Now through Feb. 28, Long Beach residents can commemorate Black History Month through festivals, art exhibitions, film screenings and much more.
The city’s Black History Month celebrations include the following events, many of which are free to the public:
Built to Last: Legacy, Strength, Resilience at Expo Arts Center
Friday, Feb. 6 from 6-9:30 p.m.
Coinciding with Bixby Knolls’ First Fridays event, Forgotten Images and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave.) will host a free Black History Month celebration intended to highlight small businesses, cultural organizations and the lasting spirit of the Black community. The festivities will include a Black history-themed museum exhibit, a paint and sip (7-8 p.m.) and performances by local artists. The community-centered evening will also feature a spoken word showcase, a vendor marketplace, urban line dancing, games such as dominoes and spades, and community achievement awards. Free.
First Fridays in Bixby Knolls
Friday, Feb. 6 from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Bixby Knolls is embracing the peaceful spirit of Bob Marley for its February First Fridays event. With Feb. 6, 2026 marking 81 years since the birth of reggae icon Bob Marley, all are invited to hear reggae music along Atlantic Avenue, sing “Happy Birthday” to Marley and receive a slice of birthday cake at Off Duty Beer + Wine (6:30 p.m.). Attendees can also explore Valentine’s Day activities, check out art pop-ups and enjoy extended business hours. For more information about First Fridays, visit bixbyknollsinfo.com/first-Fridays. Free.
The Notorious Black Improv Group at Helen Borgers Theatre
Friday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
The Notorious B.I.G. (Black Improv Group), featuring special guests Richie Jones-Muhammad and Angelina “Lou” Taylor, will perform during First Fridays at the Helen Borgers Theatre (4250 Atlantic Ave.) as part of Bixby Knolls’ Black History Month event slate. Admission is pay-what-you-can at the door.
“Super Fly” at The Art Theatre of Long Beach
Saturday, Feb. 7 at 10 p.m.
See a blaxploitation classic on the big screen with Good Luck Vinyl Club’s screening of the 1972 film “Super Fly” at the Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E. Fourth St.). The film follows Priest, a New York City drug dealer angling for one final score before leaving his life of crime for good. “Super Fly” is best known for its soundtrack, a soul concept album by Curtis Mayfield that stands out as one of the defining socially conscious albums of the early ‘70s. Adult tickets are $15 for this screening and can be purchased on the theater’s website.
February Wellness & Movement Series at Birthworkers of Color Collective
Wednesdays, Feb. 11, 18 & 25 from 4-5 p.m.
Birthworkers of Color Collective is hosting a series of three virtual sessions focused on movement and grounding techniques with wellness practitioners. These community gatherings are open to all Black identified folks. Admission can be purchased on a sliding scale from $15-$25.
RHSA Student Taste of Soul, Long Beach at Renaissance High School of the Arts
Friday, Feb. 13 from 5 – 8 p.m.
Soul food fans of all ages are invited to the 3rd annual RHSA Student Taste of Soul at Renaissance High School for the Arts (235 E. Eighth St.). Those who stop by can grab a cultural passport and venture through themed spaces highlighting the artistry and history of the West Coast, Mardi Gras and the Harlem Renaissance. There will be Black-owned vendors, food trucks, community organization booths, photo stations, student club sales, as well as activities and live student performances, including singing, drumming, spoken word and a fashion show. Registration is encouraged via Eventbrite. Free.
Legacy Unity & Love: Black Future Celebration on The Promenade
Saturday, February 14 from 2 – 7 p.m.
Partake in Dreamz Into Goals’ 2nd annual Legacy Unity & Love: Black Future Celebration, a free afternoon of interactive activities, live art and entertainment, wellness resources and cultural exhibits. The festivities on The Promenade (near 350 North The Promenade) will include a vendor marketplace with a range of Black-owned businesses and a culinary corner with African-American cuisine, as well as educational resource booths for attendees to study the impact of the city’s Black pioneers. Registration is encouraged through Eventbrite. Free.
Black History Month Homeownership & Wealth-Building Breakfast
Saturday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. – noon
Discuss homeownership, financial literacy and generational wealth during a community breakfast at Mimi’s Cafe (4404 Candlewood St. ) hosted by The Long Beach Realtist Association. Topics that will be covered include the state of housing in Black America, grants and homebuyer resources and legacy planning. This event is geared towards future homeowners, families, and individuals who want to learn more about long-term housing stability. Seating is limited, so register through Eventbrite to secure a spot.
An Exploration of Black (Self) Identity art show at The Stache Bar
Saturday, Feb. 21
The Stache Bar will host a Black History Month-themed art exhibition inspired by James Brown’s “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” The participating artists are invited to explore their interpretations of Black (self) identity through photography, paintings, collages, digital works and more. The opening night of the exhibition will include drink specials, a DJ set by Marlon X and a chance to donate money to a local community cause. Check their Instagram @thestachebar in the coming weeks for more details about the art show.
African American Festival at Aquarium of the Pacific
Saturday, Feb. 21 – Sunday, 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
See a plethora of live performances, ranging from break dancing to drum circles, during the 24th annual African American Festival at the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way). Attendees can also check out historical displays, an array of booths and a heritage award ceremony. This festival is included in the price of general admission; aquarium entry is $44.95 for adults, $34.95 for kids ages 3-11 and $41.95 for seniors ages 62 and up.
Afro-Latinx Free Family Festival at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Educate yourself on the widespread cultural impact of the African diaspora in the Americas through the Afro-Latinx Free Family Festival at MOLAA (628 Alamitos Ave). This celebration will unite artists, scholars and community organizers for an afternoon of conversations, performances and presentations that highlight Afro-Latinx history and community.
Sacred Ink & Black Love at Plantiitas
Sunday, Feb. 22 from 3-5 p.m.
Immerse yourself in creativity during Sacred Ink & Black Love, an event rooted in resistance, poetry and artists expression. This event at Plantiitas (2011 E. Fourth St.) will be led by Writing as Healing Los Angeles and feature an artist panel, an open mic, a DJ set, local vendors and a guided writing workshop. There will also be performances from the artist collective NeverSpeakLB and pw.writing. Tickets are $23.18 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Black History Month Panel: Black Excellence in Education
Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
The Greater Long Beach Black Dem Club will host its annual Black History Month panel, with a focus on the state of education in the Greater Long Beach Black community. This free panel will explore pathways from K-12 through higher education and take place at 2201 Cherry Ave..
“For the Culture” series at Long Beach Public Library
Through Saturday, Feb. 28
Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) is hosting over thirty Black History Month-themed events across its branches all February long, with planned activities including workshops, storytimes, trivia, live music and more. The Library’s event slate is intended to showcase Black artists and demonstrate the importance of cultural storytelling and creative expression. All events are free with no registration required. To learn more about LBPL’s Black History Month programming and resources, visit longbeach.gov/library/events/black-history-month/.
