Celebrate the last full week of Black History Month with these events celebrating Black art, culture, and history.
From a vinyl record party to a historic guided walking tour, check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend.
To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Sharon Robinson: “Myth and Mystery” Public Artist Reception
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Free
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd, Hyattsville, MD, 20784
Join Prince George’s Publick Playhouse for an opening reception of “Myth and Mystery” with artist Sharon Robinson.
Trained as a city planner and working in the transit and urban design field for over 20 years, Sharon Robinson has been a full-time artist, muralist and teacher since 2000. Her artworks are intricate and richly textured collages and mixed media pieces that explore identity and nourish the humanistic spirit.
Robinson is drawn to themes addressing cultural integration, how people define themselves in relation to others, and biases that cause misunderstanding. She often uses cultural motifs, symbols, text and related representations of ethnic, religious and racial identity.
6:15 p.m. | Free
IA&A at Hillyer, 9 Hillyer Court NW, Washington, D.C., 20008
Join Hillyer for their monthly “Third Thursday” program, featuring solo artist Paula Mans in conversation with Dr. Lauren Davidson, an independent curator and founder of Museum Nectar Art Consultancy.
Mans will talk about her exhibition Cotton Flower, which uses portraiture to center Black women in historical discourse surrounding enslaved resistance.
Friday, Feb. 21
Walking in the Steps of the Bookman
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Free
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, 1318 Vermont Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C., 20005
A free walking tour from the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS to the Carter G. Woodson Home NHS is offered every Friday in February.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson was affectionately known as “The Bookman” by residents in the Shaw neighborhood, and this walking tour (approx. 45 minutes) retraces routes and places frequented by Dr. Woodson and represents landmarks in Black History.
The tour will be canceled in the event of inclement weather such as a thunderstorm, snow, or extreme cold.
Black History Month Literary Weekend: Meet the Authors
4 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. | Free
Barnes & Noble, 15455 Emerald Way, Bowie, MD, 20716
Black History Month Literary Weekend is a special opportunity to get to know and learn from up-and-coming authors.
Join Barnes and Noble in the Bowie Town Center for an exciting Chat and Sign with all 12 of the weekend’s featured authors, along with special guests USA Today best-selling author Naleighna Kai and Dr. Regina Jennings, member of the Black Panther Party.
Saturday, Feb. 22
2nd Annual Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival
10 a.m. – Noon | Free
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
The Minority Scholars Program (MSP) is hosting the inaugural Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival, featuring documentaries created and produced by Montgomery County Public School students to push for positive change within schools and communities.
1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free
Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, D.C., 20020
Black History Month is a time to reflect on the past while dreaming of the future, and focusing on the spiritual compass is key.
How can people empower themselves to blossom in an often-unforgiving world? What does mental health, literacy, and spiritual wellness look and feel like?
“Afro House: Spirit Fest” offers guests an opportunity to consider these questions, while also engaging with local artists.
The festival includes live performances from local creatives, a creative marketplace, and so much more.
Humans of Chocolate City’s 1st Year Anniversary Vinyl Party
8 p.m.- 10:30 p.m. | $15
HR Records, 702 Kennedy St NW, Washington, D.C., 20011
Join HR Records to celebrate Humans of Chocolate City’s first anniversary with a night dedicated to music, culture and community!
Dig through crates, swap gems, and connect with fellow vinyl lovers at this buy/sell/trade experience, all while honoring the rich legacy of Black music traditions during Black History Month.
Whether attendees are seasoned collectors or just love a good groove, this is a chance to discover rare finds, make new connections, and support a local black business.
Proceeds from this event will go toward supporting HR Records, keeping vinyl culture alive and thriving.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Black History Month Dance Celebration
1 p.m. | Free
Maryland Youth Ballet, 926 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Join Maryland Youth Ballet for their sixth annual Black History Month dance celebration with free virtual and in-person events.
The day will include a panel discussion about current perspectives on meritocracy, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and classical dance.
Stay after the panel discussion for a screening of the film Black Ballerina, which tells the story of several Black women who fell in love with ballet, some of whom were pioneers who were instrumental in paving the way for those who grace the stages of the world today.
IN THE BLACK PRESENTS RENAISSANCE [A MUSICAL TIME CAPSULE]
2 p.m.- 5 p.m. | $35+
Silver Spring Black Box, 8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD, 20910
Step into history and experience the untold story of Philip Payton Jr., the founder of the Afro-American Realty Company and the visionary who paved the way for Harlem to become a beacon of Black culture and creativity.
The Renaissance brings Payton’s incredible legacy to life as he journeys through time with a modern-day traveler, exploring the past, present, and future through immersive musical capsules that transports audiences from the 1920s to 2025.
This isn’t just a performance—it’s a movement. With storytelling, digital art, live music, and thought-provoking discussions, the show celebrates Black Excellence while uncovering the pain, perseverance, and triumph that have shaped the story of Black people.