Black History Month in Seattle is a chance for families to explore history, creativity, and community through events, exhibits, and hands-on activities across the region. From museum programs and library storytelling to cultural celebrations and youth workshops, February offers meaningful ways for kids and caregivers to learn together.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly events, kids activities, or ways to support Black-owned businesses in Seattle, this guide brings together month-long programs and one-day celebrations happening throughout the Puget Sound.
February Family Events for Seattle Black History Month
Multi-Day Black History Month Events in Seattle & Tacoma
- Black History Month Activities | February 1-28 | 5-7 p.m. | People’s Community Center, Tacoma | Free | Head down to Tacoma, and enjoy Black History activities and trivia for youth every day during the month of February.
- Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebration 100 Years of Black History Month | February 1-28 | View during open hours of Bellevue City Hall or at Bellevue Art Museum on Thursdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout February | Bellevue Arts Museum is pleased to present a special exhibition honoring the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. Curated by Jay Taylor, Fancy Vargas, and Jerry Lee, the multi-site exhibit will include paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles, and fashion. Presented as a visual timeline across BAM and Bellevue City Hall, the exhibition brings together local Black artists to reflect on ancestral legacy, cultural resilience, and the future of Black history through contemporary art.
- Up and Atom; Invention Design Challenge Inspired by Black Inventors | Tuesdays, January 27 and February 3, 10, 17, and 24 | 4 to 5:30 p.m. | Kobetich Branch, Tacoma Public Library | Free | Best for grades K-5, Learn more about Black inventors and engineer your own invention! Whether it’s a helpful gadget, a cool new toy, or a way to make life easier, every idea counts!
- Black History Month Scavenger Hunt | February 3-28 | 12 – 7 p.m. | Free | Multiple locations, learn more here | Free | Join us at any Tacoma library branch during open hours between February 3-28 for a fun and educational Black History Month scavenger hunt! From everyday items to groundbreaking innovations, participants will learn how Black inventors have shaped the world we live in.
- Black Artist Spotlight | February 3-28 | 12-8 p.m. | Moore Branch, Tacoma Public Library | Free | Visit the Moore library each week in February to learn about Black artists who shaped the world! Each week in the Children’s area, we will feature a different artist’s story and work, as well as provide materials for patrons to create their own masterpieces!
- Storywalk at Alderwood Park: Keyana Loves Her Family by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley | Fridays, January 30, February 2, 13, 20, and 27 | All day | Alderwood Park | Free | Walk along and read the Storywalk at Alderwood Park during the park’s open hours. The January/February title, Keyana Loves Her Family by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, celebrates family and carefree childhood. From the bestselling author of I Love My Hair!, Keyana has big plans for her family movie night, but when things start to fall apart, she learns how to rely on the support of her loved ones.
- Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum | Various dates, February 3- 27 | Times vary by event | Columbia City Theater | Some events are free, some have a fee $17.85+ | Tickets here | Celebrate Black History Month, where Rainier Avenue Radio is converting the historic Columbia City Theatre into a museum for the entire month of February entitled “Call to Conscience Black History Month Museum.”
- Northwest African Art Museum’s Freedom Day | February 5 – February 8 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Northwest African Art Museum | Free | On these four consecutive Freedom Days, we honor the enduring life and legacy of Carter G. Woodson, celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Negro History Week, which he started on February 7th, 1926.
- Black Artists Exhibition | February 11- March 13 | Times vary by day | Tacoma Community College | Free | The Gallery is located in Bldg. 4 at Tacoma Community College, near the corner of 12th and Mildred streets. Visitor Parking is available in Lot G. (6501 S. 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466) | Curated by a panel of art jurists, the exhibition features work by more than 20 South Sound artists. With media including painting, drawing, photography, and glass art, some of the exhibition’s works provide windows into personal history and collective culture. Other pieces are non-representational.
Sunday, February 1
- Melodies of the Diaspora, Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month Opening Reception | Sunday, February 1 | 3-6 p.m. | Bellevue Arts Museum | Free, register here | At this opening reception for the month-long exhibit, enjoy live music, light refreshments, and remarks from community members.
Thursday, February 5
- Living Voices: Fly for Freedom | Thursday, February 5 | 5:30-6:30 & & 6:30-7:30 p.m. | MOHAI at Joshua Green Foundation Theater on the second floor | Free, during First Thursday | Experience a new historical multimedia program featuring the little-known stories and contributions of working women in the World War II aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters who built planes in Boeing’s factories, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Double Victory campaign. This event takes place during our Free First Thursday hours. Seats are first-come, first-served.
