There are lots of things to celebrate in February, including Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, Ramadan, Lunar New Year, the Super Bowl and notably, Black History Month.
From performances to gallery openings to author talks and community celebrations, Indianapolis is host to a variety of events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. The Recorder has put together a list of a few free and low-cost things to do around the city, honoring Black History.
READ MORE: Indiana Humanities unveils mini-grants for humanities programming
Thursday, Jan. 29
Black Solos Festival — $10-$25 (Recurring through Feb. 1)
The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
Indianapolis Black Theatre Company’s Black Solos Festival offers a weekend full of original one-person shows, featuring performing artists from Indianapolis and beyond across two stages. Performance times vary.
Sunday, Feb. 1
August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” — $27+ (Recurring through Feb. 22)
Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St.
Written by award-winning playwright August Wilson, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” follows the descendants of formerly enslaved Black Americans as they navigate their lives up north and wrestle with ideas of identity, freedom and belonging. Performance times vary.
Saturday, Feb. 2
History On Stage: A Presentation from Ida B. Wells & Madame C.J. Walker — FREE
Indianapolis Public Library, Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair St.
Presented by Soulful Journeys of Women, children and families are invited to experience a live historical performance from 11 a.m. to noon. Featuring commentary and storytelling from the likes of Ida B. Wells, Madam C. J. Walker, Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, the event will feature a live Q&A immediately following the presentation.
attend.indypl.org/event/15212880
Friday, Feb. 6
Rooted Hues: An Exhibition by Ess McKee, Ash Robinson and Shamira Wilson — FREE
Gallery 924, 924 N. Pennsylvania St.
Celebrate Black History Month during Gallery 924‘s First Friday reception from 6-9 p.m., featuring new works from three of Indianapolis’ contemporary Black artists who’ve experimented with various themes rooted in nature.
indyarts.org/about/spaces/gallery-924
Forgotten Graces — FREE
The Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St.
Black Hoosier artist Kevin West unveils his new exhibition “Forgotten Graces” in the Harrison Gallery during the Harrison Center’s February First Friday. Beginning at 6 p.m., West’s contemplative show uses light and tenderness to explore memories of play, routine and unspoken care that shaped a sense of belonging.
harrisoncenter.org/first-fridays/forgotten-graces
Saturday, Feb. 7
Black Composers Lecture & Concert — $10-$15
Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library, 543 Indiana Ave.
The KVML invites Hoosiers to join musicians Trevor Conerly and Andrew Brown for an hour-long discussion, beginning at 6 p.m. diving into the accomplishments, struggles and music of African American composers in the last 100 years.
Black History for Youth — FREE
The Amp at 16 Tech, 1220 Waterway Blvd.
Hosted by Brother Jamaal Shabazz and Demond Hicks, children ages 12-18 are invited to explore Black history in an engaging and inspirational environment. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., participants will engage in meaningful conversations with community leaders and gain exposure to different career paths.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Black History Month Celebration — FREE
Arts for Lawrence, Theatre at the Fort, 8920 Otis Ave.
In partnership with the City of Lawrence, Arts for Lawrence invites members of the community to its annual Black History Month celebration rom 7-8 p.m., honoring resilience, creativity and unity with live music, dance, visual art, spoken word and more.
Thursday, Feb. 12
Virtual Author Talk: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart — FREE
Indianapolis Public Library, Virtual
Join IndyPL and feminist philosopher and author Lindsey Stewart for a special virtual conversation from 2-3 p.m., that dives into the legacies and struggles of America’s founding Black women.
attend.indypl.org/event/15268311
Saturday, Feb. 14
Meet the Artists XXXVIII “Love in Action” — FREE
Indianapolis Public Library, Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair. St.
The 2026 Meet the Artists opening reception will welcome Hoosiers to explore works of prominent African American artists alongside a pre-show red carpet, live music, poetry, comedy and fashion show. Hosted by MCs Steve “Scoop” Jefferson and Karen Campbell, the annual event begins at 5:30 p.m. with activities for kids, programming for adults, a photographer and a food vendor.
indypl.org/programs-events/meet-the-artists
Sunday, Feb. 15
An Evening with Sphinx — FREE
Phillips Temple CME Church, 210 E. 34th St.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is partnering with the Sphinx Organization, a national nonprofit for Black and Latinx classical musicians, for an afternoon highlighting undiscovered, silenced, forgotten contemporary or cross-genre classical works. Conducted by Kyle Dickson with special guest violinist Njioma Grevious, the performance begins at 3 p.m. and doesn’t require an RSVP.
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Christopher Pitts Trio: Sounds of the Diaspora — $18.87-$34.33
The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave.
Christopher Pitts Trio: Sounds of Diaspora invites guests to engage with music that explores the impact of Black diaspora through composition and improvisation. Inspired by Pitts’ travels to Senegal, music is percussive and commanding, with elastic rhythm, honoring lineage without recreating the past. The show begins at 7 p.m. and is 21+.
Thursday, Feb. 19
Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy: Black Displacement in Indianapolis — $5-$10
Indiana History Center 450 W. Ohio St.
Zola Lamonthe will join Indianapolis historian Sampson Livingston and IHS African American Collections Curator Susan Hall Dotson for a panel discussion from 6:30-8:30 p.m. about Lamonthe’s photography project and the legacy of neighborhoods. There will be a book signing following the panel; light refreshments will be provided.
Friday, Feb. 20
SOUL: Reimagined — $15-$55 (Recurring through Feb. 22)
Arts for Lawrence, 8920 Otis Ave.
Presented by Kenyettá Dance Company in partnership with Arts for Lawrence, this version of “Soul” expands the story through fresh choreography and contemporary movement, layered sound and visual storytelling that honors the past and speaks to the present. Performance times vary.
Saturday, Feb. 21
“Black Arguments: A New Play” — $28
The District Theatre, 627 Massachusetts Ave.
In a one-night-only world premiere, Hoosiers are invited to experience Eric Washington’s new play about strong opinions within the Black community. Beginning at 7 p.m., the play begs the question, “What happens when debate turns personal and moral lines are tested?”
28th Annual Gospel Concert — $10-$30; free for kids 5 and under
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St.
The Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis and the Symphonic Praise Choir are teaming up for their annual celebration concert at 2 p.m., featuring works by Black composers and musicians, conducted by Bryen Warfield.
philharmonicindy.org/gospel-concert-2026
Sunday, Feb. 22
Black Youth Author Fair — FREE
Indy Reads, 1066 Virginia Ave.
Book lovers of all ages are welcome to engage with a panel of young, local Black authors from noon to 2 p.m., including Thomas Carter Jr., as they share their experiences as writers. Following the panel, there will be a reading and discussion for fellow youth.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Author Talk with Damarius Johnson — FREE
Loudmouth Books, 212 E. 16th St.
Historian and editor Damarius Johnson will join Loudmouth Books at 6:30 p.m. for a discussion about his new book, “Picturing Black History!” — which is a new collection of photographic essays exploring an ongoing dialogue on the significance of Black history and Black life.
loudmouthindy.com/events/4338320260228
Please note: Admission and ticket prices listed are general and before taxes/fees.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
