Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our society, reflect on the past, and honor the continued fight for equality. The Twin Cities has an array of events in 2025 to honor the Black community’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s a list of events happening across the cities:
Flooding the River: Book Launch & Signing
Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Black Garnet Books
Description:
Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with the launch of Flooding The River with the author and get your copy signed!
The Art of Remembering: Black Lives in Painting
Date: February 2, 2025
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description:
This special program, part of the Black Europe Film Festival, pairs two films that explore the representation of Black individuals in European art and culture. Looking at artwork featuring Black characters, Vanus Labor and We Were Here urge us to take notice of a longer history of Black presence in Europe. Directors Salad Hilowle and Fred Kuwornu will be in conversation following the screening.
The Black Market | Eat. Shop. Vibe. Connect.
Date: February 8, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Lab
Description:
The Black Market is a marketplace where people may sell and purchase goods, learn about services, connect with the community, enjoy live entertainment, and taste a multitude of foods from around the cities. Our mission is to assist in increasing the visibility of black-owned businesses in MN. We provide a vibrant, unique space for the community to gather, eat, shop, and connect. From shopping to family fun, The Black Market has it all!
Meet at Mia: Power to the People
Date: February 20, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Description:
This Black History Month, experience the vibrancy of the Black community in the Twin Cities and beyond. Multi-hyphenate Kprecia Ambers shows that art is accessible to all through the art of tracing. Explore the Black Power movement of the 1960s and ’70s through film, then take a tour of African American art in Mia’s collection.
DRUMLine Live
Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
Description:
DRUMLine Live, following the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band tradition, has riveting rhythms, bold beats, and ear-grabbing energy and has been featured in programs with superstars Beyoncé and Shaq. You don’t want to miss this musical roller coaster full of hip-hop, pop, American soul, gospel, jazz, and more with choreographed routines and heavy doses of drum riffs, cadences, and tributes to some of the greatest artists of our time (including Minnesota’s very own Prince!).
Black History Month Celebration 2025: Radical Joy and Self-Care in the Black Community
Date: February 6, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: Saint Paul Campus (Hybrid—portion virtual)
Description:
Dr. Myriam Roby joined Hennepin HealthCare as their health equity clinical outcomes director. Dr. Roby has more than 20 years of experience and is an alumna of Metro State University, Georgetown University, St. Catherine University, and received a Reducing Racial Disparities in Healthcare certificate from Harvard University.
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn about aspects of health equity metrics relevant to the Black community.
- Student panelists will share methods to help advance radical joy and self-care in their lives.
Registration in advance is highly recommended.
Black History Month: Black To The Future! Kid’s Black History Exploration
Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
Location: 825 Arts
Description:
Do you ever wonder who invented the fire extinguisher? How about the Super Soaker? Learn about all these inventions and more, at 825 Arts!
Celebrate Black History & Culture 2025
Location: 550 Vandalia St #220, Saint Paul, MN 55114
Description:
Financial Literacy (Feb. 1, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Taught within a cultural/historical framework, this course teaches skills and strategies to promote long-term financial well-being.
Cultural Artificial Intelligence (Feb. 1, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Intro to artificial intelligence through a cultural lens.
Innovative Breathing (Feb. 2, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Breath work to heal the mind and body led by Black Youth Healing Arts Center.
What’s In Your Brand Toolkit? (Feb. 15, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Branding and marketing for small businesses, includes an intro to podcasting.
Black History Celebration
Date: February 8, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Xcel Energy Center, 199 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN
Price: $109.00 to $207.00
Description:
Join the Minnesota Wild in celebrating Black History Month. The ticket pack includes an exclusive wearable item designed with KNOCK, Inc, your game ticket to watch the Wild take on the Islanders, and a donation to Be the Change Minnesota.
The Sound of Gospel©: Celebrating Black History Month
When: February 8, 2025 (7 pm – 9 pm) & February 9, 2025
Where: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Admission: $22.50 – $62.50 plus fees and taxes
Overview: This musical journey explores the rich history of gospel music. From hymns to contemporary gospel, the performance takes audiences through Negro spirituals, work songs, and more. Produced by William Pierce, the event is directed by Jevetta Steele with musical direction by Billy Steele. It’s a unique experience showcasing the deep roots of gospel in African American history.
Museums and Exhibits
UNBREAKABLE: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota
Where: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum & Gallery, 1256 N Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Ongoing: Explore Minnesota’s African American history, from early pioneers to modern-day resilience. This exhibit tells the story of Black people’s contributions to the state’s development and highlights their strength in overcoming adversity.
RACE: Are We So Different?
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55102
Ongoing: This permanent exhibit examines the history and science of race and its implications on society. Learn how race shapes our lives, and challenge preconceived notions with interactive experiences. Included with Science Museum admission ($24.95+).
Seeking for the Lost
Where: Edith Carlson Gallery, Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Ongoing through February 16, 2025: This exhibit focuses on The Appeal, a Black-owned newspaper from the late 1800s in Saint Paul, highlighting its pivotal role in the community during the post-Reconstruction era.
