Black History Month events in Columbus

February is Black History Month, and there are lots of events and activities honoring the significance and celebrating the achievements by Black Americans in U.S. history.

2026 Black History Month

The Ohio Statehouse Black History Month

The Ohio Statehouse celebrates Black History Month in February with free presentations on Tuesdays at noon. The live performance are 45-minutes, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A. The events are free and open to the public.  

• Tuesday, February 3: A Century of Black History Commemoration: Preservation & Truth, by the Thiossane Institute. Recommended for ages 10+
• Tuesday, February 10: Freedom on the Frontier: Native & African American Paths to Liberty in Revolutionary-Era and Early 19th-Century Ohio
• Tuesday, February 17: Exhuming the Archives: Early Black Settlement Communities of Cincinnati, by The National Underground Railroad and Freedom Center. Recommended for ages 13+
• Tuesday, February 24: The Green Book in Columbus, by the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Recommended for ages 10+

All events will be livestreamed by the Ohiochannel.org. More details here.

Tours and historical events at at Ohio Statehouse and Museum

King Arts Complex

Celebrating Black History Month First Tuesday Tea
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Doors Open 11:30 AM, Noon – 2 PM

First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders.

Must RSVP-Limited Seating. Call Juanita Burks at 614-645-0674 for reservations. Details here.

All Arts Day: Aminah Day 2026
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Surround yourself in inspiration and storytelling with themed projects inspired by the work of Aminah Robinson. Kick-start your imaginations with prompts designed for a wide range of ages, abilities and materials. These workshops are free and supplies are provided. Details here.

https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/king-arts-complex/

Columbus Metropolitan Library Black History Month

Our amazing library system celebrates Black History Month in February with a variety of programs – over 45 programs this year across the various library branches!  Check out the complete schedule featuring storytelling, poetry, music, art and history. There are lots of cool exhibits and events on the schedule!

Register at the events calendar in order to receive links to participate in these programs where registration is required. 

McConnell Arts Center

Community Joy Film Series – “Ruby Bridges” (1998)
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2 pm
Tickets free with reservation

Community Joy Film Series – “Selma” (2014)
Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2 pm
Tickets free with reservation

Soulful Symphony
Saturday February 28, 2026 at 3 pm and 6 pm
Soulful Sundowns: A Live Band Experience featuring local Black and Brown female vocalists.  The performance will highlight songs that celebrate black women’s empowerment, resilience, and success.
$45 for General Admission, $40 for Veterans and Seniors, $20 for Children 12 and Under. Buy tickets

Black History Month with Ohio History Connection

Ohio History Connection is made up of the Ohio History Center and more than 50 historic sites throughout Ohio.

The Ohio History Connection celebrates Black History month with events at the Ohio History Center, and more at the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and the National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center.

They offer a robust series of Black history programs including curator talks, discussions and interactive experiences. Some are virtual, so you can participate and enjoy from anywhere. 

See registration and full offerings on the website.

Ohio History Center MLK Jr. Day, President’s Day, and more!

African American Heritage Festival

TBA 2026

The special initiatives and outreach committee along with the NAACP at Ohio State. Details here. 

BHM at Gateway Film Center

Black History Month 2025 program, a thoughtfully curated selection of films which honor the rich tapestry of Black experiences and showcase the talents of groundbreaking filmmakers.

• TBA for 2026

See upcoming films and purchase tickets on the website. 

Experience Columbus Black History Month Resources

You’ll find lots of ways to celebrate Black History Month with Experience Columbus. 

There are various tours, historical sites of significance and several events, exhibitions and activities for all ages scheduled throughout the month. 

CBUS SoulⓇ platform

Find themed-itineraries and a list of all of the Black-owned businesses around the city to support.

Historical Sites, Museums & Gardens

During the time of the Underground Railroad, Ohio was more active than any other state, offering more than 3,000 miles of routes to enslaved people seeking freedom. The Greater Columbus area is home to several significant stops along the Underground Railroad. 

At the Kelton House Museum & Garden in downtown’s Discovery District, visitors can tour the home of former abolitionists and learn the daily life, customs and decorative arts in 19th-century Columbus, as well as the region’s significance during the time of the Underground Railroad.

At the Dublin Historical Society, learn how Dr. Eli Morrison Pinney hid freedom seekers on his property and take a walking tour to see the speaking tube Pinney used to communicate to those seeking refuge in his barn.

In nearby Westerville, visitors can tour the Hanby House and learn about its history as an Underground Railroad stop, as well as the history of William Hanby, a white former indentured servant who escaped to Ohio, became involved in the abolitionist movement and eventually co-founded Otterbein University.

(info courtesy of Experience Columbus)

More Black History events…

We’ll be adding more events for Black History Month as we find them. Check back throughout February.