2026 Black History Month
Black History Month 2026 will once again bring Ottawa together in a celebration of the histories, achievements, and lasting contributions of people of African descent. Building on the energy and success of previous years, the 2026 program will showcase a dynamic lineup of events that uplift Black culture, creativity, leadership, and community.
Submit Your Event to Our Calendar!
Click the button bellow and fill out the form to submit your event to the Black History Ottawa Calendar
Event Calendar
Explore when events are taking place throughout the month.
Click on the event title or posters to learn more about each program and celebration.
More events and dates will appear as Black History Month programming continues to be announced.
Lead Up Events (January)
Join us for celebrations leading up to the official launch of Black History Month
Natasha Mumba’s debut play showcases a cast of Zambian and Canadian actors who take us from downtown Toronto to Zambia’s Copperbelt region to untangle the inner workings of the Kasuba family, their secrets, and their intriguing legacy.
Black History Appreciation Night
January 25 - 5:00 PM
Black History Ottawa and the Ottawa Senators invite fans to celebrate Black history and community during an NHL game night at the Canadian Tire Centre.
6e anniversaire de la Maison de la francophonie avec Ferline Regis
January 31 - 5:00 PM
6e anniversaire de la Maison avec Ferline Regis, célébrant la communauté, la culture et le parcours collectif.
February 1 - 7
Join us for celebrations leading up to the official launch of Black History Month
Black History Month Opening Ceremony
February 1 - 2:00 PM
Black History Ottawa invites the community to officially kick off Black History Month with a landmark opening ceremony celebrating history, milestones, and Black excellence.
Black History Month Celebration at Ottawa Church of God
February 1 - 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
A community celebration featuring music, dance, and a keynote address marking the start of Black History Month.
February 1 - 6:30 PM
Une soirée hommage présentée par l’Ambassade de la République d’Haïti au Canada et Mosaïque interculturelle, célébrant l’héritage de Jean-Jacques Dessalines à travers musique et culture.
February 3 · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) will be hosting an amazing celebration for our diverse Black newcomer families, youth and young adults to commemorate the milestones achieved with the Black Health Plan, and discuss the intersections of economic empowerment and ways in which our communities can thrive.
February 4 - 7:30PM
Throughout his decades-long, critically triumphant career, GRAMMY Award-winning Cuban-Canadian artist Alex Cuba has masterfully united the worlds of sound and emotion to create timeless, vibrant music rooted in joy and positivity.
Reunion Dinner & Dance
West Indian Transit Club at OB&O Afro-Caribbean Restaurant
February 6, 2026 · 6:00 PM
In celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage, the ATU 279 Black Caucus committee presents an evening of remembrance and celebration
Ottawa Black Creatives Hub Showcase at Shenkman Arts Centre
February 7 - 7:00 PM
A live showcase celebrating Black creativity through music, dance, poetry, storytelling, and film in the capital.
Shaun Boothe: The Unauthorized Biography Series at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe
February 7 - Evening
An electrifying live performance blending hip-hop, storytelling, and history to spotlight iconic Black figures and legacies.
Black Community Town Hall - City of Ottawa
February 7 - 1:00 - 3:00pm
Councillor Rawlson King invites Ottawa’s African, Caribbean and Black communities to a virtual discussion on grant opportunities, funding programs and entrepreneurship supports
February 8 - 14
Children’s Stories in the Diaspora at Ottawa Public Library (Ben Franklin Place)
February 8 - 2:00–4:00 PM
A family-friendly storytelling event celebrating Black stories, culture, and imagination for children and caregivers.
Black History Month Vendor Market at Carleton University
(Nideyinàn University center)
February 12, 2026 - 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
A vibrant vendor market highlighting Black-owned businesses, creators, and community organizations
February 12, 2026 - 2:00 PM
A vibrant vendor market highlighting Black-owned businesses, creators, and community organizations
February 8, 2026 - 2:45 PM
For the second year in a row, @moovottawa Dance is proud to present a special Black History Month workshop series, supported by the National Arts Centre. Free registration is now open.
