February is Black History Month, which means it’s the perfect time to bring the family out for a learning experience at one of the cool Black History Month events that are put on by one of metro Detroit’s numerous kid-friendly attractions.
Here, you will find a listing of tons of story telling events, musical and dance performances, interactive workshops and hands-on activities, great for anyone who wants to explore black history and culture, or gain awareness of the past.
Discover what family-friendly Black History Month events the metro Detroit and Ann Arbor areas have to offer, and which one, or ones, will work for you and your family.
Celebrate Black History at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn
Feb. 1-3, 6-10, 13-17 and 20-24, 2019
- Address: Henry Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Phone: 313-982-6001
- Times: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free admission with museum ticket: $24/general, $22/seniors, $18/ages 5-11, $6/parking
Each week, this local spot teaches about different aspects of African-American history in the form of hands-on activities, performances, music, African-American inspired food and more.
Black History Month at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Feb. 1-28, 2019
- Address: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-7900
- Times: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (closed Mondays)
- Cost: Free/Macomb, Oakland and Wayne county residents; others: $14/adults, $9/seniors, $8/college students with ID, $6/ages 6-17, free/kids 5 and under
The DIA’s renowned African art collection is yours to explore during all open hours; plus tons of family-friendly drop-in workshops, artist discussions and short film screenings to enjoy. Don’t forget to swing by this month on select days for Chinese New Year and Valentine’s celebrations, too.
Black History Month at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit
Feb. 1-28, 2019
- Address: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit
- Phone: 313-494-5800
- Times: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $5-$8/person, free/kids 3 and under
This educational hub offers special extended hours in February; plus live presentations, guest speakers, family activities and much more, which are all focused on African and African American history and culture.
Black History Month Celebration with the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit
Feb. 1-28, 2019 (Select dates)
- Address: 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit,
- Phone: 313-471-7000
- Times: Call for details
- Cost: Call for details
During select Piston games, fans will enjoy performances of the National Anthem by local African American choirs.
Sphinx Finals Competition at Orchestra Hall in Detroit
Feb. 2, 2019
- Address: Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-576-5130
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: $15/general
Experience this annual celebration of musical diversity, which features performances by very talented black and Latinx string players.
Black History Month Display at the Macomb Community College South Campus in Clinton Township
Feb. 4-28, 2019
- Address: Macomb Community College South Campus, Building P (44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township) and Building K (14500 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren)
- Phone: 586-445-7999
- Time: Call for details
- Cost: Call for details
Student Life & Leadership celebrates Black History Month and explores African and African American culture with a display of art and artifacts.
National African American Read-In Book Discussions at the Farmington Community Library
Feb. 6, 2019
- Address: Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St.
- Phone: 248-553-0300
- Times: 7 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Adults can pick up copies of Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward at the Downtown Branch and then join in on this discussion. Registration is requested.
Proudly We Served at Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Feb. 9-10, 2019
- Address: Dossin Great Lakes Museum, 100 Strand Drive, Belle Isle, Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-1805
- Time: 2-3 p.m.
- Cost: Free
The USS Mason was the only U.S. Navy Warship during WWII that had a crew made up entirely of African-Americans. This film explores the way their historical journey fought both segregation and U.S. enemies.
Bike Show & Bike Races at the Lexus Velodrome in Detroit
Feb. 15-17, 2019
- Address: Lexus Velodrome, 601 Mack Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-265-6725
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday-Sunday
- Cost: Free/admission, $10-$15/bike races
In celebration of Black History Month, the Velodrome throwing a free community bike show on the Tolan Playfield.
Celebrate Black History – DIY Crafts at the Detroit Public Library Chase Branch
Feb. 16 and 23, 2019
- Address: Detroit Public Library Chase Branch, 17731 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit
- Phone: 313-481-1580
- Time: 2-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Kids and grown-ups celebrate black history by making African-inspired earrings on Feb. 16 or painting a piece of African artwork on Feb. 23.
Miz Rosie the Storyteller at Romulus Public Library
Feb. 19, 2019
- Address: Romulus Public Library, 11121 Wayne Rd, Romulus
- Phone: 734-942-7589
- Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Kids join local storyteller, Miz Rosie, for interactive tales of black history.
Under the African Sky by Wild Swan Theater
Feb. 21-23, 2019
- Address: Towsley Auditorium, Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
- Phone: 734-995-0530
- Time: 10 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday
- Cost: $10-$15
Experience a collection of African tales in a ton of different artistic mediums like story telling, acting, dancing and drumming. Colorful costumes, masks, traditional African music and tons of chances for audience participation add even more excitement to the performance. Note: Get your tickets ASAP – tickets sell out fast.
African-American History Day at Detroit Historical Museum
Feb. 23, 2019
- Address: Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Phone: 313-833-1805
- Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Cost: Free
This annual family-friendly event features make-and-take crafts, story readings, games, and live performances, all in celebration of Black History Month. This year’s event will focus on neighborhood sports in Detroit and will feature guest lectures by groups that play lacrosse, golf, hockey and other games.
Detroit Book City African-American Family Book Expo at the Northwest Activities Center in Detroit
Feb. 24, 2019
- Address: Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road, Detroit
- Phone: 248-993-3844
- Time: Noon-5 p.m.
- Cost: Free/admission, fee apply for items on sale
This third annual expo is the largest independent black book fair in the state and features book discussions, kids’ activities, meet-and-greets with black authors and more. Registration required.
Photo courtesy of Wild Swan Theater
This post is updated regularly.
