Your guide to Black History Month 2025 events and celebrations in metro Atlanta

Black History Month is upon us, and there’s no better place to observe it than Atlanta, which is steeped in civil rights history and current happenings. From art to expos to tours of the city, there are so many ways to observe this important part of American history. Here are our recommendations.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park

Celebrate Black history in the ultimate way this February with a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park. The visitor center gives a brief orientation and a look at the “Children of Courage” and the “Courage to Lead” exhibits. Catch more special exhibits in the D.R.E.A.M. Gallery. Adjacent sites welcoming visitors include historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, Freedom Hall and Fire Station No. 6.

Location: Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park; Website: nps.gov; Date: year-round; Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; Admission: Free

New Black Wall Street Market

Modeled on Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this family-friendly tour, shopping and dining venue was designed to increase the number of women- and minority-owned businesses. Located in Stonecrest, Georgia, it’s worth a trip OTP to see all the offerings!

Location: Stonecrest, Georgia; Website: newblackwallstreetmarket.com; Times: Wednesdays-Saturdays - 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission: Free

Black history bus tour

It’s the perfect time to take a Black history tour of Atlanta! This particular bus tour includes seven historically Black colleges, Madam C.J. Walker’s salon, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sweet Auburn Avenue and more. Material ranges from the pre-Civil War era to today.

Location: Paschal’s Restaurant (tour beginning); Website: atlblackhistorytour.com; Date: Dates vary - check website; Time: Times vary - check website; Admission: $65

Sankofa’s Reflection

This show celebrates Black History Month and features the colorful Sankofa bird, which represents the finding of self-esteem through the eyes of ancestors. Participating artists will present works in the form of ceramics, realist drawings, quilts, modern oils and more.

Location: Cultural Arts Center of Douglasville; Website: artsdouglas.org; Dates: Jan. 8-Feb. 20; Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free

Black History Month at Chattahoochee Hills

This showcase will feature 10-plus artists working in visual mediums like painting, sculpture and photography. The theme pays homage to Black artists’ contributions to culture, history and the future of art. The opening reception is on Jan. 31, the artist talk is on Feb. 15 and the closing reception is on Feb. 28.

Location: Chattahoochee Hills Town Hall; Website: chatthillsga.us; Dates: Jan. 31-Feb. 28; Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Admission: Free

CMOA Black History Month

Black leaders and innovators will get the spotlight at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta during Black History Month. The art studio, science bar, CMA stage and Jane’s Innovation Station will host presentations like interactive storytimes, experiments and hands-on activities.

Location: Children’s Museum of Atlanta; Website: childrensmuseumatlanta.org; Date: Feb. 1-29; Time: Admission: $4.44-$15.95

Music of the African Diaspora

The Atlanta Music Project presents Music of the African Diaspora on Sunday, Feb. 2. This performance will feature music composed and written by artists of African-American and Black descent.

Location: Southwest Atlanta; Website: atlantamusicproject.org; Date: Feb. 2; Time: 4:30-6:30 p.m.; Admission: Free

Oakland We Shall Overcome tours

Oakland Cemetery is offering this tour for free for the month of February. This hour-long tour highlights the accomplishments of Black Atlantans who overcame discrimination and slavery to aid in the shaping of the city’s history. Although the tour is free, reservations are recommended as space is limited.

Location: Oakland Cemetery; Website: oaklandcemetery.com; Date: Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23; Time: 11 a.m.; Admission: Free

‘Nancy Jackson’s Dilemma: A Black History Month Drama’

This interpretation of the story of Nancy Jackson, born enslaved in Georgia, will include not only the performance but a discussion afterward. This is a free event at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church.

Location: Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Feb. 9; Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; Admission: Free

‘Let Us March On’ concert

The Georgia State University School of Music students will honor Black musicians and their impact on the art form with this concert on Feb. 11. Resilience and artistry will be the focus during this special performance.

