Black History Month events, exhibits and entertainment in Orlando this year

Credit: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer/Facebook

As Black History Month marks its 100th year, Central Florida is honoring a century of remembrance, creativity and cultural impact with art exhibits, concerts, educational programs and community celebrations. From art exhibits to spoken word and jazz performances, here’s a guide to Black History Month events happening around Orlando this February.

City of Orlando’s Black History Month Community Celebration
Tuesday, Feb. 10
This free event will honor the achievements of influential Black figures past and present at the Plaza Live. It’ll wrap up with a reception complete with food, entertainment and performances by City Beautiful Voices, the City of Orlando’s employee choir.

Timucua Amplifies Black Voices Jazz Series: K.I.M.
7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13
Chicago-based bassist Jeremiah Hunt leads K.I.M. (Keeping It Moving) in a genre-blending jazz performance at Timucua Arts Foundation. The concert incorporates elements of funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop. Tickets range from $15 to $30 in person, with a $10 livestream option.

Voices of Freedom: An Evening of Spoken Word
8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13
The Dr. Phillips Center hosts spoken word poets from across the country for a night celebrating Black History Month through performance poetry. The program features former Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome alongside local and national artists. The event is free.

Sensory Sunday: Celebrating Black Storytellers
Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15
This sensory-friendly program celebrates Black animators and storytellers with hands-on activities, including stop-motion animation and creative play. The event features reduced sound levels, quiet spaces and trained staff support. Included with Orange County Regional History Center admission.

US: A Black Tie Affair & Art Exhibit
6 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22
The Joel De Souza Group hosts a formal evening celebrating visual art and creativity at Debonair Supper Club in downtown Orlando. Guests are encouraged to wear black-tie attire while enjoying artwork, music and community connection. This is a ticketed event.

Sanford Jazz Ensemble: Salute to Black History Month
3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22
The Sanford Jazz Ensemble returns to the Ritz Theater for its annual Black History Month concert honoring the contributions of Black musicians. The performance features a mix of classic and contemporary jazz selections. Tickets are $27.50.

Hannibal Square Heritage Center
Open Tuesday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Heritage Center showcases the history of Winter Park’s historic African American community through photographs, oral histories and rotating exhibitions. Admission is free.

City of Orlando’s Black History Month Art Exhibition
Through March 31
Opening reception kicks off at Orlando City Hall’s Terrace Gallery at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3. The exhibition features the work of 28 local visual artists, highlighting how a century of observance has shaped education, cultural institutions and community storytelling.

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