Black History Month in Long Beach
February is a time for community, reflection and celebration during Black History Month in Long Beach. Spaces throughout the city will host cultural festivals, film screenings, educational programs, family-friendly activities and live performances honoring the histories, lived experiences and contributions of the Black community. Here are a few ways to participate during Black History Month.
BIXBY KNOLLS FIRST FRIDAY
Celebrate Black History Month during Bixby Knolls’ First Friday on Feb. 6 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM on Atlantic Avenue between Burlinghall Drive and Carson Street in Long Beach. This vibrant monthly art walk highlights Black culture with special art exhibits, food, and exclusive deals at local shops and restaurants. Enjoy live music on nearly every corner as the community comes together to honor heritage and creativity. First Fridays are a lively blend of local art, entertainment, and small‑business support — perfect for connecting with culture and community.
LOITER GALLERIES
In honor of Black History Month, Loiter Galleries (425 The Promenade N) will host “Glo Up,” a dynamic new show featuring Black artists in its space off The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach. The grand opening night coincides with the DTLB Art + Design Walk hosted by the Downtown Long Beach Art Alliance on Saturday, February 14. Exhibiting artists include illustrator James Brooks, painter Myriam Loeschen, visual artist Nia Simone and painter Torin Ashtun. Glo Up will be on view at Loiter Galleries through March 21. View the exhibit on Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 to 8 PM or on Sundays from 1 to 4 PM.
BLACK HISTORY KICKOFF CELEBRATION, LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE
Long Beach City College launches a month of events and activities for Black History Month with a kickoff celebration, February 10, from 12–2 PM at its Liberal Arts Campus (4901 Carson St) in Building T-1200. This year’s theme, “A Hundred Years of Joy: Celebrating Our History, Legacy & Power,” honors the rich contributions of Black and African American communities. Join a day of music, culture, and connection in the Quad between Buildings A and E.
AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL, AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
The Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) hosts its 24th annual African American Festival, Feb. 21-22, from 9 AM to 5 PM. This lively celebration of culture, creativity and history features music and dance performances, historical displays and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Guests can enjoy storytelling, hip hop and break dance showcases, drum circles and live bands throughout the day. Visitors are also invited to explore participating booths highlighting community organizations, cultural displays and interactive experiences for all ages. The festival is free with general admission.
EXPO ARTS CENTER
Expo Arts Center (4321 Atlantic Ave) will mark Black History Month Feb. 6 from 6-9:30 PM, with multiple activations and events. The African American Cultural Center Of Long Beach will present a special exhibit “Built to Last: Legacy, Strength, Resilience,” honoring Black contributions through inspiring art and history. Also, renowned portrait artist Mohammed Mubarak’s work will be featured, and the artist will be present. The Expo’s Katie Phillips Gallery will present an African Americans in Rock ’n’ Roll exhibit along with live music by Lady Loops.
AFRO LATINX FESTIVAL, MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART
Spend the day at the Afro-Latinx Free Family Festival at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave) on Sunday, Feb. 22, from 11 AM to 5 PM. For more than a decade, MOLAA has dedicated this annual celebration to honoring the cultural impact of the African diaspora in the Americas. The 2026 festival brings together artists, scholars and community organizers for conversations, performances and presentations that highlight Afro-Latinx histories and lived experiences in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
FOR THE CULTURE, LONG BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Long Beach Public Library will celebrate Black History Month with many engaging programs across its branches, centered on this year’s theme, “For the Culture.” Among the programs, the Dana Library (36809 Atlantic Ave) will offer a Black History Family Storytime, Feb. 7 at 10:30 AM, while adults and teens can attend Black film showcases on Feb. 9 and 23 at 3 PM at the Burnett Library (560 E Hill St). Teens ages 13–18 are invited to a special program at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W Broadway) celebrating Black creativity through Tiny Desk concerts by Black artists. For a full calendar of Black History Month events at local libraries, click here.
LEGACY & UNITY: BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION, THE PROMENADE
Legacy & Unity: Black Future Celebration is an outdoor festival honoring African American history, culture and contributions while creating space for education and community connection. Taking place Feb. 14, from 2 to 7 PM on The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach. This free event features a vendor marketplace with Black-owned businesses, a curated Culinary Corner celebrating African American cuisine, live music, spoken word and cultural dance. Families can enjoy scavenger hunts, kids’ art workshops and a storytelling corner with Black authors, plus an Open Mic Hour for community storytelling and sharing.
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