Location: Florence Kopleff Recital Hall; Website: facebook.com; Date: Feb. 11; Time: 11 a.m.; Admission: Free

Black History Month Harvest

This is your chance to be a part of history! Bring your historic images by the DeKalb History Center to be included in a book to be published soon as part of the Images of America series. The Arabia Alliance is looking for images of life and work that depict Black history from areas like Conyers, Arabia, Stone Mountain, Flat Rock and more. Contributors’ materials will be scanned.

Location: DeKalb History Center; Website: dekalbhistory.org; Date: Feb. 11; Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free

Black History, Art, Culture and Education Community Celebration

Youth artists’ talent will be on display at the Lawrenceville Arts Center during the Black History, Art, Culture and Education Community Celebration. The event will demonstrate, through performance, the history and contributions of the Black community through art, culture and heritage. Enjoy a vendor fair and the art galleries beginning at 3 p.m.

Location: Lawrenceville Arts Center; Website: lvilleartscenter.com; Date: Feb. 16; Time: 4 p.m.; Admission: Free

‘John Lewis: Good Trouble’ screening

Join WABE’s Rose Scott for a screening of the documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble” at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. A lobby fair with activities presented by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights will take place preceding the film from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. A discussion will follow the film.

Location: Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University; Website: atlanta-downtown.ticketleap.com; Date: Feb. 21; Time: 7 p.m.; Admission: Free

‘Cradled in Culture’ screening

The Atlanta Doula Collective presents a look at Black contributions to doula care with “Cradled in Culture: Reclaiming the Legacy of Black Doula Care.” Enjoy dinner and a live band at the beginning of the event and a discussion featuring several cast members following the film.

Location: Spice and Sky; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Feb. 21; Time: 6-9 p.m.; Admission: Free-$40

Bowling and conversation

This fun day of bowling is open to Black men looking to connect over a few games and to discuss mental health. Show up for conversation bonding and friendly competition!

Location: Riverside EpiCenter; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Feb. 22; Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Admission: Free ($30 donation option)

Atlanta Black Expo

Experience more than 100 exhibitors and 20 speakers over two days showcasing Black-owned businesses at the Georgia World Congress Center. Meet business owners spanning a wide range of industries. Enjoy speed networking, a kids’ business expo, workshops and speakers, a food court and more!

Location: Georgia World Congress Center; Website: atlblackexpo.com; Date: Feb. 22-23; Time: Saturday - 6-10 p.m., Sunday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: $15-$95

Book giveaway

Michael and Matthew Carson, a father-and-son writing duo, will present their latest work, “Unsung African American History Makers: Unknown Hidden Figures and Their Stories,” featuring contributors to the fields of law, science, technology, civil rights, medicine and more. Attendees will take home a free copy of the book!

Location: National Center for Civil and Human Rights; Website: civilandhumanrights.org; Date: Feb. 24; Time: noon to 4 p.m.; Admission: $15.99-$64

Black History Month at Gwinnett Public Library

Explore a variety of stations at the Snellville Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library as you celebrate Black History Month. Art, words and culture will be the focus of these stations, which will highlight Black contributions to society.

Location: Gwinnett Public Library - Snellville branch; Website: gwinnettpl.libnet.info; Date: Feb. 25; Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.; Admission: Free

Black History festival

This initiative commemorates a relationship between the private sector, governments, civil society and industry alongside the people of Africa, the African Diaspora and the Americas. This year’s theme, “Bridging Continents, Celebrating Legacies, and Promoting Trade,” reflects that aim with a combination event that includes a conference, exhibitions and a gala.

Location: Georgia International Convention College Park City; Website: eventbrite.com; Date: Feb. 27-March 1; Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free-$350

Bookmark giveaway

Visit the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library and take home a Black History Month keepsake each week during the month of February. The library will give away a different bookmark each week designed with inspiration in mind.

Location: Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library; Website: events.dekalblibrary.org; Date: month of February; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free