Black History Month Events to Check Out in Calgary

February is Black History Month, and several Calgary organizations and businesses are hosting events to celebrate Black culture, showcase local talent and examine both Black histories and futures. Here’s a look at some of the talks, performances and events Calgarians can check out this month.

Calgary Public Library Black History Month Events

When: Multiple dates

Visit a Calgary Public Library location for a wide range of Black History Month events in February. Don’t miss the storytime and music event with filmmaker, author and playwright Cheryl Foggo and musician Miranda Martini on February 9, a talk with Bertrand Bickersteth about his research on the history of Black cowboys on February 9, a documentary screening about trans, R&B singer Jackie Shane on February 24 and more.

Multiple Calgary Public Library locations, calgarylibrary.ca

Black Ballerina

When: February 6 to 9

Dance artist Syreeta Hector explores her relationship with classical ballet, identity and race in her production Black Ballerina, part of Springboard Performance’s latest season. Catch one of the four performances taking place at cSpace Marda Loop, Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton and Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge. Hector is also offering contemporary dance workshops in Calgary this month.

Multiple locations, springboardperformance.com

Annual Black History Month Dinner

When: February 7

This fundraising event by the Calgary Black Chambers and Heritage Park features a keynote address from Dr. Malinda S. Smith, a three-course dinner, prizes and more. The night supports the Calgary Black Chambers Scholarship Fund.

Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Dr. S.W., calgaryblackchambers.ca

If You Believe in Love: A Black History Month Celebration

When: February 8

Learn more about the Black music community in Calgary and see performances ranging from music and dance to spoken word at this Studio Bell/National Music Centre event. Former MuchMusic VJ Master T has curated an exciting array of performances, giving guests the chance to hear R&B artist LATISHA, the Diversity Performing Arts Club of Calgary, steel pan-player Kai Nicholas, spoken word poet Adetola “aloT of Poetry” Adedipe and more. There will also be on-stage interviews with Black-led community organizations at the event.

Studio Bell, 850 4 St. S.E., studiobell.ca

Black History Month Documentary Review of Deeply Rooted

When: February 12

Catch a screening of the documentary Deeply Rooted at SAIT this month. In the movie, filmmaker Cazhhmere explores being questioned about where she’s from despite being a seventh-generation Black Canadian. The event will also feature a discussion with hosts Hugh Baker and Efua Ukuwelah. It’s free to attend.

AA128, Heritage Hall, SAIT Main Campus, sait.ca

The Black Pride Experience: Black Power Queer Magic

When: February 13

Black Pride YYC and The Cabaret Company are hosting a Black History Month celebration that brings together film, music, burlesque, drag and more. The night includes a screening of the 2020 film Lovers Rock, a panel discussion with Deva Dave, Tyson Bankert and Cheryl Foggo, and a wide range of performances. Tickets are $10.

Contemporary Calgary, 701 11 St. S.W., contemporarycalgary.com

Tour Caribbean Tasting Event

When: February 14, 15, 21 and 22

Chow down on delicious Caribbean fare prepared by Jane Bond BBQ and Simply Caribbean at this dining event. Along with different tapas and cocktail courses highlighting the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica, there will be an island-style buffet with dishes like jerk chicken, stewed oxtail, ackee and saltfish, dumplings and more. The event will also feature a live steelpan drum performance.

230 11 Ave. S.E., eventbrite.com

Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture 2025

When: February 21 and 22

Celebrating Afro-Canadian and Caribbean cultures and traditions, this year’s Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture features a Calgary Food War and local artist performances on February 21, followed by a day of performances and presentations on February 22. The lineup includes Rotimi, Bolanle Ninalowo, Wakefield Brewster, Chantal Chagnon and more.

Main festival at The Genesis Centre, 10, 7555 Falconridge Blvd. N.E.; Calgary Food War at Carya Village Commons, 610 8 Ave. S.E., ethnikfestivals.com

A Black History Month Celebration: Black Resistance

When: February 22

This event hosted by WTAL Canada “will highlight the voices of women who embody resistance—women who have advanced racial, gender, and social equity, paved the way for deeper conversations, and inspired a quest for unity and empowerment.” Speakers and performers include Dr. Malinda S. Smith, Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa, Tracy Folorunsho-Barry, Nneka Bowen, Ziyana Kotadia, Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker and Perpetual Atife. The event also features a buffet, raffles and more.

Best Western Premier, 1316 33 St. N.E., eventbrite.ca

Black History Month Celebration: Black is Limitless

When: February 22

The Centre for Newcomers is hosting a Black History Month Celebration where attendees can expect local vendor displays, food, activities and cultural experiences throughout the afternoon. The event is free to attend.

Centre for Newcomers, 125, 565 36 St. N.E., eventbrite.ca

The post Black History Month Events to Check Out in Calgary appeared first on Avenue Calgary.