Our Family Guide To Celebrating 50 Years Of Black History Month In Tampa Bay

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Black History Month, a celebration of the often-unsung contributions of Black Americans throughout American history. Black History Month began as Black History Week, founded by historian and journalist Carter G. Woodson. Then, in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded it to a whole month during America’s bicentennial celebration.

In Tampa Bay, there are several ways to celebrate Black History Month. Around town, you can find everything from historical exhibits to delicious food to cultural events to celebrate with the whole family. Here are the Black History Month activities in the Tampa Bay Area your family can explore to honor and celebrate the past.

 

Black History Events In The Tampa Bay Area by County

 

 

Hillsborough County

 

Tampa Soulwalk

Everyday

Turn your afternoon walk into a digital scavenger hunt using the Soulwalk app to find street art and historic markers all over town! It’s a tech-savvy way to get the kids excited about exploring Tampa’s heritage.

 

Black Classics Love Series

All Month- Not all movies are kid friendly

Snuggle up in the stunning (and air-conditioned!) Tampa Theatre for screenings that celebrate Black film and stories. Check the movie listings before going, as there are films for both families and adults.

 

 

38th Annual City of Tampa Black History Celebration

February 6, 2026 at 11 AM, Tampa Convention Center.

FREE Event

This event honors Black History Month with a special focus on military service, highlighting the contributions of veterans as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The free community event features a keynote address by Tampa Fire Chief and U.S. Navy veteran Barbara Tripp, with Deanne King of WFLA serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.

A Harlem Renaissance Tea Party

A truly one-of-a-kind event hosted at the Seminole Garden Center, this tea party is a delightful and educational way to celebrate Black History. The theme is the Harlem Renaissance, and your kids will learn about the authors, artists, and musicians who defined the intellectual era. Tea party attire is welcome but optional.

 

Fifth Annual Black History Month Reception

February 27 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Dress up a little and enjoy an evening of “soul food bites” and breathtaking African ballet performances at the museum. It’s a sophisticated but family-friendly way to mark the 50th anniversary of this special month.

 

 

Center for Manifestation Black History Month Celebration

Saturday, February 21, 5–9 PM – Tampa
An evening of unity and praise brings together church and community choirs for a powerful celebration of Black voices through music, worship, and fellowship.

 

 

Tampa’s Black History Museum

Friday, February 27, 5 PM – Tampa
Tampa’s Black History Museum hosts its annual reception featuring soul food tastings, live performances, and cultural entertainment. The evening includes dance, spoken word, music, and a guest address by Jai Hinson.

 

Harlem of the South: Tampa’s Cultural Renaissance

Saturday, February 28, 7–10 PM – Tampa
Hosted at the USF School of Music, this immersive performance honors Tampa’s historic Central Avenue district—once known as the “Harlem of the South.” Through live orchestra, storytelling, and music, the show connects Tampa’s cultural past with its present.

 

 

College Hill Black History Walking Tour

March 21, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Not scheduled until March this year, you can keep the history lessons going. Join a guided group for a walk through one of Tampa’s most historic neighborhoods and see the landmarks that have shaped our local culture. It’s an excellent way to teach the kids that history isn’t just in books. It’s right under our feet.

 

 

Run For Us 5K Walk for Health & Wellness

Grab the strollers and head to Al Lopez Park for this high-energy morning that proves staying healthy is a family affair! It’s a great way to show the kids that fitness and community go hand in hand.

 

UNCF Tampa Bay Black History Month 5K Walk for Education

More than just a fun run, UNCF’s 5K walk is an interactive history lesson where your little ones can follow a path of local legends while supporting student scholarships. Plus, the Kids Zone at Perry Harvey Park is always a total hit!

 

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Pinellas County

Civil Rights in the Sunshine City Exhibit

All Month – St. Pete
Throughout February, visitors can explore a compelling Civil Rights photography exhibit at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The collection highlights rarely seen images that tell the story of St. Pete’s local fight for justice, equality, and social change during the Civil Rights Movement.

 

 

Let’s Get Lit: Poetry Sit-In

Friday, February 5, 6:30–7:30 PM – St. Pete

The President Barack Obama Main Library’s monthly poetry series turns its focus to Black History Month, spotlighting revolutionary Black poets. Community members are encouraged to share original poetry during this free, open-mic-style event.

 

 

 

 

Black History Trivia Night

Feb 9 from 6pm to 8pm EST

Enoch D Davis Cente, 1111 18th Avenue South, #Suite B, Room #7 St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Brush up on your facts and bring the older kids for a night of friendly competition where learning about the past feels like a total win! It’s free, fun, and a great way to spark some deep dinner-table conversations.

 

“I ❤️ Greens” 5K Fitness Extravaganza

A popular event at the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival, this fun run is the perfect way to run off all the festival food. Ideal for every age level, your kids can also get those wiggles out before enjoying the festival vibes.

 

Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival

The 2026 Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival returns on Saturday, February 14, 2026, during Presidents’ Day Weekend and Black History Month. Now in its ninth year, this free, family-friendly festival welcomes more than 18,000 attendees for a powerful celebration of Black culture, history, health equity, and community empowerment.

Families can expect a lively atmosphere filled with culture, connection, and community pride—making it a meaningful and fun way to spend the holiday weekend.

📅 Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
🎟 Admission: Free
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good for: All ages

👉 Register here to stay updated and get event details.

 

The Pinellas County African American History Museum

Housed in a historic school building in Clearwater, this museum offers a cozy and personal look at local pioneers who paved the way. It’s a wonderful, quiet spot to really focus on the stories of resilience and community.

 

St. Petersburg Black History Bike Tours

Scheduled dates for 2026 are February 14, March 21 & April 18

If you have bigs or teens who love to ride, this guided tour is a fantastic way to see the city’s historic murals and landmarks through a new lens. It’s exercise and a history lesson rolled into one breezy Saturday morning!

 

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Pasco County

2026 Black Heritage Festival – Pasco County

 February 21, 11 AM–3 PM at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Come celebrate Black history and culture with a community-focused afternoon of music, education, and family fun. Hosted by the Nature Coast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, the event features live performances, African rhythms, stepping, a DJ, hands-on educational activities, HBCU pride, and bounce houses for kids. Proceeds from T-shirt sales benefit the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and support local community initiatives.

 

 

As Tampa Bay marks 50 years of Black History Month, this milestone year offers families a meaningful opportunity to celebrate, learn, and reflect together. From hands-on festivals and museum exhibits to music, poetry, wellness events, and walking tours, these experiences help bring history to life in ways kids can truly connect with. Whether you attend one event or make it a month-long journey, each moment spent learning about Black history strengthens our understanding of the past and inspires the next generation to lead with empathy, curiosity, and pride.

Find more events on our website.