Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is the artistic director of T & A Grand Theater and the Ten, Tiny, Talks artist in residency program.Read More
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Chef Fatou Ouattara serves her acclaimed West African cuisine at Akadi, her bright yellow eatery in Northeast Portland.
Credit: Stuart Mullenberg
Celebrate Black excellence with music, art, festivals and more.
Zelos Marchandt
Zelos Marchandt is the artistic director of T & A Grand Theater and the Ten, Tiny, Talks artist in residency program.Read More
Every February, Americans of all races and backgrounds celebrate Black History Month by commemorating iconic civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Black History Month’s founder, Carter G. Woodson. Join in celebrating, honoring and acknowledging Black history in Portland and beyond at these local events.
PDX Jazz Festival
Jumptown, Portland’s raucous jazz scene of the 1940s, is sadly lost, but every year around February (coinciding with Black History Month), visitors can dive into today’s sea of jazz greats at the PDX Jazz Festival. The festival honors special jazz anniversaries and legends, along with feature performances by legendary artists. Previous performers have included the likes of Grammy award-winning bass extraordinaire Stanley Clarke. PDX Jazz Festival performances — including many free shows — are held at multiple venues across the city every year.
Northwest Black Comedy Festival
Laugh along with some of Portland’s funniest Black comics at the Northwest Black Comedy Festival. This annual festival features live storytelling, LGBTQ+ performers, new and upcoming comedians as well as headliners from around the country. Enjoy four nights of side-splitting comedy taking place at Curious Comedy Theater and the Alberta Abbey.
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Cascade Festival of African Films
Billed as the longest-running nonprofit African film festival in America, Portland’s free Cascade Festival of African Films has celebrated African achievements and hopes for the future since 1991. Through its roster of films, the month-long festival aims to share stories of Africa as told by actual Africans rather than the Western-made narratives that Americans typically see. Presented by Portland Community College, the festival is primarily virtual in 2022, with a limited number of in-person screenings at the Hollywood Theatre and Clinton Street Theater.
Black History Festival NW
Recognizing Black excellence through arts, education and advocacy, the Black History Festival NW focuses on bridging gaps and amplifying truth, unity and hope in the Pacific Northwest. The festival explores history through podcasts, gala events and opportunities for activism. World Stage Theatre, the host organization, is dedicated to providing culturally relevant storytelling through arts education.
Black Community in Portland
With a diverse range of organizations and businesses, Portland’s Black community provides visitors with resources and a friendly welcome. Explore the city's Black history and cultural events, as well as Black-owned businesses and restaurants.
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Celebrate Black History with the Portland Trail Blazers
Join Portland Trail Blazers in their annual Celebration of Black History, honoring Portland’s Black and African American community. The event consists of many amazing performances and multiple fundraising efforts. This year’s fundraising effort goes to help the Black Educational Achievement Movement (BEAM), a nonprofit with a mission to build relationships with the youth of African descent and help prepare them for the global marketplace.
Black Community, Cultural Communities, Events, Winter
More Black History Month Events
Celebrate cultural richness at these upcoming Black History Month events.
Editor's Pick
Feb. 16–Mar. 2, 2024
Biamp Portland Jazz Festival
Various Portland VenuesCost Varies
The Portland Jazz Festival returns every February with a stellar series of concerts and events celebrating Black History Month.
Editor's Pick
Black Community
Cultural Communities
Events
Festivals
Music
Winter
Editor's Pick
Feb. 1–29, 2024
Black History Festival NW
Various Locations
For the past eighteen years, World Stage Theatre has been educating communities about the rich tapestry of the African Diaspora through the arts. As the innovators of Black History Festival NW, the organization is elated about this year’s theme. From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement to Hip Hop and Afrofuturism, African Americans…
Editor's Pick
Black History Month
Cultural Communities
Festival
Editor's Pick
Feb. 2–Mar. 2, 2024
Cascade Festival of African Films
Various LocationsFree
Embrace the rich and diverse tapestry of African storytelling. Presenting over 20 exceptional films encapsulating the African continent's vibrant spirit, cultural depth, and artistic brilliance. Embark on a journey through narratives that transcend borders, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences, emotions, and perspectives. This year’s films stand as testaments to the human experience of navigating multifaceted…
Editor's Pick
Black History Month
Cultural Communities
Festival
Film
Feb. 23–25, 2024
Body + Soul Black Wellness Weekend
Various Locations$10 – $25
Join Yin yoga space for the inaugural Black Wellness Weekend: Body + Soul, a collaboration between Black leaders across Portland to create space for African Diasporan people to rejuvenate and build community with one another during Black History Month. This three-day event will feature a variety of opportunities for community members to come together for…
Feb. 16–24, 2024
Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theatre
Performance Works NW$0 – $25
Black History Month 2024, Rejoice! Diaspora Dance Theatre (RDDT) will premiere Rites of Passage, an evening of dance investigating community and personal transitions, drawing equally from contemporary, Diasporic and West African dance. . Rites of Passage will include world premieres by two guest choreographers, Cleveland/NYC-based artist Antonio Brown and local celebrity Derrell Sekou Walker, a…
Black History Month
Cultural Communities
Performing Arts
Feb. 23–25, 2024
Rose City Blues
Alberta Rose Theatre$20 – $200
Portland Blues and Jazz Dance Society proudly presents Rose City Blues 2024, honoring Black History through Dance. Headlining Instructors: Damon and Kelsy Stone- Atlanta, GeorgiaRachel Stirling- Portland, OregonMichael Galen- Portland, OregonKaren Maria Capo- Portland, OregonLila Faria- Seattle, WashingtonLive Music from: Ms. VeeTevis Hodge JrEric SorensenCurtis Salgado and Alan HagarMelanie OwenMore Live Music will be coming…
Black History Month
Music
Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024
Obsidian Dreams: Variety Show and Dance Party
Santé BarFree
A variety show and dance party celebrating Black history and Black Futures. Celebrate Black Joy with an all-star cast of DJs, musicians, burlesque dancers, comedians, astrology readers, and storytellers. PERFORMERS: Performer (music/poetry): Jonny CoolEmcee: VenDetta Petty Kash D'HoComedian: Mama FiBurlesque: ACtin’ UpStoryteller: Bri-Skye McKizzieTarot Reader: Miss Renée of Miss Renée HealingDJ: DJ NO.Bi.Es
Black History Month
Nightlife
Performing Arts
More Portland Events
Visit our events calendar to discover even more things to do in Portland. Search by date, event type and more.
See All Events
Annual Events
Get to know Portland's vibrant maker, dining and music scenes at these annual events.
My People’s Market Spotlights Local Entrepreneurs of Color
My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.
Sneaker Week
Sneaker Week offers fun events for sneaker addicts and footwear newbies alike.
Support Black-Owned Restaurants in Portland
Brought into focus by local organizations, explore the city’s diverse and delicious Black-owned food carts, restaurants and markets in Portland.
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