(Image courtesy the Museum of History & Industry)
Saturday, February 7
- Celebration of Life and Commemoration of Black History | Saturday, February 7 | 3-5:30 p.m. | New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Kent | Free, register here | This is a free, family-friendly event featuring African drumming, a children’s make-and-take crafts room, Delbert Richardson’s Unspoken Truths Traveling African American Museum, community info tables, musical performances, a keynote program, and more.
- Black Night Market | Saturday, February 7 | 2- 8 p.m. | Tacoma Armory | Free admission | The fourth annual Black History Month market will be in the Tacoma Armory this year. Free admission for live performances, food, and local vendors.
- Seymour’s Kids Club: African Song & Dance | Saturday, February 7 | 10:30- 11:30 a.m. | Washington State History Museum | Free with registration, register here | Experience the lively rhythms of traditional drumming and dance from West and South-Central Africa, performed by talented artists from Zambia and West Africa! For all ages.
Sunday, February 15
- The 100th Black History Month Commemoration and Celebration | Sunday, February 15 | 3-5 p.m. | Lakes High School, Lakewood | $28.52, students are free, buy tickets here | Vibrant Schools of Puget Sound marks the centennial milestone of Black History Month commemorations with a program that blends storytelling and performance in a community-centered setting. The event features a keynote by Dr. Carl Mack, founder of The Black Heritage Calendar, plus entertainment by local artist Michael Powers (jazz guitar).
Thursday, February 19
- Favorite Poems | Thursday, February 19 | 4-5 p.m. | Steilacoom Library | Free | Explore some favorite poets and poems that explore African-American history and culture. Ages 13 and up.
Saturday, February 21
- Black History Month Soiree on Bainbridge Island | Saturday, February 21 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Bainbridge Island Museum of Art | $10 + tax | Register here | Enjoy a night of dancing while shopping at Black-owned businesses and enjoying live music and performances.
- Hilltop Healthy Kids & Families Carnival | Saturday, February 21 | 12 to 4 p.m. | People’s Community Center, Tacoma | Free | Join us for the 16th annual Hilltop Healthy Kids & Family Carnival featuring live music, tons of fun, and free services for kids and families. The event includes a live DJ, free T-shirts, free food, games, toys, prizes, bicycles, gift card raffle. free Dental Cleaning (adults/children), free blood pressure screening (adults/children), and free haircuts (limited appointments, first-come, first-served – register here.
Sunday, February 22
- Afro-Indigenous Music and Folklore Interactive Storytelling | Sunday, February 22 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Graham Library | Free, register here | Experience Afro-Indigenous music and folklore through the interactive storytelling of Taylor Nicole. Learn about the music and instruments, listen to a short story and collaborate to create a story. Ages 13 and up.
Monday, February 23
- Black History Month Crafts | February 6-16 & 23-28 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | The Museum of Flight | Admission $29 for adult, $21 for children, free for children 0-4 | Tickets here | Celebrate Black History Month in the Alaska Airlines Aerospace Education Center by learning about Black trailblazers in aviation and aerospace, creating paper crafts and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech by adding your dreams for the world to the Tree of Dreams.
Wednesday, February 25
- Pleasant Movement | Wednesday, February 25 | 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Interim Lakewood Library | Free | Enjoy movement and music with Mr. Pleasant, designed to bring dance and learning together! All ages.
- Quilt Exhibit with Freddie Smith | Wednesday, February 25 | 3-5 p.m. | Gig Harbor Library | Free | Enjoy Tacoma textile artist Freddie Smith’s collection of beautiful quilts and learn how she turns fabric scraps into works of art. Ages 9 and up.
Saturday, February 28
- African American Folktales and Legends | Saturday, February 28 | 2-3 p.m. | Fife Library | Free | Join acclaimed storyteller Eva Abram, creator of Rainwater Storytelling, as she brings folktales and legends to life in celebration of Black History Month. All ages.
Support Black-Owned Businesses & Explore Black History Month Resources in Seattle
February is also a time many families look for ways to support Black-owned businesses in Seattle, from bookstores and cafés to local makers and community organizations. Below, you’ll find a mix of local guides, kid-friendly reading, and learning resources to help your family connect more deeply with Black history and culture this month.
