Black History Month (or Black Futures Month) is here, with several activities, workshops, markets, and festivals happening in the city, each spotlighting Black creativity, history, and leadership. These events allow for people to not only celebrate Black culture, but learn more about which voices are shaping the future of storytelling and artistry.
If you are unsure of what gatherings and activities are taking place in Toronto, this guide gives you a detailed breakdown of community events and exhibitions that will be on throughout the month.
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KUUMBA Festival
The largest Black Futures Month festival in the city, KUUMBA celebrates the rich histories, achievements, and brilliance of Black communities across North America. This year’s edition embraces the theme Sounds of Blackness, with programming that features music, literature, dance, wellness, and family-friendly events. Catch a screening from the CineFEMME Film Series (which spotlights the works by Canadian women and non-binary filmmakers of colour), attend music masterclasses, and drop in for a wellness Wednesday ritual. More info.
When: February 1-27
Where: Harbourfront Centre
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2026 OCADU Black History Month Digital Exhibition
OCADU’S Black History Month Digital Exhibition will feature the works of three emerging artists. Sydnie Baynes, Chimemelie Okafor, and Shamika Pierre’s artistry will be displayed on five digital screens at Sankofa Square during the entire month of February. Sydnie’s animations reflect on the complexities of Black femininity, self-love, and heritage. Chimemelie’s drawings and paintings use surreal imagery to explore the various facets of the human experience. Shamika’s illustrations capture the tensions between aspiration and reality. More info.
When: February 1-28
Where: Sankofa Square
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AFROFUTURISM
AFROFUTURISM is a Black History Month exhibition that revolves around art, technology, and science. Blending these elements with Black diasporic culture and history, the pieces on display reimagine the Black quotidian through alternate futures with a basis of empowerment. Curated by Wuliyah Hankey (who also has her own work participating in the exhibition), this event will introduce you to breathtaking pieces by artists like Brianna Bell-Riley, Keziah Zikusooka, and Uchenna Nwaogwugwu. More info.
When: February 2-15
Where: Great Hall of OCAD University
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Black Futures
Hart House has an exciting lineup of speaker sessions and workshops as part of their Black Futures showcase. Blending knowledge from the past and re-imagining the future, this event series aims to reflect the experiences of today’s Black leaders and artists, while empowering students to build a more promising future. From inviting students to read challenged books and discuss them to hosting Afrobeats music nights and dance activities, Black Futures offers plenty of opportunities for making connections and celebrating Black excellence. More info.
When: February 2-26
Where: Hart House
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Celebrating Black History
Gallery 1313 is putting on an exhibition filled with contemporary works by Black artists that incorporate textile media in innovative ways. Curated by Director Phil Anderson, this is an opportunity to support emerging artists and their creations, while championing Black craftsmanship. Gallery 1313 is an artist-run centre where many makers get their foot in the door, and through this exhibition, artists will be encouraged to use different materials to tell meaningful stories. More info.
When: February 4-15
Where: Gallery 1313
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Black History Month Showcase Toronto 2026
Enjoy performances from Black Canadian soul/R&B artists at this free music showcase. The event will kick off with an insightful conversation with Roger Mooking and CBMA co-founder Phil Vassell, where they’ll discuss the legacy of Black Canadian music, food, and culture. The panel will be followed by an evening of live music, with artists like Jully Black, Tanika Charles, and Liberty Silver taking the stage. More info.
When: February 5
Where: City of Toronto Archives
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Black History Exhibition Tour
Learn about the contributions of Black artists, workers, and diasporic communities to the world of footwear at these guided tours of exhibitions at the Bata Shoe Museum. Taking place every Saturday in February, these family-friendly tours will highlight Black excellence, creativity, and culture, with self-guided activity stations, a try-on shoes area, and a museum scavenger hunt. More info.
When: February 7, 14, 21, 28
Where: Bata Shoe Museum
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BOSSLADYSK8 Screening
Participate in a community screening of BOSSLADYSK8, followed by an exclusive Q&A. Sasha Senior was the first Black woman to launch her own skateboard business in Canada (BLISS Skateshop) and this short doc gives further insight into her journey to elevating her business, while still finding time to set personal goals, support her family, and give back to her community. Hear from Sasha and director True Daley after the screening, and learn more about Sasha’s impact on Canadian skate culture. More info.
When: February 7
Where: Kolors Barber Shop
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Black History Month Market
The Well is hosting an indoor market that celebrates Black History Month through food, art, makers, and creative expression. At this event, you’ll get to connect with artisans, food curators, and local brands. Stroll through the market, take some handcrafted goods home, and champion Black-owned businesses with every purchase. The market will take place this weekend and will later return for the end of the month. More info.
When: February 7-8, February 28-March 1
Where: The Well
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Toronto Black Film Festival
Catch diversified and impactful films at the Toronto Black Film Festival, one of Canada’s largest Black History Month events and a must-attend gathering for film lovers. TBFF’s bold and inclusive programming will feature over 60 films from 15 countries, including South Africa, Australia, Nigeria, and more. This is the ideal opportunity to see films that haven’t been screened in Canada before, and be inspired by world-class stories. Other events taking place include the TBFF Black Market, Live Music Series, and Kids Film Festival. More info.
When: February 11-16
Where: Multiple venues
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A Kind of Order
This major multi-site exhibition at Union Station seeks to reflect on the memories and histories of passersby in transit spaces. With commuters coming and going, A Kind of Order allows for people to stop by, reflect, and take in the new works by Hazelle Palmer, Timothy Yanick Hunter, Aaron Jones, and Thato Toeba. This exhibition series is part of Union’s year-long commitment to promote BIPOC creatives, and invites people to consider what it means to be “in between” destinations. More info.
When: Starting February 12
Where: Union Station
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Black History Month – Dîner Entre Femmes
For those looking for a francophone gathering to attend during Black History Month, Girls Connect is hosting a Dîner Entre Femmes at one of Toronto’s most beloved Afro-descendant restaurants. Connect with other women while eating a delicious meal in an intimate setting. This is also a chance to celebrate cultural diversity by sharing and highlighting Afro-descendant initiatives. More info.
When: February 21
Where: Nganda Restaurant on Gerrard St.
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Lillian Allen – Readings + Conversation With Shivanee Ramlochan
Lillian Allen, Toronto’s Poet Laureate, will be at The Writers Centre later this month, doing some readings and opening up about her poetic work. She will engage in a conversation led by the Bocas Lit Fest’s own Shivanee Ramlochan, where they’ll dive into the dub poetry movement. This event is free and open to the public, with a few of Allen’s poems available for purchase. More info.
When: February 21
Where: The Writers Centre
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Black Grapes Wine Tasting
Sip some wine and learn from Black winemakers, grape growers, and agents at the one-of-a-kind tasting. Savour wines from Canada, South Africa, and more, while also uncovering each of the drinks’ unique sense of style and delicious versatility. Raise a glass to Black voices shaping the wine scene at this self-guided, walk around tasting. More info.
When: February 27
Where: Waterworks Food Hall
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Storytelling, Arts Workshops, and History Trivia
For those wanting to develop their artistic skills, engage with a storytelling performance, or test their knowledge about Black history, the Toronto Public Library is hosting a series of events and workshops worth checking out. Learn more about African-inspired art, attend a book club gathering, listen to Afrikan folktales, and join in for a round of trivia. The library is hosting several events throughout Black History Month, enabling many opportunities to celebrate storytelling and cultural heritage. More info.
When: Various dates
Where: Toronto Public Library
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