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February is Black History Month! Here is our list of must-attend events celebrating Black History, community, and culture in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
Black History Month Events to Check Out in Toronto 2025
February 1st to 28th – Kuumba30
Presented by TD Bank Group, Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA Festival is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival.
This year, KUUMBA celebrates a legacy milestone: its 30th anniversary, which features lots of fun events and activities, including dancing, panels and workshops, parties, film showcases, a break dancing competition, and a Bob Marley Birthday Tribute Concert! You can view the complete list of events here.
Where: Harbourfront Centre
When: February 1st to 28th
Admission: Priced and Free. Varies based on the event. View the complete list of events here.
February 4th – Being Black in Canada presents The Moments that Matter
At this event, CBC celebrates Black History Month by revisiting the special moments that mattered most to Black Canadians in 2024. The event will explore how these moments changed Black culture forever and look ahead to what’s next in 2025. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from the team behind the special, watch the premiere, and enjoy light refreshments and mingling.
This in-person event will be held at the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in the Artist’s Lounge on the 10th floor.
Where: Canadian Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front Street West, Toronto
When: February 7th, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Admission: Free. Reserve your spot here.
February 5th to 28th – Black History Month at the AGO
The Art Gallery of Ontario hosts a series of events and programming to celebrate Black History Month this February, At the heart of this month’s programming, exploring the global influence of hip-hop on contemporary art and fashion, is The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. There is an exciting lineup of programs that include talks, live music and dance, and engaging family activities. You can view the complete list of events here.
Where: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
When: February 5th to 28th,
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $30. Grab your tickets here
February 6th to March 2nd – Born to Create Gallery Exhibition
Toronto-based visual artist and curator Chika Oh hosts an inspiring month-long gallery exhibition and curated event series in honor of Black History Month at the Stackt Market in Toronto from February 6th to March 2nd. The artistic “Born To Create” exhibition will showcase rich African history, culture, and creativity through art, fashion, hairstyles, and conversations.
The opening night kicks off on February 6th at 7:00 pm with an opening grounding ceremony led by Therapist Shanna-Kay Stephens. The special evening will feature a vibrant artwork showcase, a fashion and hair show inspired by African history and its influence on modern culture
Where: STACKT market – North Hall Gallery, 28 Bathurst St, Toronto
When: February 6th to March 2nd,
- Opening Night: February 6th, 7:00 pm , General Admission tickets start at $22. Grab your tickets here.
February 7th – ArtHeart’s Black History Month Paint Night
ArtHeart Community Centre hosts a Black History Month Paint Night, allowing guests to unravel their inner artists with Regent Park Resident Artist Melissa Falconer. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a beginner, this evening promises creativity, laughter, community, and great company in a relaxing atmosphere. All supplies will be provided.
Where: Artheart, 585 Dundas Street East, Suite 210, Toronto
When: February 7th, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $49. Grab your tickets here
February 12th to 17th – Toronto Black Film Festival
The Toronto Black Film Festival is an annual film festival in Toronto. Held in February each year as part of Black History Month, the festival programs a selection of African, Caribbean, African American and Black-Canadian films.
Where: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
When: February 12th to 17th, View event times and schedule here
Admission: Priced. Varies based on the date. View prices here
February 14th – The Underground Comedy Railroad
The Underground Comedy Railroad (UCR), a groundbreaking all-black comedy tour, brings the show to Toronto for Black History Month. There will be lots of laughter and fun. Black comic acts from around the country will be in attendance, including
- Rodney Ramsey (Just For Laughs)
- Tamara Shevon (Just For Laughs)
- Daniel Woodrow (Roast Battle Canada)
- Keesha Brownie (Winnipeg Comedy Festival)
Where: 2800 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
When: February 14th, 9:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $30. Grab your tickets here
February 18th – Sofar Sounds Concert Black History Month
Sofar Sounds, a global community that connects artists and audiences through unique and intimate experiences, hosts an intimate community concert featuring upcoming Black community artists.
