February is here, and it’s jam-packed with meaningful, creative, and joyful ways to celebrate Black history, culture, and excellence.
From film and music to comedy and wine tasting, here are some standout Black History Month events to add to your calendar.
Hymns to Freedom
- Date: Feb. 1
- Location: Humber Valley United Church (76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke)
The City of Toronto has a lineup of numerous Black History Month events, kicking off February on a powerful note, with Hymns to Freedom, an afternoon centred on hope, unity, and reflection. Held at the Humber Valley United Church, this multi-media ‘docu-concert’ orchestrated by Corey Butler also features legendary blues singer and actress Jackie Richardson. Tickets are available online and range between $10 and $20.
KUUMBA
- Date: Feb. 1–28
- Location: Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay W.)
Running all month long, the city’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival KUUMBA returns to celebrate Black creativity, music, visual arts and culture. Offering tons of free, ticketed, and pay-what-you-can options, there’s something for all Torontonians to tap into this February.
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Toronto Black Film Festival
- Date: Feb. 11–16
- Location: Various venues
Now in its 14th year, the Toronto Black Film Festival continues to be a cornerstone of Black cultural storytelling in the city. This Black History Month, it will feature a full six days of 60 feature-length, documentary and short films centring Blackness, opening on Feb. 11 with Congolese film Of Mud and Blood. Information on ticketing can be found on the festival’s website.
Underground Comedy Railroad
- Date: Feb. 15
- Location: Comedy Bar Danforth (2800 Danforth Ave.)
This all-Black comedy tour lands in Toronto this February for its 14th year! The Underground Comedy Railroad shines a spotlight on top Black comedic talent across the country, and guests can look forward to an evening of hilarious wittiness, bold storytelling, and unapologetic humour. Tickets are available at the event’s website.
Celebration of Black Classical Composers
- Date: Feb. 20
- Location: Annette Studios (566 Annette St.)
The Untitled Ensemble returns with the second annual Celebration of Black Classical Music this February. Dive into an evening of exquisite music that also highlights marginalized historic and contemporary voices. The show also features a talk by acclaimed author and academic Dr. Cheryl Thompson. Tickets range from $20 to $35, and are available at the festival’s website.
BLACK GRAPES
- Date: Feb. 27
- Location: Waterworks Food Hall (50 Brant St.)
Close out the month with a wine tasting at BLACK GRAPES, an exciting evening celebrating Black winemakers, grape growers, and agents from around the world. Sample wines from the United States, South Africa, and more, all curated by sommelier Beverly Crandon. Tickets are on sale now for $42 at the event’s website.
