Every February, we celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of African Americans during Black History Month. From the many African-American neighborhoods and towns, including Parramore and Eatonville, there’s an abundance of ways to celebrate Black History Month in Orlando.
Check out some of our favorite ways to commemorate Black History Month and try incorporating one of the below activities into your next date night.
Support these Black-Owned Restaurants and Businesses in Orlando.
Updated January 2025 by Meghan Roth
Museums & Exhibits
Black History Month Art Exhibit
January 31 – March 30, 2025
Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall
The display showcases art pieces of 33 local visual artists inspired by this year’s national Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” which focuses on the various and profound ways works of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, professional, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black culture.
The exhibition also highlights, celebrates, and honors the contributions and the artistic exploration of labor’s transformative impact on Black experiences and furthers Orlando’s continued efforts to create a more equitable, inclusive community for all residents.
The Wells' Built Museum of African American History
Formerly the Wells' Built Hotel, which hosted the likes of musical legend Ella Fitzgerald, the Wells' Built Museum boasts 6,000 square feet of African American memorabilia from right here in Orlando.
Tickets are $5 per adult and you can snag an annual membership for $30.
MUSEUM HOURS
Monday – Friday : 9am-5pm
Open The 2nd Weekend of Every Month, Otherwise Closed Saturday and Sunday
American Journey – Orlando Museum of Art
Each work of art is created in the context of a given period and thus reflects not only the artistic styles and tastes of the day, but also the period’s cultural values, social conditions, and momentous events. American Journey invites the visitor to explore this history through paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs dating from the nineteenth century to the present.
Rather than taking a chronological approach, though, the exhibition is divided into thematic sections in which artworks of both the past and present are seen side by side, emphasizing the shared and contrasting ideas voiced by these works.
Thematic sections include Land and Sea, aspects of nature and geography that have informed artistic visions of the American landscape; The West, half a continent that is imbued with myth and symbolism about the nation’s growth and ambition; Farm and City, places that have each represented qualities of American character such as self-reliance, industry, and dedication to progress; and People and Community, portraits and narrative art that show ever-changing views of individuals and their social relationships. American Journey is an opportunity for artworks that span decades or even generations to provoke new visual dialogues and prompt interpretations that are fresh and relevant for our time.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
Head to the heart of Eatonville to visit the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of the Fine Arts. Since 1990, the museum has presented nearly 50 exhibits showcasing works by artists of African descent. There is no set admission fee for visitors but donations are appreciated.
African American History Exhibit – Orange County Regional History Center
The Orange County Regional History Center is home to a permanent African American History exhibit, which aims to expand your understanding of the triumphs and tragedies of African Americans throughout Central Florida's history.
The exhibit includes paintings from The Highwaymen. Tickets are $8. On the Third Thursday of each month, they offer free admission from 5 to 8 p.m.
Events
Celebrate Soulfully at Walt Disney World
February 1 – 28
As February begins, guests of Walt Disney World Resort can explore new and traditional ways to “Celebrate Soulfully” during Black History Month with a variety of experiences to celebrate, educate, and honor Black heritage and culture throughout the resort. From art to food to music and more, there are many opportunities to feel soulful.
Black History Month Art Exhibition Opening Reception
Wednesday, February 5, 10-11:30am
Orlando City Hall – Terrace Gallery
Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose, District 6 Commissioner Bakari F. Burns and the Orlando City Council invite you to the opening reception of the city's Black History Month Art Exhibition on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 5-8 p.m. at the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall. The display showcases art pieces of 33 local visual artists inspired by this year’s national Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” which focuses on the various and profound ways works of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, professional, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black culture.
FREE
Voices of Freedom: An Evening of Spoken Word
Friday, February 7, 8pm
Dr. Phillips Center – Steinmetz Hall
Premier spoken word poets from around the country gather together for a special night celebrating Black History Month! From the cultural expression of Langston Hughes to the Beat Poets of the 1950s to modern rap and hip-hop music, performance poetry follows the trend of rhythmic engagement with listeners. As the name suggests, performance poems are meant to be spoken aloud with expression and movement that reflect their meaning.
FREE (Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis and is not guaranteed.)
Timucua Amplifies Black Voices
February 7 – 15, 2025
Timucua Arts Foundation
Timucua Amplifies Black Voices will offer performances by John Lumpkin and The Covenant, 904 Jazz Organ Trio, Gerald Law II and The Clutch, and EarthTonez: Funky, Soulful Jazz.
Ticket prices vary
Sanford Jazz Ensemble: Black History Month Concert
Sunday, February 9, 3pm
The Ritz Theater
This electrifying concert invites you to journey through time, exploring the legacies of iconic American entertainers and composers who have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape and Black music history. From the soulful trumpet of Louis Armstrong to the modern jazz virtuosity of Wynton Marsalis, from the enigmatic piano genius of Thelonious Monk to the soul-stirring melodies of Marvin Gaye, their artistry has resonated across continents and generations.
