blues”.
Saturday (2/14) at 1:00 pm | African American Inventors and Innovators at Beltsville Library
- Explore African American Inventors and Innovators who influenced our way of life in the workforce as we know it today.
[Just Added] Saturday (2/14) at 2:00 pm | Documentary: Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019) at Harmony Hall Art Center in Fort Washington ($)
Saturday (2/14) at 2:30 pm | Movie: The Proud Family Movie at Accokeek Library ♣
- Enjoy a free screening of “The Proud Family Movie” at the library.
Thursday (2/19) at 12:00 pm | Playday at the Library: Learning about Garrett A. Morgan at Hillcrest Heights Library ♥
- Learn about Garrett A. Morgan, and create an easy stop light craft!
[Limited Seats] Thursday (2/19) at 4:00 pm | STEM Fun: DNA Models at Beltsville Library (Best for ages 8-12) ♥
- Learn about the extraordinary life of Henrietta Lacks and her contributions to the medical field while building your own DNA model.
Saturday (2/21) at 2:00 pm | Kids Create: Rainbow Graffiti at Laurel Library
- Learn about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat!
[Just Added] Sunday (2/22) at 6:00 pm | Black Leaves Dance Company presents: Through Our Eyes at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier ($)
- Through Our Eyes will take you on a journey through time, where music, dance, culture, and history are amplified by “black magic”. From the birth of dance to the songs and events that defined a generation, this show will transport you through the decades, moving and inspiring you.
Monday (2/23) at 1:00 pm | Homeschool Hangout: Black Women in STEM at South Bowie Library
- Learn about Raye Montague, the first person to design the first computer-generated model of a Navy ship.
Tuesday (2/24) at 5:30 pm | STEM Fun: Bessie Coleman Aviation Academy at Spauldings Library in District Heights ♥
- Explore aviation in Black History through interactive challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.
Tuesday (2/24) at 6:00 pm | Poetry, Music, and Art: A Black History Month Celebration at Oxon Hill Library ♥
- Come experience the beauty, creativity, and spirit of Black expression in a celebration for all ages.
Wednesday (2/25) at 4:00 pm | Kids Create: Art Inspired by Lois Mailou Jones at Hillcrest Heights Library
Thursday (2/26) at 4:30 pm | STEM Fun: Black Scientists at Surratts-Clinton Library
- Explore Black Scientists through interactive challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.

Maryland

Montgomery County

Sundays in February through 2/21 | Celebrate Black Innovation at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) ♥
- Meet makers in real life & participate in activities!
Thursday (2/12) at 4:30 pm | Art at the Library: Faith Ringgold at Gaithersburg Library
- Learn about artist and activist, Faith Ringgold. Create our own artwork inspired by Ringgold’s narrative quilts and illustrations!
Thursday (2/12) at 5:00 pm | Celebrating Black Artists at Marilyn J Praisner Library in Burtonsville ♥
- Join in celebrating 3 black artists: Jean-Michel Basquiat, Faith Ringgold and Alma Thomas by creating artwork in their style.
Saturday (2/14) at 10:30 am | Movie: The Princess and the Frog at Wheaton Library ♣
Saturday (2/14) at 11:00 am | Black History Month Family Day at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring ♥
- Hands-on activities will include playing traditional African music, sharing what freedom means to you, testing your knowledge of historical African American figures, and more!
Tuesday (2/17) at 2:00 pm | Family Movie Afternoon: Cool Runnings at Aspen Hill Library ♣
Tuesday (2/17) at 4:00 pm | Trivia and Short Films for Kids Celebrating Black History Month at White Oak Library
- Black History Month trivia along with several short films from the Kanopy Kids collection
Tuesday (2/17) at 4:15 pm | Cover to Cover! Book Club at Connie Morella Library in Bethesda (Best for grades 2-3) ♥
- Read and compare two different formats of “Garvey’s Choice” by Nikki Grimes.
Saturday (2/21) at 10:30 am | Reverend Josiah Henson and the Underground Railroad at Davis Library in Bethesda (Best for ages 6+)
Saturday (2/21) at 11:00 am | Groovy Nate: FUNk Music and Movement at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg (Best for ages 6 & under)
Saturday (2/21) at 12:30 pm | Black History Month Celebration at Plum Gar Community Recreation Center in Germantown ♥
- Food and a musical performance included!
Sunday (2/22) at 2:00 pm | Story Hour at the Olney Library
- Join for an afternoon of stories to celebrate Olney Theatre’s production of “Little Miss Perfect”, with guest storyteller Simoné Boyd!
Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 am | Black History Month Family Day at Josiah Henson Museum and Park ($) ♥
- Includes educational, hands-on activities that demonstrate what a child’s life was like in Dawn, the settlement he created after taking his family to Canada via the Underground Railroad.
Saturday (2/28) at 10:30 am | Film: Akeelah and the Bee at Rockville Memorial Library ♣
Saturday (2/28) at 2:00 pm | Scotland Annual Black History Month Event in Potomac ♥
- Activities include special guest presentations, storytelling, books, arts and crafts and refreshments.

