14 Black History Month events happening in Charlotte this February
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Archive is a coffee shop in west Charlotte that showcases Black culture in many ways within its wall art. music, books and merchandise. Its owner refers to it as a "culture shop". Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Honor Black History Month by participating in one of the many events happening around the city over the coming weeks.
Here's a list of cultural events, places to visit and things to do in the Charlotte area this month. You can also support any one of the growing number of local Black-owned businesses year-round.
Local leaders discuss how they shaped Black History in our area.
What to expect: The Charlotte Post has invited local Black leaders to discuss their historic achievements at their "Legends and Legacy" series this month at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library.
- "It's one thing to read about Black history or watch a documentary. It's another to actually share a space with people who made it happen," writes Post reporter Herbert L. White.
If you go: The discussions will be from 6-7pm at 2412 Beatties Ford Road.
- Feb. 13 — Mecklenburg County Commissioner and former school board member Arthur Griffin.
- Feb. 20 — Ken Koontz is one of the first Black newscasters and is most known for being the first Black reporter at WBTV, according to QCity Metro. He'll be joined by fellow WBTV alumni and Charlotte's first African American female news anchor, Beatrice Thompson.
- Feb. 27 — Dorothy "aunt Dot" Counts-Scoggins made national headlines nearly 70 years ago for her historic walk into the previously all-white Harding High School (now Irwin Academic Center) to enroll.
Explore African American art and culture at Harvey B. Gantt Center in Uptown.
What to expect: See the latest art exhibitions, or catch one of their many events this month that highlight the multifaceted nature of Black identity, from film screenings to open discussions.
If you go: Many events this month are free at 551 S Tryon St.
- General admission to view the exhibits is $0-$9.
Check out Urban Reader Bookstore's literary festival in Concord.
What to expect: Meet local African American authors, writers, and illustrators at Gibson Mill Market.
If you go: It's free to attend on Feb. 15 from 12-6pm at 325 McGill Ave NW.
Test your knowledge of Black history and culture with trivia.
What to expect: Challenge your friends to enjoy a night of trivia at Harolds Chicken & Ice Bar in University City.
If you go: It's from 6:45-10pm on Feb. 21 at 440 E. McCullough Dr.
- Tickets are $17-$22.
Attend the African American Heritage Festival.
What to expect: Celebrate Black History Month at the Charlotte Museum of History. The family-friendly event will have performances, guest speakers, panels, and community-focused events.
If you go: It's free to attend on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11am-5pm at 3500 Shamrock Dr.).
Eat a seven-course dinner focused on history.
What to expect: This family-style dinner at Community Matters Cafe aims to honor the legacy of African American culinary traditions.
- Dinner includes seven courses and three mocktails from nine Charlotte chefs and mixologists, including Chayil Johnson, Community Matters Cafe's executive chef who was recently nominated by the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef: Southeast.
If you go: Dinner is from 6-9pm on Feb. 22 at 821 W 1st St.
- Tickets are $120.
Challenge your senses at Bliss & Blends.
What to expect: Bliss & Blends' owner, Selena Galloway, hosts monthly wine-centered events in University City.
- At wine-tasting bingo, for example, you taste different types of wine and try to identify them on your bingo card based on what you learn in class.
- Petals and Pours is a floral arrangement class with live music and wine.
- Yoga and mimosas offers exactly what you think it does.
If you go: Events happen weekly at 1811 Sardis Road.
Watch a Black History Month film screening at Independent Picture House.
What to expect: Catch one of a list of movie showings happening this February, like "Malcolm X" and "Cooley High."
If you go: View the upcoming screenings at 4237 Raleigh St.
- Tickets are $9.25.
Grab a drink from a Black-owned bar.
There are plenty of Black-owned places to order a drink from — whether it's coffee or a cocktail.
If you go: Grab a coffee from Archive, tea from the Pauline Tea Bar Apothecary, mobile coffee from Detour Coffee, or a cocktail from Lorem Ipsum.
Get active with Mad Miles Run Club every week.
What to expect: Founder Cornell Jones created the weekly local movement with a welcoming community of high-energy individuals looking to exercise with people of all races and paces.
- You'll run, jog or walk a route, then celebrate the workout with music from a live DJ.
If you go: Mad Miles meets Mondays at 6:30pm at Social Status, Tuesdays at 6:30pm in Camp North End, and Saturdays at 10am in Elizabeth Park.
Unwind with Pranyama House in Plaza Midwood.
What to expect: This Black-owned yoga studio has heated classes and sound baths.
If you go: Memberships are $80 a month with class packages available. Drop-in rates start at $15. View their full schedule.
View African art at the Real African Art Gallery.
What to expect: Sip on wine and browse African art in University City.
If you go: Events happen every Friday at 440 E McCullough Dr., across from Mike's Vegan Grill.
- General admission is $13.39 and includes two glasses of wine.
Purchase an item from a Black-owned retail shop.
Consider picking up an item from one of the many Black-owned local stores in the area offering anything from apparel to skincare.
If you go: Stop by FITTEDS for hats, Mackins Bridal Boutique for wedding dresses and The Brown Sugar Collab for hair and skincare products.
Dress up in hues of brown for the Melanin Affair.
What to expect: This annual black tie event highlights Black excellence with an evening of live painting, live music, and dancing. Sure, it's next month, but we celebrate Black history year-round.
If you go: It starts at 8pm on March 8 at The Casey.
- Tickets start at $60.
Editor's note: The original version of this story included a Serving the Culture event on Feb.16 that has been postponed. Follow their Instagram for future event dates and details. This story was originally published in 2024 and last updated Feb. 10, 2025 with this year's top events.