Every February, our city comes together to explore and celebrate the vibrant cultures of Black Canadians during Black History Month. In fact, Toronto was the first municipality in Canada to officially proclaim Black History Month, way back in 1979! (Find out more about the City of Toronto’s website for more information about this important occasion here.) This month-long event includes festivals, arts events, and more. Honour the beauty of our community’s multiculturalism with our Guide to Black History Month Events in Toronto and the GTA!
Special Events in Toronto
Harbourfront Centre: KUUMBA Festival
Date: February 1-27, 2026
Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival, Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA Festival returns to celebrate Black culture, including KUUMBA Family Sundays where families can participate in weekly hands-on art activities sparking creativity and fun.
Toronto Public Library: Black History Month Events
Date: February 2-28, 2026
Numerous TPL branches across town are hosting special events this month, including ongoing Youth Hub drop-in dates, plus crafts, music and storytelling. (Some events require pre-registration.)
Canada Black Music Archives: Black History Month Showcase
Date: February 5, 2026
Held at the City Of Toronto Archives, the Canada Black Music Archives hosts their free annual Black History Month event, with performances by Jully Black, Liberty Silver, Divine Brown, Dru (In Essence), and Tanika Charles.
Bata Shoe Museum: Black History Exhibition Tours
Date: February 7-28, 2026
Every Saturday in February, Bata Shoe Museum hosts family-friendly Exhibition Tours and creative activities in honour of Black History Month. Before or after the tour, families can get creative at self-guided activity stations to learn about shoes that highlight Black culture, have fun in the Try-On Shoes area, and pick up an iSpy card to go on a self-guided museum scavenger hunt.
Scarborough Museum: Gather for Family Day Weekend at Scarborough Museum
Date: February 14-16, 2026
Let your creativity shine at Scarborough Museum with fun activities for all ages, plus delicious treats! Check out the story corner, sample a scone made in the museum’s kitchen, join drop-in craft workshops and celebrate Black History Month with activities on Family Day.
Toronto Black Film Festival: TBFF Kids Film Festival
Date: February 16, 2026 (Full Festival: February 11-16, 2026)
The 9th edition of the TBFF Kids Film Festival arrives just in time for Family Day, with activities for kids aged 4-12 years old (plus all those young at heart!), including film screenings, arts & crafts, dance and storytelling.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Friday Night Sample Chief Takeover
Date: February 20, 2026
On this edition of the AGO’s weekly evening gathering (free with general admission), the gallery’s Walker Court comes to life for Black History Month with for an unforgettable celebration of culture and creativity. Hang out and go on a multi-sensory experience, filled with the sounds and rhythms of Black and African music.
Untitled Ensemble: Celebration of Black Classical Music
Date: February 20, 2026
In honour of Black History Month, Untitled Ensemble presents their 2nd annual celebration of Black excellence in classical music at Annette Studios, featuring a talk by author and academic, Dr. Cheryl Thompson.
Downtown Yonge BIA: Skates And Sounds
Date: February 27, 2026
Downtown Yonge BIA hosts a month of skating parties with free skate rentals on-site at the Skates And Sounds series at College Park’s Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail, including a Black History Month Tribute on February 27th.
The Trending Table: Black History Month Markets
Date: February 20 – March 1, 2026
This market pop-up features women-owned businesses, where entrepreneurs showcase their products and connect directly with consumers. Black History Month Markets are held this year markets at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga on February 20-22, and Scarborough Town Centre on February 27 – March 1 during mall hours.
Get lots more ideas for family-friendly activities and events on our calendar here!
