Black History Month highlights the contributions of African Americans to the United States. African Americans continue to accomplish remarkable achievements in Philadelphia and beyond. In recognition, many parks, recreation centers, and playgrounds in Philadelphia are named to honor their legacy.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation has 31 sites named in honor of African Americans. Discover more about Parks & Rec sites that celebrate their legacy.
Join Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and our partners in celebrating and honoring Black History Month at these upcoming events:
Please note: events may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather. Be sure to check the links below to confirm the date, time, and location.
District 10 Presents: Black History Month Showcase
February 6, 2026
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Universal Daroff Charter School—5630 Vine Street, 19139.
Come out and support your local recreation centers of District 10! The showcase will feature musicians, dancers, skits, special guests, vocalists, poets and much more. Free admission! For more information, please call (215) 687-2578.
Leaders and Legends: Youth Edition
February 10, 2026 – February 28, 2026
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Smith Memorial Playground—3500 Reservoir Dr., 19121.
This year, in alignment with the nation’s 250th anniversary and our Revolutionary Action Figure Project, the exhibit will highlight Black youth leaders who are taking meaningful, courageous action in Philadelphia today. The exhibit offers families a unique opportunity to engage with the stories of these young leaders and reflect on the themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion. See more details on the website.
Black History Month: Celebration Event
February 26, 2026
Event starts at 6:30 p.m.
East Passyunk Community Center—1025 Mifflin Street, 19148.
Celebrate Black History Month at the East Passyunk Community Center! For more information, please call (215) 685-0008.
Other events:
34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair
February 7, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania Convention Center—1101 Arch Street, 19107.
The 34th Annual African American Children’s Book Fair returns to Philadelphia to transform the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a celebration of stories, imagination and Black history in the making. One of the largest and longest-running single day events dedicate to diverse children’s books in the country. Admission is free. See more details on the website.
For Love to Thrive Black Cultural Heritage Celebration
February 21, 2026
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Parkway Central Library—1901 Vine Street, 19103.
Set during the year of the Nation’s 250th anniversary, Friends of the Tanner House and the Free Library of Philadelphia present a free-to-the-public, four-hour cultural heritage resource fair in Parkway Central Library’s Skyline Room celebrating African-American heritage sites and initiatives throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. OPEN TO ALL! This event is supported by 250PA. Registration is suggested but not required. Learn more and register today.
Everyday Freedom Heroes
February 22, 2026
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
African American Museum in Philadelphia—701 Arch Street, 19106.
Everyday Freedom Heroes is a dynamic, child-centered program in which students will dress as community leaders and historical figures—past and present—who exemplify heroism through everyday acts of courage, resistance, and cultural preservation. This activity encourages children to express creativity and historical appreciation through costume, spoken word, and performance, transforming the day into a living museum experience. See more details on the AAMP website.