Where: Stockyards
When: February 18th, 7:30 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $30. Grab your tickets here
February 21st – Black History Month Showcase
In partnership with the Toronto Music Office and Northside Hip Hop’s Mark Campbell, the Canadian Black Music Archives (CBMA) presents the Black History Month Showcase featuring the Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop exhibit. This exhibit highlights Canada’s contribution to the hip-hop genre, with a special focus on Toronto. This immersive musical event features the legendary hip-hop duo Dream Warriors, along with surprise guests, DJs, and speakers.
Where: City Of Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Road, Toronto
When: February 21st, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Free
February 22nd – The RBC Black Diamond Ball 2025
The RBC Black Diamond Ball taking place February 22nd, 2025, is one of Canada’s premier cultural events, celebrating Black excellence in the arts, culture, community and business. Founded to uplift and empower, the Ball brings together a diverse community to honor achievements, share inspiring stories, and create meaningful connections.
The 10th Annual RBC Black Diamond Ball, themed “Let’s Get Together,” marks a milestone year in fostering unity and collective strength within the Black community. The event highlights individuals and organizations shaping the future through music, community, and storytelling.
Where: Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front Street West Toronto
When: February 22nd, 6:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $187. Grab your tickets here
February 23rd – Sunde Social
Sundae Social hosts a lively event featuring art, music, celebration of life, community connection, food, and a vendor market.
Come enjoy an evening of good company, art exhibit, great drinks, and melodious live music.
Where: STACKT market – North Hall Gallery, 28 Bathurst St, Toronto
When: February 23rd, 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $28. Grab your tickets here
February 25th – TD Music Celebrates Black History Month
TD Music celebrates Black History Month with special performances by Toronto artists, Savannah Ré and Aiza at Union Station.
Where: West Wing of Toronto’s Union Station, Toronto
When: February 25th, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Admission: Free
February 28th – Annual Black History Month Luncheon
The University of Toronto’s Black History Month Luncheon, sponsored by the Division of University Advancement and supported by Hart House, returns with dynamic speakers, compelling performances, and delicious food. This annual event has become a long-standing tradition celebrating Black excellence while providing a welcoming and inclusive community space.
This year, the award-winning work of former TV personality Tracy Moore will be recognized for her work in raising awareness about EDI and working towards addressing and reversing equity disparities for marginalized communities. Ms Moore will provide brief remarks and engage in a Q and A. Other guests include a spoken word performance by Toronto’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah Jack, a Bilingual social activist and poet, and a special appearance by New Orleans’ own Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson, known as the “Pythagoras Girls“. Now, College students, the two stunned the math community when, as teens, they successfully provided solutions to a 2,000-year-old puzzle, proving the Pythagorean Theorem via trigonometry. Since then, they have demonstrated multiple proofs.
This event is a part of the Black Future series by UofT
Where: Hart House, 7 Hart House Cir, Toronto
When: February 28th, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Admission: Free. Register Here
February 28th – A Celebration of Black Classical Music – Chamber Music Edition!
Where: 566 Annette Street, Toronto
When: February 28th, 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $25. Grab your tickets here.
Runs through the month of February – Black History Events by the Toronto Public Library
The Toronto Public Library honors Black History Month year round with programs, reading lists and podcast episodes that shine a spotlight on Black history and culture. You can view their list of events celebrating Black History Month here. There will be storytelling, workshops, informative discussions, and more.
Where: Various Locations in Toronto
When: February 28th, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Admission: Free. Register Here
Black History Month Events to Check Out Just Outside Toronto 2025
NOTE THAT: The events highlighted outside Toronto are limited to the GTA (Greater Toronto Area)
February 1st – 18th Annual Black History Month Celebration
Presented by Cultural Expressions for CHANGE in partnership with The Town of Ajax, City of Pickering, Pickering Anti-Black Racism Task Force, Durham Region, Durham Regional Police Services Board, Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, and Ajax Public Library, the Cultural Expressions for Change hosts their 18th Annual Black History Month celebration at the J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax.
