February 2026 is the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, and cultural institutions, art museums, food markets, and a host of regional happenings around Southern California will honor Black culture through fantastic conversations, art exhibits, food events, musical performances, and more.

“An Ode to Black Opera,” an evening devoted to sublime singers and innovators of the stage, will summon sound and splendor at the California African American Museum on Feb. 5. LA Opera artists, including Cedric Barry, Ashley Faatoalia, Grace Lee, and Thalia Moore will join the celebration, which will honor Black opera composers and performers.

An “Invention Makerspace” paying tribute to Black inventors is on the Los Angeles County Public Library‘s busy schedule in February, as well as book club meet-ups, sessions devoted to acclaimed architects, painters, authors, and athletes, and live music events.

Some happenings have been created for kids and grown-ups to enjoy, while other gatherings are for adults; be sure to check the details and which branch is hosting.

Participating locations include Rowland Heights Library, La Crescenta Library, and several branches around the region.

“HERE NOW AND THEN,” a multi-artist exhibit in West Hollywood, will consider “… the lived realities, memory, and enduring legacy of the Black Diaspora.” On view from Feb. 25 through March 15, the group show is presented by Tanya Weddemire Gallery at Hamilton-Selway Fine Art.

“Afrofuturistic Visions” will be the film-loving focus at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on select February dates. Museum educators will visit the ongoing “Cyberpunk: Envisioning Possible Futures Through Cinema” exhibit to chat about Afrofuturism, genre-defining filmmakers, and their ongoing impact.

Smorgasburg LA, the outdoor foodie market at ROW DTLA, will spotlight the market’s Black-owned businesses throughout February.

Stop by on a Sunday in February (the market is open each Sunday, with free admission) and visit Queen Squeeze Lemonade, Backyard Jerk, and the other delicious purveyors of fun and flavorful foods and drinks; find out more by following the market’s socials.

Discover a variety of events at several LA County Parks for much of February. Beginning Feb. 5, the public can savor several County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation happenings. These include “… workshops, powerful storytelling, vibrant art, music, and community events that invite everyone to learn, connect, and celebrate together.”

Black History Month programming at The Ebell includes a Black doll workshop open to members, a performance by the Inner City Youth Orchestra, and an “African Americans for LA Opera Recital”; check out the schedule and secure your tickets for the theater’s talks and workshops in advance.

And the 2026 Pan African Film + Arts Festival, “Where L.A. Celebrates Black History Month!,” is a February-fabulous cinematic celebration, one that features both Artfest (happening Feb. 7-16) and the Film Festival (shimmering from Feb. 16-22). The lauded film fest is popping up at the Culver Theater and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, while Artfest will take place at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw.

“One Spoon of Chocolate,” a film by RZA, opens the acclaimed film festivity Feb. 17; get the full roster, and everything to experience and enjoy during the two-week celebration, here.