Black history, especially in Chicago, is being made every day.
As someone who spends every week exploring the hidden gems and things to do in Chicago, I have learned that Black history is a huge part of what makes our city so special.
In 1926, right here on the South Side, Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded what would become Black History Month. Fast forward to 2026, and we aren’t just celebrating another February; we are marking a 100-year celebration.
In a city where over 788,000 residents are Black, honoring this history is vital to our identity.
This guide is my ultimate guide for celebrating that excellence not just this month, but every single day of the year.
In This Guide
- 5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Year-Round in Chicago
- Chicago’s Annual Black Cultural Calendar
- Every Black History Event You Should Know in Chicago 2026
- Black History Month FAQ
5 Ways to Celebrate Black History Year-Round
1. Learn about Black History at Chicago’s Black History Museums & Landmarks
Let’s start with the basics. Think back to that time in middle school when you learned about George Washington Carver, Ida B. Wells, and Thurgood Marshall. Well, it is enough to say that there are more historical figures, facts, and moments that took place beyond what we were all taught in school. African American history is truly American history and has shaped our country in meaningful ways.
To get started, here are some great places where you can go to see Black history for yourself:
- The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center: This woman and Black-founded museum in Chicago holds over 15,000 pieces in its archives, showcasing art, artifacts, and stories that preserve Black history.
- Walking Tour of Bronzeville: Take a walking tour through historic Bronzeville, once known as the “Black Metropolis,” where Black business and culture flourished.
- Mahogany Tours: Led by popular TikTok creator Shremmann “Dilla” Thomas, these tours highlight South Side neighborhoods in Chicago.
- The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum (NAPPRM): A historic landmark recognizing the first African American labor union in the country to be recognized by the American Federation of Labor and win a collective bargaining agreement against a major corporation.
- The Bronzeville Children’s Museum: The Bronzeville Children’s Museum is the first and only African American children’s museum in the country.
2. Dine at The Best Black-Owned Restaurants
Dining and supporting Black-owned restaurants in Chicago is one of the easiest things one can do during Black History Month and beyond. With that in mind, here are some top recommendations on where to dine during Black History Month in Chicago.
- Boozy Brunch: The Brunchery | Lakeview
- Speakeasy Vibes: Revolver | Wicker Park
- Elevated Soul Food: Virtue Chicago | Hyde Park
- The Best 3rd Space: Monday Coffee | North Lawndale
- Baked Goods: Justice of the Pies | Avalon
- For Out of Town Guests: Chicago Home of Chicken and Waffles | Bronzeville
- Weekend Date Night: Provare | West Town
- Happy Hour: Taste 222 | The Loop
- On the Healthier Side:LiteHouse Whole Food Grill | Hyde Park
- Best Tasting Menu: The Soul Food Lounge | North Lawndale and Beverly
Commit and try to dine or grab a drink at at least one Black-owned business this week. For a full list of my favorite spots, check out my Ultimate Map to Black-Owned Restaurants in Chicago.
3. Engage with Black Art, Music & Cultural Spaces in Chicago
Black art and music are a huge part of Chicago. I love living here because there is always something cool to see or hear.The city is home to an incredible array of visual arts, music, theater, and storytelling.
- Afrofuturism, Archives & Experimental Art: Rebuild Foundation
- Live Blues: Buddy Guy’s Legends
- Theater House: Black Ensemble Theater
- Community Art Gallery: Blanc Gallery
- Co-working Space: The BLKRoom
- Bookstore & Author Events: Call & Response
- Neighborhood Arts & Education Space: South Side Community Art Center
The very first time I went to Buddy Guy’s Legends, I actually saw the legend himself—it was such a surprise! Honestly, though, seeing him in person makes you think he’s a vampire because he looks absolutely incredible for his age (go watch Sinners to see what I mean)! In the end, there is simply nothing like experiencing music in a room with that much history.
4. Give Back and Keep the Conversation Going
To celebrate Black History Month year-round, consider supporting Black-led organizations that play a crucial role in uplifting communities. While any gift is valuable, focusing on Black-founded initiatives can have a direct, lasting impact. For vetted options, Charity Navigator offers a curated list of nonprofits you can support today.
Another way to help is by talking and listening. When you talk about race, let Black voices lead and listen closely to what they say. Remember that not everyone will always be ready for these discussions, so be patient and wait for the right time.
You can also take time to learn on your own by visiting the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, a group that has organized for justice in the city since 1973.
Ultimately, being a good friend and ally is a practice you commit to every day, not just for one month.
5. Shop Top Black-Owned Brands & Stores in Chicago
Chicago’s Black-owned business scene is thriving, offering a diverse range of boutiques, gift shops, clothing stores, and wellness brands.
- Grocery & Specialty Foods: Forty Acres and a Mule
- Non-Alcoholic Wine & Spirits: 2048 Non-Alc Wine Shop
- Gifts & Home Goods: Bon Femmes
- Fine Jewelry: Khoi
- Menswear: Agriculture
- Streetwear: Succezz
- Cultural Retail & Community Hub: Silver Room
- Books & Cultural Gifts: Call & Response
- Skincare: Natures Dezzert
Whether you’re shopping for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or updating your wardrobe for summer in Chicago, these Black-owned businesses are worth a visit.