This in-person event, hosted by THE VOICE of Black Toronto, Kevin Carrington, will feature a keynote presentation by motivational speaker and entrepreneur Tychon Carter, spoken word artist Tracy J, and a performance by Afrobeats fusion artist SILLLA.
Where: J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, 1355 Harwood Ave N Ajax
When: February 1st, 4:00 pm
Admission: Free
February 1st – Black History Month Reception, Ujamaa Marketplace and Gallery Exhibition
Newmarket African Carribbean Canadian Association kicks off Black History Month with its signature annual reception, featuring a panel of distinguished experts. There will be live performances, a ujamma vendor marketplace featuring local Black-owned businesses, and the unveiling of its gallery exhibition highlighting this year’s theme.
Where: Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St, Newmarket
When: February 1st, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Free
February 1st – Black History Month Celebration: Vision to Victory
Black Mentorship Inc., an organization dedicated to the empowerment of Black Professionals in Canada, celebrates Black excellence and community impact through a series of unforgettable events, including its signature Black Excellence Celebration—a night of inspiration, recognition, and cultural pride you won’t want to miss.
Where: Oakville Conference & Banquet Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Road, Oakville
When: February 1st, 5:30 pm
Admission: Priced. Tickets start at $200. Grab your tickets here
February 7th – Black History Month Generations Building Generations
The Regional Municipality of Durham, along with municipal and community partners, will host its Black History Month celebration at the Ajax Convention Centre. The event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (DR. ABC), performances, and awards for community champions.
Where: Ajax Convention Centre, 550 Beck Crescent, Ajax
When: February 7th, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Admission: Free
February 7th – Black History Month Celebration: The Story of Gloria Baylis Brought to Life
Enroute 2 Success, a non-profit organization providing valuable mentoring, programming, and workshops for youth in the Black community, hosts an inspiring evening celebrating Black History Month by honoring the legacy of Gloria Baylis, a Barbadian-Canadian trailblazer whose groundbreaking victory in Canada’s first workplace racial discrimination case reshaped equity laws and opened doors for countless others.
Guests will experience the incredible tale of this unsung hero brought to life through a moving dramatic play performed by the talented drama students of Mayfield Secondary School. There will also be a fireside chat featuring Gloria’s son, Frank Baylis, Human Rights Lawyer Lavinia Latham, and playwright Denee Rudder.
Come Witness Gloria’s courage, resilience, and lasting impact on Canada’s history in a way that will inspire you.
Where: Cyril Clark Library Lecture Hall, 20 Loafers Lake Lane. Brampton
When: February 7th, 6:00 pm
Admission: Free
February 15th – 2nd Annual Canadian Black Screen Awards 2025
Black Actors & Film Guild Canada hosts their 2nd Annual Canadian Black Screen Award, a premier event that brings together industry professionals, creatives, and thought leaders to celebrate Black excellence in film and entertainment. The event will feature insightful panels, networking opportunities, and workshops, while the CBS Awards 2025 honors outstanding achievements in various categories, recognizing the contributions of Black filmmakers, actors, and creatives in Canada.
Where: 2 Wellington St W, Brampton
When: February 15th, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: TBA
February 16th – Black History Month at the Varley
In partnership with Genie Home Services Inc., join the Varley for a vibrant weekend featuring Afro-Caribbean market stalls, live steel pan music, poetry readings, and singing performances. Come celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities. Everyone is welcome.
Where: Varley Art Gallery, 216 Main Street Unionville, Markham
When: February 16th, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission: Free
February 28th – Black Excellence Event by the City of Mississauga
The City of Mississauga, in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, hosts a Black Excellence event in celebration of Black History Month, featuring musical guests, keynote speakers, and an awards ceremony. The evening will celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of Mississauga’s Black community. The celebration involves
Where: Mississauga City Hall
When: February 28th, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Free
As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.