This February, Oregon organizations and nonprofits offer countless ways to celebrate Black History Month with events that honor the resilience, creativity and impact of Black communities.
With workshops, art showcases and live music filling the month, these events invite everyone to celebrate and reflect together. Here are some of the happenings you can look forward to.
Annual Cascade Festival of African Films
The 35th Annual Cascade Festival of African Film runs from Jan. 31 to March 1. This year’s festival showcases Africa through the eyes of African filmmakers. The opening night celebration Jan. 31 at the Hollywood Theater features the Moroccan film “Everybody Loves Touda” by Nabil Ayouch, accompanied by a dance performance from Amel Tafsout, henna art and a discussion. This free event kicks off five weeks of thought-provoking films and cultural experiences celebrating Africa’s achievements, struggles and future.
Jan. 31-Mar. 1; Hollywood Theater, 4122 N.E. Sandy Blvd., Portland; free; africanfilmfestival.org.
Oregon Black Pioneers
Oregon Black Pioneers, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history of Black Oregonians, is hosting a collection of events highlighting the contributions of Black Oregonians throughout the Pacific Northwest, including events in the Portland metro area, Coos Bay, Manzanita and Corvallis. February kicks off with a conversation on Oregon’s Black history, followed by interactive exhibits, film screenings and discussions exploring figures such as York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the resilience of Black communities in Oregon. Highlights include a panel on untold stories in Black history and a family day featuring hands-on activities and local food vendors. Find the full schedule of events at oregonblackpioneers.org/black-history-month-events-2025.
Feb. 1-29; various locations statewide; free admission; oregonblackpioneers.org.
Black, Black History Month
Celebrate Black heritage and community at this monthlong pop-up museum hosted by Creative Homies and 1803 Fund. This event doubles down on Black History Month, reflecting the ideal “that Black brilliance merits double emphasis.” The pop-up features galleries, film screenings, performances, panel discussions and an artists’ marketplace, all highlighting the brilliance and spirit of Black Portland. Vist the 1803 Fund website for a full list of events and activations.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Feb. 1-29; Horizon Enterprise Building, 443 N.W. Fourth Ave., Portland; free; 1803fund.com/news-and-events.
The Old Church Concert Hall
The Old Church Concert Hall will honor Black History Month with a lineup of music, art, and storytelling. Highlights include jazz saxophonist Isaiah Collier, Grammy-winning artist Alex Cuba and Albina Music Trust’s Black Mystery Month. The full lineup of events can be found at tocportland.org/events.
Feb. 5-26; The Old Church Concert Hall, 1422 S.W. 11th Ave., Portland; various ticket prices; tocportland.org.
Through the Trees Series
Through The Trees Collective and community partners are hosting a series of events this February to highlight Black history, environmental stewardship and community connection. The lineup features a screening of “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting On Two Fronts,” a BIPOC nature and history immersion workshop, a BIPOC youth game day and a BIPOC tree planting workshop.
Free; various locations; RSVP at eventbrite.com/cc/t3cs-black-history-month-2025-3909773.
Black History Month Showcase
The People’s Poets, a BIPOC open mic community, is hosting its 3rd Annual Black History Month Poetry Showcase on Feb. 23. The event highlights Black creativity with performances by 10 local poets, a singer, a live painter, a dancer and a DJ set by DJ Ashé. Guests can enjoy food, drinks and a Black History Month-inspired cocktail menu while celebrating culture and community.
5-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23; Barrel Room, 120 N.W. Couch St., Portland; $20; eventbrite.com, search “The People’s Poets.”
NW Black Comedy Festival
Billed as “bigger, blacker and funnier than ever,” the 9th Annual NW Black Comedy Festival celebrates Black History Month with more than 60 Black comedians performing across nine showcases. Highlights include “Ladies Run This Mutha,” featuring the funniest Black women in comedy, and “Improving While Black,” showcasing the best Black improv groups. Virtual tickets are available for those who want to watch from anywhere. Purchase tickets at linktr.ee/NWBlackComedyFestPDX.
Feb. 20-23; Curious Comedy Theater, 5225 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., Portland; ticket prices vary; nwblackcomedyfest.com.
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
The Biamp Portland Jazz Festival invites Oregonians to celebrate Black History Month through the power of jazz, running from Feb. 20 through March 1. This annual event honors Black history and culture while advancing PDX Jazz’s mission to reflect the diverse values of the jazz community. The festival features a lineup of artists like Erykah Badu, Terence Blanchard and Ravi Coltrane, alongside free shows and other programs across Portland.
Feb. 20-March 1; 30+ venues across Portland; ticket prices vary; pdxjazz.org
Did we miss an event? Please send the details to cprofenna@oregonian.com and we will add it to our list.
— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna.
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