February 15 - 21
February 15 -2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Get ready to have a ball for Black History Month at the Angels Foundation’s Black History Cultural Heritage Celebration
Tuesday, February 15 - 3:00 - 5:00PM
NewLife Women’s World invites you to Walking with Purpose in 2026, an inspiring gathering to reflect, celebrate our wins, and realign for the year ahead.
Tuesday, February 15 - 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Meet Julian McKenzie, Athletic NHL writer and podcast host, for a Black History Month book signing of Black Aces: Essential Stories from Hockey’s Black Trailblazers, a celebration of Black history in hockey and beyond.
Tuesday, February 17 - 12:00pm (Noon)
Celebrate this year’s theme “Voices of a City: Celebrating Two Centuries of Collective Histories and Local Heroes in Ottawa”.
February 19 - 7:00PM–9:00 PM
A Black History Month event exploring how art and remembrance shape our connection to the past, present and future, featuring keynote speaker Melissa J. Nelson and artist Kwame Delfish, followed by a reception with DJ Kendee.
February 20 - 10:00AM–2:00 PM
A youth-focused summit centred on leadership, identity and civic engagement, bringing together inspiring speakers and future leaders.
Commemorative Hockey Game at Canadian Tire Centre
February 20 - 6:00–8:00 PM
A special commemorative hockey event honouring the legacy of the Coloured Hockey League of the Maritimes.
African Day on the Hill at La Cité (Pavilion H – Excentricité)
February 21 - 5:00 PM
An immersive cultural celebration featuring African arts, performances, fashion, cuisine, and community connection.
21 février 2026 - 10:00AM-5:00PM
Une journée pour apprendre, s’inspirer, célébrer et connecter
21 février 2026 - 6:00PM
A Black-tie affair celebrating Saint Lucia’s independence with elegance, culture and community.
21 février 2026 - 7:30PM
Babs Asper Theatre, Ottawa, Ontario
Canada’s Queen of R&B is ready to bring the heat. Jully Black Live delivers the powerful vocals, iconic hits, and unstoppable energy that have crowned her a national treasure. Get ready for a night packed with soul, passion, and feel-good vibes — from the classics you love to moments that will stay with you long after the lights go down. The voice. The vibe. The experience.
Secure your tickets now and witness Jully Black Live — an unforgettable night with a legend.
February 22 - 28
Bring It Black: Black Future Market at NextDoor Ottawa (Wellington West)
February 22 - 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
A community market supporting Black businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs
February 22 - 3:00 PM
This unique team-based tournament blends adult competition and high-performance junior play in a fast-paced, spectator-friendly format. Players compete for their teams across multiple matchups, creating nonstop energy and momentum throughout the weekend.
The Black History Month Afro-Caribbean Indoor Tennis Team Tournament, hosted by Ottawa Loves Tennis, features four teams named in honour of iconic Black trailblazers:
Team Arthur Ashe • Team Nelson Mandela • Team Harriet Tubman • Team Viola Desmond
February 22 - 3:00 PM
Join Leading Ladies Canada for a Black History Month gathering honouring Black women’s impact, heritage, and leadership while shaping the future together.
February 26 - 8:00 PM
Born in KwaZakhele in Africa’s Eastern Cape, Nomfusi developed a love for performing and crafted her artistic identity by dancing and singing at a young age. Nomfusi is a self-taught vocalist and songwriter who has become well known for her explosive stage performances all over the world. Her shows indulge the audience in a beautiful, fearless mix of genres — from joyful Township sounds punctuated by percussive Maskandi guitars, to Afropop, Afro-soul, and soulful ballads touched by Gospel.
Nomfusi has given incredible performances across Europe and Canada, and now is your chance to see her right here in Ottawa.
Global Community Alliance Gala & Awards at Ottawa Conference Event Centre
February 28 - 6:00 PM
An annual gala recognizing achievement, leadership, and community impact in celebration of Black History Month.