Annual Black Cultural Calendar
Use this annual guide to plan your year and support Black culture in every season by clicking any event title to visit their website for more details.
| Season | Featured Major Event | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | February | Chicago Black Restaurant Week | A citywide celebration spotlighting Black-owned restaurants across Chicago. Participating spots offer special menus, discounts, and prix-fixe experiences. |
| Spring | March | Black Creativity Night Out | The Museum of Science and Industry hosts an adults-only after-hours celebration featuring art, music, performances, and dancing that spotlights the Black Creativity exhibition and Chicago’s Black artistic talent. |
| Spring | March | UNOFFICIAL | A high-energy social nightlife event that brings Chicago’s community together for music, drinks, and festive vibes during major city weekends. |
| Spring | March | South Loop St. Patrick’s Day Crawl | A multi-venue bar crawl through the South Loop featuring drink specials, DJs, brunch options, and a full day of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. |
| Spring | March | South Loop St. Patrick’s Day Crawl | A multi-venue bar crawl through the South Loop featuring drink specials, DJs, brunch options, and a full day of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. |
| Summer | June | Black Yacht Weekend | an elevated, multi-day cultural movement in Chicago that fosters community and connection through a curated series of high-energy events, nightlife, and shared experiences. |
| Summer | July | African/Caribbean International Festival of Life | A multi-day cultural festival highlighting African and Caribbean music, food, fashion, and traditions. |
| Summer | July | Chosen Few Picnic & Festival | An iconic Chicago house music festival celebrating the Black pioneers who helped create house music, bringing thousands together each summer for a full day of legendary DJs, community, and cultural legacy. |
| Summer | July | Chicago Gospel Music Festival | A powerful celebration of gospel music featuring local and national artists. |
| Summer | July | Black Women’s Expo | A lifestyle expo focused on empowerment, wellness, entrepreneurship, and the culture of Black women. |
| Summer | August | Bud Billiken Parade | One of the largest African American parades in the country, celebrating youth achievement, education, and community pride. |
| Summer | August | Chicago House Music Festival & Conference | An iconic festival honoring house music, a genre born in Chicago’s Black communities. |
| Fall | September | African Festival of the Arts | A neighborhood-driven festival celebrating South Side culture through art, music, food, and small businesses. |
| Fall | September | 79th Street Renaissance Festival | A neighborhood-driven festival celebrating South Side culture through art, music, food, and small businesses. |
| Fall | September | Englewood Music Festival | A community-centered music festival uplifting local talent and celebrating Englewood’s creative spirit. |
| Fall | Historic Pullman House Tour | A guided exploration of the Pullman neighborhood’s history, including its role in labor movements and Black history in Chicago. |
Every Black History Event You Should Know in Chicago 2026
Chicago has many great ways to celebrate Black history all over the city. Use the list below to find the best festivals, art shows, and food events to visit this February. To learn more, just click on any event title to go straight to their website for all the details.
- Now – April 19th: Black Creativity at the Museum of Science and Industry
- Now – February 23rd: Ten Toes Down: Art Show
- February 1st – 28th: Black History Month at the Cook County Forest Preserve
- February 1st – 28th: Black History Month at the Chicago Public Library
- February 1st: What We Keep: A Workshop on Archiving & Making Meaning
- February 4th: Black History Month Celebration: Rooted in Resilience
- February 5th – March 20th: Black and Highly Flavored: A Black Excellence Comedy Revue
- February 6th: Game Night: A Black History Month Kickback
- February 6th: José James with Lizz Wright: Marvin Gaye’s I Want You
- February 7th – 8th, 15th: Black Harvest Film Festival: From The Block Shorts Program
- February 7th: Civil Rights on Screen & Page: Black History Month
- February 7th: Thank A Black Woman Comedy Show
- February 8th – 22nd: Annual Chicago Black Restaurant Week
- February 10th: Angel Bat Dawid: Souls Of Black Folk Suite
- February 13th: Art Off The Wall presents: B-Side Cuts Volume One
- February 14th: Westside Assembly: Black Futures Month
- February 15th: Black Harvest Film Festival: BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions
- February 15th: A Black Queer History of the United States by C. Riley Snorton & Darius Bost
- February 16th: Queer Movie Monday: Bessie
- February 21st: Fad2Fresh presents: Style and Soul
- February 21st: Queen of Hearts Art Exhibit
- February 21st: Skyway Strike Night
- February 23rd: First Breathe Healing Arts Series
- February 24th: My Best Friend is Black Sketch Improv Show
- February 26th: Waves of Innovation: 100 Years of Black Excellence in STEM and Water
- February 28th: Black History Month Commemorative Day at the Chicago History Museum
- Select event dates in February: Annual Black History Celebration at Jewel-Osco
- Select event dates in February: Black History Month Activities at Garfield Park Conservatory
- Select event dates in February: Brothers from Another Planet
- Select event dates in February: Chicago Park District Black History Month Celebrations
- Select event dates in February: Fourtunehouse Film Festival
- Select event dates in February: Black History Month at the Field Museum
- Select event dates in February: Black History Month at The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
Black History Month FAQ
What is Black History Month, and why is it celebrated in February?
Black History Month began in 1926 as “Negro History Week,” created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. He chose February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the observance was expanded to the full month to honor the vast achievements and history of Black Americans.
What are Black History Month’s specific ties to Chicago?
Black History Month was born in Chicago! In 1915, Dr. Carter G. Woodson attended an emancipation celebration at the Chicago Coliseum. Inspired, he met with colleagues at the Wabash YMCA in Bronzeville to found the organization (ASALH) that eventually launched the first “Negro History Week” in 1926. This global celebration literally started on the South Side.
Is Black History Month only celebrated in February? How can I support year-round?
While February is the official month, Black history is celebrated year-round in Chicago. You can support the community every day by dining at Black-owned restaurants, shopping at local boutiques, and attending annual summer festivals like the Bud Billiken Parade. Consistent support helps create a lasting economic impact in our neighborhoods.
Are there Black history museums and landmarks I can visit in Chicago?
Absolutely! You can explore the The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, and historic landmarks throughout the Bronzeville and Pullman neighborhoods.
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