Ava McDonnell
As February closes, Central Florida continues to celebrate Black History Month with vibrant festivals, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. From outdoor park festivals and historic town tours to live music performances and food-centered celebrations, these events highlight the rich history, artistry, and contributions of Black communities throughout the region. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a meaningful cultural experience, or a celebration filled with music and soul food, there are still plenty of ways to participate before the month wraps up.
2026 Black History Month Exhibition
Dates: Through Sunday, April 5; Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Orlando City Hall, Terrace Gallery
This ongoing exhibition commemorates 100 years of Black History Month observances, featuring powerful visual works from local and regional artists that reflect Black heritage, achievement, resilience, and creativity. The display invites visitors to explore how Black history has shaped Central Florida and American culture more broadly. Admission is free and open to the public throughout the month.
Timucua Amplifies Black Voices Series – “Fragrance of Yah”
Date: Friday, Feb. 20 – Saturday, Feb. 21
Location: Timucua Arts Foundation, Orlando
Part of a larger Timucua series showcasing Black American artists, this event highlights “Fragrance of Yah” and the Ari & Cecil Alexander Quartet. Celebrating improvisational music rooted in African American traditions and featuring soulful music blending jazz, blues, R&B, and contemporary sounds. The performance is part of a curated lineup that elevates local and national Black musical talent. It’s ideal for jazz lovers and anyone interested in musical explorations of heritage and culture.
Lakeland Black History Festival at Jackson Park
Date: Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Jackson Park & Coleman-Bush Building, Lakeland
This free Black History Month festival features live rhythmic dance performances, inspiring spoken word artists, artisan vendors, and family activities in a park setting. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, a classic car display, and interactive children’s enrichment activities. Also, a permanent history exhibit inside the Coleman-Bush Building highlights Lakeland’s Black community pioneers.
Mascotte 3rd Annual Black History Month Soul Food Cook-Off & Community Celebration
Date: Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Sunset Lake Park, Mascotte
This Lake County Black History Month celebration brings the community together over soul food, face painting, live DJ and music entertainment, and contests celebrating local cooking traditions. With a soul food cook-off, honoring traditional soul foods, including collard greens, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and a dessert category. Guest speakers also include Clermont Mayor Tim Murry and Groveland Vice-Mayor Barbara Gaines. Community members gather for music, food, and fellowship while honoring Black heritage.
Eatonville Routes to Roots Historic Tour Festival
Date: Saturday, Feb. 21, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Eatonville Historic District
While not a traditional stage festival, this cultural heritage festival-style experience in one of the nation’s oldest historically Black towns celebrates Black history through guided and self-guided walking and biking tours, storytelling, music, and community interaction. Eatonville’s rich cultural landscape offers a festival feel and deep historical context.
Sanford Jazz Ensemble – Salute to Black History Month Concert
Date: Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m.
Location: The Ritz Theater, Sanford
Celebrate Black musical heritage with the Sanford Jazz Ensemble’s annual salute concert featuring tributes to iconic musicians and composers such as Duke Ellington, Marvin Gaye, Thelonious Monk, and more. This performance blends jazz, soul, and classic American styles in a rich musical experience. Sanford’s historic Ritz Theater provides an intimate setting for this cultural celebration.
Third Annual Black History Month Breakfast
Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Orange County Multicultural Center, Orlando
Wrap up Black History Month with an inspiring breakfast hosted by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The event features guest speakers, performances, and opportunities for community fellowship. It’s designed to honor Black achievements and encourage reflection on cultural contributions throughout history.
The African American Story: A Story of Black Culture
Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Winter Park Library, Winter Park
This free library event celebrates the rich artistic, political, and cultural contributions of African Americans through storytelling, exhibits, and interactive activities. Perfect for families, students, and history enthusiasts, the program highlights the lasting impact of Black culture on arts and society.
Black History Month is both a celebration and a call to reflection, and these events offer meaningful opportunities to honor the past while uplifting the present. By attending a local event, supporting vendors, and engaging with community organizations, you help continue the legacy of recognition and celebration beyond February. So, make plans to experience the culture, creativity, and community that define Black history in Central Florida.
Comments