$27.50
City of Orlando’s Black History Month Community Celebration Event
Tuesday, February 11, 5:30-7:30pm
The New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando
2210 South Rio Grande Avenue, Orlando, FL 32805
Celebrate Black History Month at the City of Orlando's annual Community Celebration Event. This free event honors the lasting contributions and positive influence of African Americans in our Central Florida community. Join Mayor Dyer and City Commissioners for a screening of the GOSPEL docuseries and to enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, and a special performance by City Beautiful Voices, a choir featuring city employees.
FREE
3rd Annual Black History Speaks Series
Saturday, February 15, 1-3pm
213 West Kennedy Boulevard, Eatonville, FL 32810
The Eatonville Chamber of Commerce Presents: The 3rd Annual “Black History Speaks” Series. Celebrating the best in Artistic Culture.
FREE
‘Songs of the Heart: Stories of the Soul' With the Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale
Saturday, February 15, 7:30pm
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music and inspiration as the renowned Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale, under the masterful direction of Karl Van Richards, takes the stage. Coming just after Valentine’s Day, this powerful performance blends themes of love, unity and cultural pride—an uplifting celebration perfectly suited for Black History Month.
Tickets start at $10
35th Annual National African American Read-In
Sunday, February 16, 2pm
Orlando Public Library
101 E. Central Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32801.
Celebrate the 35th Annual National African American Read-In with crafts for the whole family. Learn about authors of African American literature and make a book yourself.
FREE
Lineage + Legacy: Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha
Thursday, February 20, 6:30-8:30pm
Orange County Regional History Center
In preparation for Opera Orlando’s presentation of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha this May, take a musical stroll in the past to see how education has elevated our community here in Orlando over the past century and beyond. This program is presented at the History Center in partnership with Opera Orlando and the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities (ZORA! Festival).
As part of Third Thursday, admission to this program is free.
BLK JOY Art Exhibit: Anatomy of an Artist
Friday, February 21, 6:30pm
The Hideout
1712 Lee Road, Orlando, FL 32810
Get ready to immerse yourself in a diverse showcase of creativity and talent from Black artists. From paintings to sculptures, photography to mixed media, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Come support these incredible artists and experience the joy their work brings. Don't miss out on this unique event that promises to inspire and uplift!
$15-$20
Black History Celebration at the Park
Saturday, February 22, 1-5pm
Kissimmee City Chambers Park Community Center
2380 Smith Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Come and celebrate the rich history and culture of the Black community with music, food, and entertainment. It's a great opportunity to learn and honor the achievements of Black individuals throughout history. Don't miss out on this special event!
FREE
The Harlem Renaissance Experience: A Celebration of Black Culture
Saturday, February 22, 2-4pm
Winter Park Library
1052 Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789
The Harlem Renaissance Experience at the Winter Park Library is an immersive and interactive journey designed tocelebrate and reflect upon one of American history's most culturally significant movements—The Harlem Renaissance. This experience blends art, music, literature, and fashion, bringing to life the vibrancy of the era while inviting participants to engage with its enduring legacy.
FREE
Parramore Historic Bus Tour 2024
Thursday, February 8, 9am & 11am (2025 Details TBA)
Wells' Built Museum
Join District 5 City Commissioner Regina I. Hill and the City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board in celebrating Black History Month and the positive contributions, culture, and heritage of our African American residents. The tour offers our residents to take a step back in history as we board a bus for a historic tour! Our special guest tour conductor for the event will be Commissioner Hill. Following the tour, guests will enjoy complimentary admission to the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture.
FREE (Free parking available at Shiloh Baptist Church of Orlando)
Honoring Black Heritage & Culture
Saturday, February 17, 10am-3pm (2025 Details TBA)
Orange County Regional History Center
Join Orange County Regional History Center for the second annual Honoring Black Heritage and Culture family day event! This year’s theme is African Americans as leaders in the arts. The event will include an artist showcase featuring Florida craft artists from the Cultural Sustainability and Legacy Planning for Craft Artist project in collaboration with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and Craft Emergency Relief Fund. The day will include performances, speakers, and activities for all ages.
Museum admission is free on this date, thanks to funding from Florida Humanities.
Restaurants
Nikki’s Place
If soul food is your jam, you must head to Nikki’s Place to enjoy “Southern Cuisine the Way It Used to Be.” Since 1999, Nikki’s has been serving up traditional southern dishes, including Smothered Rib Tips, Baked Chicken and Fried Wings alongside Collard Greens, Candied Yams, Corn Muffins and more.
Eat N Wash
At Eat N Wash, you can enjoy seafood and barbecue while getting your car washed! Note: Car washes are by appointment only. All meals–ranging from crab legs and lobster to barbecue chicken wings–are made fresh-to-order.
Support these Black-Owned Restaurants and Businesses in Orlando.
Feature image credit: Wall Crawl, art by Jamile Johnson
