There are not only endless learnings and homages but also powerful ways to celebrate and be joyful.
Although this is a year-round truth, having a month dedicated to the trials and triumphs of the Black community in Toronto and beyond is something many look forward to. And there is a lot to look forward to this year!
Black History Month Art and Culture Celebration
February 1, 2025
This Black History Month Art & Culture Event will be a vibrant celebration honouring Black Canadian achievements in arts and culture, featuring local vendors, performances, storytelling, and visual artists. Taking place at University of Toronto’s Hart House, it’s free for all.
Black History Month Tribute shows
February 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2025
The Pilot Tavern’s 3rd annual Black History Month Tribute celebrates the contributions Black artists have made to the world of jazz.
Live shows by local musicians will be paired with talks by Toronto historians including Edward Brown and former Toronto poet laureate George Elliott Clarke. These presentations will explore the legacy of Black jazz icons, offering context to musical performances that cover an array of jazz styles and genres, from Afro-Cuban and bop to soul, funk, fusion and more.
KUUMBA30
February 1 to 28, 2025
As Toronto’s largest Black Futures Month celebration, KUUMBA offers an exciting lineup of dance, music, workshops, visual arts and more.
With its inclusive atmosphere and focus on meaningful dialogues and celebratory expressions, KUUMBA centres the paramount contributions of Black creators shaping the future of art, culture and society.
This festival takes place at Harbourfront Centre. The crowd-drawing breakdance workshop, demo and competition return this year, along with a Masterclass series with Esie Mensah (on creative process), Lua Shayenne (body as temple to spirit) and Syreeta Hector (exploring the intersection of identity, race and classical ballet).
Don’t miss screenings of the acclaimed films A Mother Apart and Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, followed by Q&A sessions.
The Trending Table
February 7 to 9, 2025 (Scarborough Town Centre)
February 21 to 23, 2025 (Square One)
Popping up at Scarborough Town Centre and Square One Shopping Centre, The Trending Table offers two opportunities to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses in major shopping malls this month. From trendy fashion to handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone.
This vibrant gathering, where creativity and entrepreneurship thrive, is also a great place to network. Meet local makers and creators at various Black and BIPOC-owned vendor booths.
Toronto Black Film Festival
February 12 to 17, 2025
The 13th annual Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the very best in cinematic work centred on African, Caribbean, African American, and Black Canadian narratives.
Whether you tune in to one screening or invest in an all-access pass, you won’t be disappointed by the selection of independent films.
This year’s festival opens with a screening of Fight Like A Girl, starring South African actress Ama Qamata as a young Congolese woman who escapes life as an enslaved mine worker for a fresh start as a professional boxer.
Underground Comedy Railroad
February 14, 2025
The Underground Comedy Railroad selects a new roster of Black Canadian comedians each year for its six-city, Black History Month tour of Canadian and U.S. cities.
Now in its 13th year, this year’s lineup includes Torontonians Rodney Ramsey, Daniel Woodrow and Tamara Shevon, plus up-and-coming talent that will get you LOLing on Valentine’s Day.
Black Grapes
February 20, 2025
Spice Food and Wine Group presents Black Grapes, a tasting event celebrating Black winemakers and their wines.
Curated by sommelier Beverly Crandon, there will be a selection of wines from Canada, the United States, South Africa, and more. Hosted at stackt market, there will also be plenty of snacks to enjoy alongside the wine.
Black History Month Showcase
February 21, 2025
Catch Dream Warriors, DJ Carl Allen and a surprise guest at this free concert and immersive musical event that’s part of the month-long “Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop” (February 3–28, 2025) exhibit at the City of Toronto Archives.
The exhibit shines a light on Canadian contributions to hip-hop (with a special focus on Toronto’s hip-hop culture), while the showcase features live performances by artists including local hip-hop legends and Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame members, Dream Warriors.
Black Diamond Ball
February 22, 2025
An exclusive gala event at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, the Black Diamond Ball is a glamorous way to celebrate Black History Month in black-tie style.
For the past 10 years, it has brought together the Black community and its supporters to applaud accomplishments and honour individuals who have excelled in their respective fields.
At this fashion-forward event, expect inspiring speeches, delicious food and wine, and incredible networking ops.
Exceptional Music By Black Composers
February 28, 2025
Get ready for an evening of sublime chamber music by Black composers Florence Price (1887–1953), Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875–1912) and Dorothy Rudd Mooe (1940–2022), performed in-studio by local musicians, Untitled Ensemble.
Untitled Ensemble is a chamber music group dedicated to celebrating Western classical music by lesser-known historic and contemporary composers.
