Philadelphia, February 1, 2026
The Free Library of Philadelphia is hosting a month-long celebration of Black History Month with free events, workshops, and activities that highlight the culture and contributions of Black Americans. These events are designed to enhance community interaction and promote local history through engaging programs for residents and visitors alike. Highlights include workshops, storytimes, and tours at various locations throughout the city, emphasizing creativity, education, and civic participation.
Celebrate Black History Month with Free Events in Philadelphia
Explore local culture, creativity, and community contributions through engaging programs this February.
Philadelphia, PA – The Free Library of Philadelphia is celebrating Black History Month throughout February 2026 with a series of events that highlight the culture, creativity, and community contributions of Black Americans. These programs are free and open to the public, showcasing the resilience and initiative that are hallmarks of our communities.
This monthlong celebration invites residents and visitors alike to engage with local history and culture through a diverse array of programs. Not only does this enhance community interaction, but it also emphasizes the benefits of reduced bureaucracy in facilitating such enriching engagements. In a time where individuals and organizations come together to promote heritage, this initiative stands out as a shining example of civic innovation.
Highlighted Programs at Cecil B. Moore Library
- Queen Imperial Waistbeads Workshop
Monday, February 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Explore the history and cultural significance of waist beads across African traditions in this guided beading tutorial. Advance registration is required due to limited space. - Author-Led Storytime with Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy a special storytime featuring “Abdul’s Story,” focusing on imagination and representation in children’s literature. - Collage as Healing for Black History Month
Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Participate in an art workshop led by artist Doriana Diaz, emphasizing reflection and collective creativity through collage and bookmaking. - Black Inventors Builders Lab
Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
Engage in interactive activities that spotlight Black innovators and their contributions to science and technology. - STEM-Focused Builders Lab
Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
A hands-on program highlighting Black inventors and their impact on STEM fields.
Additional Citywide Events
- Black Art, Black Voices Tours at the Philadelphia Art Museum
Weekends in February 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Guided tours showcasing the museum’s collection of Black art and artists. Tours are included with museum admission and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. - Black History Celebration at Please Touch Museum
Saturday, February 7, 2026, all day event
Families can explore immersive, hands-on workshops in celebration of Black change-makers, ranging from inventing and dancing to designing and drumming. - Fundamentals of Rhythm Workshop: Break Dancing
Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Learn basic moves and choreography of breakdancing, an art form that originated in the 1970s. - Oldways: A Taste of African American Heritage
Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
A cooking demonstration honoring African American foodways, history, and cultural traditions, featuring traditional recipes and their historical context. - Ananse and Me with the Amazing Mr. Q
Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
A performance celebrating Black History Month with puppets, magic, folk music, and dance, following the adventures of Ananse the Spider. - Winter Concert with Paris Marie & Friends
Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy a jazz concert featuring Philly-born artist Paris Marie, whose music blends R&B, soul, jazz, and contemporary pop. - Black History Month Civic Heroes Trolley Tour
Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
A guided trolley tour featuring murals of iconic Black figures, civic heroes, and social justice themes throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods. - Read the Revolution Speaker Series with Julia Gaffield and Marlene L. Daut
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Discussions exploring Haiti’s 1804 Declaration of Independence and its connection to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. - Renaissance Orchestra Jazz Concert
Friday, February 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
An all-ages, after-hours jazz concert at Oak Lane Library, made possible by the Music Performance Trust Fund and the American Federation of Musicians, Local 77.
For a comprehensive list of events and registration details, visit the Free Library of Philadelphia’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Black History Month celebration?
The Free Library of Philadelphia is hosting a monthlong series of events throughout February 2026 to celebrate Black History Month. These events include workshops, author appearances, and hands-on STEM programs at various library branches across the city.
Are the events free to attend?
Yes, all events are free and open to the public, with no library card required.
How can I register for events?
Registration details and a full schedule of events are available on the Free Library of Philadelphia’s official website. Some events may require advance registration due to limited space.
Where can I find more information about the events?
For more information, visit the Free Library of Philadelphia’s official website or contact your local library branch.
Key Features of the Free Library’s Black History Month Events
| Event | Date and Time | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Imperial Waistbeads Workshop | Monday, February 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. | Cecil B. Moore Library | Explore the history and cultural significance of waist beads across African traditions in this guided beading tutorial. Advance registration is required due to limited space. |
| Author-Led Storytime with Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow | Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. | Cecil B. Moore Library | Enjoy a special storytime featuring “Abdul’s Story,” focusing on imagination and representation in children’s literature. |
| Collage as Healing for Black History Month | Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. | Cecil B. Moore Library | Participate in an art workshop led by artist Doriana Diaz, emphasizing reflection and collective creativity through collage and bookmaking. |
| Black Inventors Builders Lab | Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. | Cecil B. Moore Library | Engage in interactive activities that spotlight Black innovators and their contributions to science and technology. |
| STEM-Focused Builders Lab | Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. | Cecil B. Moore Library | A hands-on program highlighting Black inventors and their impact on STEM fields. |
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