Celebrating Black History Month In the South Bay and Los Angeles
Learning about Black history is essential no matter what month of the year, but during Black History Month there are many family-friendly events that make it easier than ever to teach kids about Black history, art, historical figures, and more. It is also an excellent opportunity to discuss and learn about social justice, diversity, and empathy. Check out our list of family-friendly events and activities to celebrate Black History Month in the South Bay and across Los Angeles below.
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Aquarium of the Pacific 23rd Annual African American Festival
Feb. 22 – 23
The Annual African-American Festival is back for another year of exciting festivities. Family-friendly activities include live music, dance performances, storytelling, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Festival admission is included in your Aquarium ticket.
Black History Month + Market
Feb. 23
Celebrate Black History Month at this family-friendly in-person marketplace at 2nd&PCH. The Makers Hive Market featuring entertainment from Red-Drum Entertainment will offer a vibrant celebration of Black History Month!
Kingdom Day Parade
Feb. 17
Presented by the Congress Of Racial Equality of California (CORE-CA), the Kingdom Day Parade is considered “the world’s largest and longest-running life celebration” of Martin Luther King Jr. With the theme “Peace and Unity, Let it Start with Us” the 40th edition of the parade will take place on Monday, February 17 from 10am to 2pm and will be televised live on ABC7. The post-parade festival at Leimert Park features music, dancing, food and more.
43rd Annual Black History Parade and Festival
Feb. 15
The City of Pasadena is hosting its 43rd annual celebration of Black History. Southern California’s longest-running Black History parade starts at 10 am at Fair Oaks Avenue and Figueroa Drive and ends at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. The festival follows until 3pm, featuring live music, dance performances, food vendors, and more.
Black History Month Festival
Feb. 23
The Open Arms Food Pantry and Resource Center presents its Annual Los Angeles Black History Month festival at the newly renovated West LA’s Pan Pacific Park. The event will include live music performances, vendors, food trucks, and more!
Black History Parade and Expo
Feb. 22
The 57th Annual San Bernardino County Black History Parade and Expo celebrates “Unsung Heroes” our veterans for 2025. The parade kicks off at 10 am with marching bands and community groups. The Expo features children’s activities and a load of community resources. In addition, the event will also feature special guest speakers, live entertainment, merchants, and food vendors.
City of Santa Monica’s Black History Month 2025
Throughout Feb.
The City of Santa Monica has special events planned throughout February, including displays at the Santa Monica Public Library branches, movie screenings, live music performances, and more. This year’s celebration is focused on the theme “African Americans and Labor.” A few of the events to check out include storytime at the Fairview Branch Library and the Black History Month Celebration on the Third Street Promenade on Feb. 23.
Pretend City Children’s Museum Black History Celebration
Throughout Feb.
All month, Pretend City will offer different exploration options to help young visitors learn about black historical figures who changed the United States for the better. Activities will include science and art projects as well as storytime. Join in the fun on February 15 when they will be hosting a pretend cookout.
African American Firefighter Museum
Sundays
This museum, housed inside Fire Station No. 30, one of two segregated firehouses in Los Angeles between 1924 and 1955, is the only museum in the United States dedicated to the historical fire service of African Americans. Every Sunday, the museum provides free 40-minute guided tours. Please book your visit in advance online.
Black History Month Events at LAPL
Throughout Feb.
The Los Angeles Public Library is always a great place for things to do with kids. Throughout February, branches across the city offer all kinds of programming, from storytimes to drum circles. Check out our list of the best children’s books about Black History and take one home from the library!
Black Education Expo
Feb. 22
Enjoy an inspiring and resourceful day dedicated to empowering K-12 students and families in Southern California, particularly communities of color. The Black Education Expo 2025 is your opportunity to explore pathways to success through education, innovation, and community collaboration. This free event features workshops for parents and a kids zone with face painting and arts and crafts.
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