Living Black Museum
When: February 8, 2025 (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm)
Where: Macalester College, Leonard Center, 125 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN 55105
Details: Experience African American history-makers come to life in this immersive event. Costumed actors will present speeches and tell the stories of influential Black figures throughout history.
Family Day at Mia – Inspiration Everywhere
When: February 9, 2025
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Details: Enjoy a family-friendly celebration of Black History Month with storytelling, dance performances, art projects, and a special gallery hunt. It’s a fun day for all ages to connect with art and history.
Theater and Music
Black History Month: Speakeasy
When: February 7, 2025
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Details: Step back in time to the roaring 1920s to celebrate the creativity of the Black community. This event features jazz, art, and activism, capturing the energy of the Harlem Renaissance.
Diamond Dreams: The Toni Stone Legacy
When: February 14 – March 2, 2025
Where: The Conn Theatre, 900 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Details: Discover the remarkable story of Toni Stone, the first woman to play in the Negro Baseball League, in this thought-provoking theatrical performance.
The Origins of Rap & Hip-Hop
When: February 19, 2025 (6 pm – 7:30 pm)
Where: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Details: Celebrate the origins of rap and hip-hop through videos and discussions. This free event will explore how these influential genres reshaped culture and music worldwide.
Groovin’ Through History: A Black History Month DJ Dance
When: February 21, 2025 (6 pm – 8 pm)
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Details: Dance the night away to music from legendary Black artists across various genres, from classic soul to contemporary hits. Celebrate Black music history on the dance floor!
Youthline Black History Hoop and Jams
When: February 26, 2025 (6 pm – 8 pm)
Where: Phillips Park, 2323 11th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Details: A youth-focused event inviting teens to enjoy live performances and DJ sets, celebrating Black History Month in a fun and energetic environment.
Family Movie Night
Black History Month Film Festival
When: Every Tuesday in February 2025
Where: Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Movies:
- February 4: A Ballerina’s Tale (G)
- February 11: Marshall (PG-13)
- February 18: RESPECT (PG-13)
- February 25: The Banker (PG-13)
Henry Box Brown Movie
When: February 6, 2025 (4 pm – 6 pm)
Where: Peavey Park, 730 22nd Street East, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Details: A screening for kids ages 5-17, telling the incredible true story of Henry Box Brown, a man who escaped slavery by mailing himself to freedom.
Hidden Figures Movie Night
When: February 13, 2025 (6 pm – 8 pm)
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Details: Watch Hidden Figures and join in a post-film discussion about the untold story of the Black women mathematicians who played key roles at NASA.
Black History Month Teen Movie Night
When: February 17, 2025 (6 pm – 8 pm)
Where: Phillips Park, 2323 11th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Details: Teens will choose and discuss a Black History Month-themed movie in a laid-back setting.
Kid-Friendly Activities
Black History Month Kahoot
When: Mondays in February (4 pm – 5 pm)
Where: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Details: Teens and tweens can test their Black history knowledge through an interactive Kahoot quiz, with prizes and candy for the winners.
Test Your Black History Month Knowledge
When: Fridays in February (9 am – 4 pm)
Where: Keewaydin Park, 3030 E 53rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55417 & Morris Park, 5531 39th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Details: Drop by to compete in a quiz about Black history, with opportunities to win prizes.
Youthline Black History Chill and Design
When: February 5, 2025
Where: Phillips Park, 2323 11th Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Details: Kids will participate in creative activities led by designer Monk, from Madebymonk, to design their own art inspired by Black history.
Design Art on Canvas – Black History Theme
When: February 19, 2025 (6 pm – 7 pm)
Where: Waite Park, 1810 34th Ave Northeast, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Details: Kids ages 5-14 are invited to paint a canvas with a Black history theme. Registration is required.
Celebrate Black History Month at Windom South Park
When: February 19, 2025 (6:30 pm – 7:30 pm)
Where: Windom South Park, 5843 Wentworth Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55419
Details: Children ages 5-12 can take part in arts, crafts, cookie-making, and more activities celebrating Black culture.
Black History Month Celebrations & Awards
Black History Month Malcolm X Award Ceremony
When: February 21, 2025
Where: Central Gym Park, 3416 S Fourth Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408
Details: Celebrate the achievements of local community members with food and refreshments. The ceremony honors individuals who embody the spirit of Malcolm X’s advocacy for justice and equality.
Black History Month Showcase
When: February 21, 2025 (Time TBD)
Where: Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Details: Explore the impact of Black labor on Brooklyn Park and enjoy food from local vendors, celebrating the contributions of the Black community.
Black History Month: Open Book & Open Mic Celebration
When: February 28, 2025 (Time TBD)
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Details: Celebrate Black culture and history through poetry, music, and spoken word performances. Local artists and community members will share their talents.
These are just some of the exciting events celebrating Black History Month in the Twin Cities in 2025. Each event provides a chance to engage with the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Black community. Whether you’re interested in history, music, art, or family activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure to mark your calendars and join the celebration!
