Let’s celebrate Black History and Culture with our families of young children in the Bay Area — in February and year-round. Find events, storytimes, parties, dance performances, spoken word, movies, and books!
Black History Month Activities & Events in the Bay Area
We’ll keep adding new kid-friendly activities as we find them.
Black Cowboy Academy, Fairyland, Oakland
Saturday, February 14. Celebrate the history, culture, and living legacy of Black cowboys with an interactive day of lasso lessons, pony grooming with REAL LIVE ponies, and meet and greets with actual cowboys! Fairyland joins hands and hearts with the Oakland Black Cowboy Association and the Metropolitan Horsemen’s Association this Valentine’s Day for an immersive event of learning and love with Fairyland’s “Black Cowboy Academy”. Saturday, February 14 10 am – 1 pm Included with General Admission. More info here >>
6th Annual Black Centric Showcase, Oakland
Saturday, February 21, 2026. The Black-Centric Showcase (BCS) celebrates Black culture and excellence showcasing Bay Area artist through dance, song, monologues, poetry, rap, art, skits, and more. Youth tickets are free; Purchase Adult Tickets >>
Black Joy Parade, Oakland
Sunday, February 22, 2026. Every year, thousands of people come to The Black Joy Parade to support Black business, artists, performers, activists and more. The Black Joy Parade is on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and will start 14th Street & Broadway at 12:30 pm, and will end at Broadway & Grand Avenue. It’s a FREE hyper-positive event with a full day of entertainment, culture, and community pride. More information here >> Check out their Instagram for the most up-to-date info>>
Community Conversation with Ericka Huggins, Oakland
Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Join Aurora School for a free Community Conversation with educator, poet, and former Black Panther Ericka Huggins. Register here >>
32 Children’s Activities for Black History Month, Britt Hawthorne
Author of Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide, Britt Hawthorne shares dozens of activities parents can initiate to help children experience Black History Month. Families with infants to teens will find inspiration from her thoughtful and age-appropriate activities. Britt’s Instagram page is also a lovely resource. See the full list >>
Black History Month Books to Read with Kids
Black Children’s Book Week (February 22–28, 2026)
Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure Black children are represented in books and other children’s media. Learn more about the week and how to celebrate with your children, from joining a virtual event to purchasing books from a local Black bookstore (like The Multicultural Children’s Bookstore or Marcus Books). See more >>
Oakland Public Library Black Joy Book List for Kids
If you’re seeking children’s books and media that celebrate African Americans, check out the Black Joy book list from the librarians at Oakland Public Library. See the recommendations here >>
Oakland Public Library Black Superhero Comic Book List for Kids
Celebrate Black representation in comics for children (and adults), from DC to Marvel and others. See the full list >>
Oakland Public Library Black Panther Syllabus
Teachers and students can explore the Oakland Library’s Black Panthers syllabus featuring books, films, audio, and lesson plans for grades K-12. Check it out here >>
Favorite Black History Movies to Watch with Kids
Hidden Figures
I watched Hidden Figures with my 9-year-old son after he read this book. We both enjoyed it and would recommend it if you haven’t seen it yet. Common Sense Media has also put together a list of 6 movies to watch with your family for Black History Month, including handy-dandy age recommendations. See the list for ages 9+ here >>
Queen of Katwe
Queen of Katwe is a 2016 movie based on the true story of a young girl in Uganda who discovers she has quite a talent for the game of chess. Since The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix is a bit mature for most kids, try this inspiring story to get your kids excited about chess and more familiar with kids of different cultures. Best for kids ages 10+. Watch it on Amazon or Disney+
Black Panthers, Oakland Museum of California
This video features Black Panther Party members and young activists, artists, poets, and community advocates answering questions and reflecting on the Black Panther Party legacy and how it resonates today. Recommended for ages 12+. Watch it here >>
Black History Art & Exhibits On View
Black Power, OMCA
Explore moments of the Black Power movements in California. This ongoing exhibit features photographs, posters, paintings, interactive prompts, and more. See more details >>
Black Spaces: Reclaim and Remain, OMCA
Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain navigates the braided histories of displacement, resistance, and resilience within Black American communities in Oakland and the East Bay. Looking to engage your students during your visit? Download the student and teacher guides. See more details >>
Shaping Oakland For Present and Future Generations, Extraordinary Lives, African American Museum and Library at Oakland
This exhibit opened on September 20, 2025, and continues through February 2026. This exhibit was curated by AAMLO in partnership with the Friends-Stewards of AAMLO. Come for a meet and greet on January 31, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm, with the FSAAMLO board and enjoy a film screening of the elders’ oral history narratives. Learn more about the exhibit and tour the museum & library >>
Art of the African Diaspora 2026, Richmond Art Center
Visit Richmond Art Center to view Art of the African Diaspora 2026, an exhibit that supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community. Runs January 14 – March 14, 2026 Learn more >>
Storyline Online Black History Books
This free online storytelling resource, where famous people read books, is offering a great collection of black stories that celebrate black voices for Black History Month. Check it out here >>
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