February is Black History Month in Canada, and it’s a great opportunity to share the history, contributions, and culture of Black Canadians.
To help celebrate, we’ve put together a list of fun, unique and informative Black History Month events happening in and around Metro Vancouver.
Make plans to check out Songs of Freedom, Reel Causes: A Night of Obsidian, and more. Then check out our Listed section for more fantastic things happening around town.
Marcus Mosely/marcusmoselymusic.com
What: Songs of Freedom is a celebration of Black music and culture at Christ Church Cathedral. The 13th annual concert in honour of Black History Month features performances by Candus Churchill, Krystle Dos Santos, Dawn Pemberton, Star Trickey, Minnijean Brown-Trickey, and the Marcus Mosely Ensemble. Diane Lines and Tim Porter will also be providing accompaniment.
When: February 1, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Where: Christ Church Cathedral – 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Cost: $45 plus GST and fees; purchase online
What: Vancouver Public Library hosts a family-friendly celebration of Black History Month at its Central Branch. Special guests include cultural drummer and musician Maurice Earle, a cultural storyteller for the younger children, and more.
VPL states that the event is best suited for young children ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers. The celebration is presented in partnership with the BCABC Barbados Cultural Association of BC.
When: February 22, 2025
Time: 10 am to noon
Where: Alice McKay Room, Lower Level, VPL Central Library — 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Cost: Free, drop-in welcome
What: Celebrate Black Excellence at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society’s third annual Black in BC at the Surrey Art Gallery. The free event features speakers, a live performance by Ndidi Cascade, limbo with King Fish, and more. There will also be traditional cuisine served and the Black Brilliance Awards ceremony.
When: February 7, 2025
Time: 3 to 7 pm
Where: Surrey Art Gallery — 13750 88th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free, register online
Mami Wata
What: VIFF Centre presents two series of films that shine a spotlight on Black film, artists, and creators.
Akojo Film Collective presents six films exploring the ever-changing concept of home in African Cinema Now!‘s Dreaming of Elsewhere.
Celebrating Black Futures focuses on the themes of mythical and corporeal transmutations, and is curated by Kika Memeh. It is also presented in partnership with the Vancouver Art Gallery.
When: Various dates from February 1 to 27, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: VIFF Centre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Various prices; purchase online
What: Coquitlam Heritage hosts its sixth annual Black History Month Family Day. Guests will enjoy food demonstrations, vendors, and more.
There will also be family-friendly activities and live performances throughout the event.
When: February 15, 2025
Time: 1 to 4 pm
Where: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House — 1116 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam
Cost: Free
What: The Museum of Anthropology commemorates Black History Month by hosting Atlanthos: Youth-Driven Innovation Through Afrofuturistic Storytelling.
The fictional futuristic underwater world was made by 11 Ethọ́s Lab Griots, youth storytellers inspired by the West African tradition of oral history. The Atlanthos event will also feature a panel discussion on Ethọ́s Lab’s work on Afrofuturism, storytelling, and youth-led creativity.
When: February 6, 2025
Time: 7 to 8:30 pm
Where: Museum of Anthropology — 6393 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver
Cost: Free with museum admission
Union Street/Submitted
What: Reel Causes presents a remarkable night of celebration of local Black artists, filmmakers, and creators. Curator Natasha Tony will be joined by acclaimed singers Dawn Pemberton and Khari McClelland. Guests will also have a chance to be inspired by the Vancouver documentary Union Street.
When: February 6, 2025
Time: Doors 6 pm, event 7 pm
Where: Rio Theatre — 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door plus fees. Purchase online
What: Vancouver Mural Festival’ss Black Strathcona Resurgence Project is a multi-year project that spotlights Black storytelling through public murals created in partnership with local Black artists, businesses, and communities.
Begin at the corner of Main & Union (check out the mural story along the Georgia Viaduct and look up and walk around the Hydro station), and then explore the 11 new BSRP murals created in the Hogan’s Alley neighbourhood during VMF 2021.
When: Any Day
Time: Any Time
Where: Various locations in Hogan’s Alley neighbourhood
Cost: Free
What: The Canucks celebrate their annual Black Excellence Night when the Detroit Red Wings are in town on Sunday, February 2. The Black History Month event at Rogers Arena spotlights African culture and recognizes community members and their accomplishments.
When: February 2, 2025
Time: 5 pm
Where: Rogers Arena – 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver
Cost: Various; purchase online
What: North Vancouver City Library and the National Film Board presents a Black History Month screening of Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land, a new five-part docu-series showcasing Jamaican icons that brought reggae to Toronto.
When: February 26, 2025
Time: 7 pm
Where: North Vancouver City Library — 120 14th Street West, North Vancouver
Cost: Free, drop-in welcome