Black History Month each February offers an abundance of opportunities to celebrate Black history and culture and continue an ongoing conversation with your kids about the African-American experience. Here we’ve assembled some of the top local family-friendly exhibits and events—ranging from dance performances to rodeos and library read-ins.
(Plus, don’t forget that due to the freeze in January, both the downtown Fort Worth and Plano parades honoring Martin Luther King Jr. were postponed until February 17 and 22, respectively. So you’ll have another chance to take part.)
DMA Black History & Culture Celebration
Where: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood Street, Dallas, Texas
When: Saturday–Sunday, February 1–2, 2025; 11am–5pm
The details: The DMA is hosting its inaugural Black History Month event with a full schedule of entertainment. We’re looking forward to the portrait sessions with renowned artist Letitia Huckaby on Saturday and, on both days, the make-and-take activities for kids. They’ll get to make buttons to add to the community display or share with others.
Pricing: Free
Learn more here.
Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s Cultural Awareness
Where: Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora St., Dallas, Texas
When: Friday–Saturday, February 14–15, 2025; 7:30pm
The details: Dallas Black Dance Theatre (the city’s oldest, continuously operating professional dance company) doesn’t focus on just one form of dance, and this annual showcase is an ideal way to see and appreciate a variety of styles—from contemporary to tango. You’ll see four dances, including one inspired by the music of Marvin Gaye, and more to the tunes of great Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle.
Pricing: Seats from $48; or if you’d rather not venture downtown, you can stream the performance at home in your pajamas for $25 per household. (The virtual performances are also free for kids in Title 1 schools.)
Learn more here.
African American Read-In
Where: African American Museum of Dallas, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, Texas
When: Saturday, February 15, 2025; 11am–3pm
The details: Here inside this Fair Park museum, The Dock Bookshop (an African American-owned bookstore in Fort Worth) will host literacy activities like author meet and greets and public readings. (They’ve even got speed dating planned for adults.)
But we are most excited for the Lion King exhibit that’s running in conjunction with the live Disney musical that’ll be coming this summer to Music Hall right next door. You’ll get to see four masks and a puppet from the original Broadway production, as well as African artworks and objects from the museum’s own permanent collection.
Pricing: Free admission.
Learn more here and check your local library for more African American Read-In events near you.
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo at the Stockyards
Where: Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas
When: Saturday, February 15, 2025; 1:30pm and 7:30pm
The details: A 40-year tradition, this rodeo series honoring Black cowboys and cowgirls is named for the late Bill Pickett (1870–1932). He gained notoriety as the inventor of rodeo steer wrestling, or bulldogging, in Wild West shows. And four times a year, the organization hosts its Texas series event here in Fort Worth. Get your tickets to see this Western adventure rodeo with historical re-enactments, and plan ahead for future dates in May, June and August.
Pricing: Tickets start at $35 for adults and $15 for kids. Kids 3 and younger are free but must sit in your lap.
Learn more here.
Sky’s the Limit: Black Aviation Heroes
Where: Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC), 5657 Mariner Drive, Dallas, Texas
When: Saturday, February 22, 2025; 10am–2pm
The details: Through hands-on activities and quizzes with prizes, your kids will learn about the inspiring, true stories of Black aviators, such as Bessie Coleman and astronaut Guion Bluford, and their contributions to the future of aviation.
Pricing: RSVP online for your free admission to this Black History Month showcase.
Learn more here.
Tour Plano’s African American Museum
Where: Plano African American Museum (PAAM), 900 13th Street, Plano, Texas
When: Currently open noon–5pm Tuesday–Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday)
The details: After being closed for a number of years in the 2000s, this museum—located in Plano’s historically Black neighborhood, the Douglass Community—reopened its doors in June 2023. Call 469-863-7226 for private tours and to stroll through through this restored, 100-plus-year-old home that’s fully furnished and full of local artifacts that focuses on local Black history.
Pricing: Free, donations are encouraged
Learn more about its history at planoafricanamericanmuseum.org.
Did we leave out a great local event or exhibit? Let us know at editorial@dfwchild.com. And you can find more family fun events online at dfwchild.com/calendar.
Top image courtesy of Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center