More Maryland Events

Thursday (2/12) at 2:00 pm | Art Exploration ~ Lois Mailou Jones at Potomac Branch in Indian Head
- Explore the life of African American artist Lois Mailou Jones who created rhythmic and thought-invoking art with inspiration from Caribbean, African, and even Egyptian cultures.
Thursday (2/12) at 4:00 pm | Black Book Exchange at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia
- Storytime and writer discussions will be scheduled throughout the evening.
Friday (2/13) at 6:30 pm | Trivia Night at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia
- Bring the family together for a fun and interactive night of trivia! Trivia Night invites participants of all ages to explore Black history, culture, and achievements through exciting questions and friendly competition.
Saturday (2/14) at 2:00 pm | African Storytelling Reimagined with Ada Ari at La Plata Branch Library
Monday (2/16) at 11:00 am | Storytime: “Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom” with Author Carole Boston-Weatherford at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($) ♥
Tuesday (2/17) at 10:00 am | Underground Railroad Monoprint Workshop at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($) ♥
- Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance painter Aaron Douglas, students will create monoprint illustrations making thematic connections to the Freedom Seekers who used the Underground Railroad.
Wednesday (2/25) at 6:30 pm | Museum Walk at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia
Saturday (2/28) at 6:30 pm | Family Game Night at the Harriett Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia
- This Game Night will feature a variety of cultural card and board games from around the world.

Northern Virginia Events

Arlington County

Thursday (2/19) at 4:30 pm | George Washington Carver and Composting at Shirlington Library ♥
- Join for a story about agricultural scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver and learn how to start composting at home from the local experts at Area2Farms.
Saturday (2/21) at 10:00 am | Take and Make: Space Crafts Highlighting Mae Jemison at Columbia Pike Library
- Design a paper rocket ship or create your own constellations and learn about America’s first Black female astronaut, Mae Jemison!

City of Alexandria

Tuesdays in February at 4:00 pm | Creatives’ Club: Celebrating Black Creatives at Duncan Branch Library ♥
- Draw, craft, and paint your way through Black History
Saturday (2/28) at 11:00 am | Family Program: Alexandria Black History at Alexandria Black History Museum (Best for grades 2nd+)

More Virginia Events

Tuesdays & Thursdays in February at 11:00 am | Story Time: “Mae Among the Stars” at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly
Saturday (2/21) at 12:00 pm | Black History Month at the Meeting House at Frying Pan Park

On Thursday (2/19) at 6:30 pm, head to Francis A. Gregory Library in SE DC for a special poetry series celebrating the legacy of Congressman John Lewis. As part of the Young John Lewis reflection series with the Mosaic Theater Company, Tony Keith Jr. and the Ed Emcee Academy team will facilitate The Power of Knowing: John Lewis, Poetry & Hip-Hop - a 60-minute interactive workshop series for youth and young adults.