Black History Month takes place in February in recognition of the history, contributions and culture of Canadians of African and African-American descent.
In 2025 Black History Month runs from February 1st to 28th (so for the whole month).
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Film Screenings | Shows and Performances | Other Community Events
Black History Month in Vancouver
February is Black History Month in both Canada and the United States (in America it is also known as African-American History Month). As a result, Vancouver features a number of performances and events that honour the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians.
The theme for Black History Month in 2025 is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”
Black History Month Events
Some of the events taking place in Vancouver in 2025 are listed below. There are film screenings, performances and other events. Most of the events we list are specifically “Black History Month” events.
(Note: Times, dates and other details are subject to change. See official websites for more information.)
Film Screenings in 2025
Black History Month film screenings take place in the VIFF Cinema and Lochmaddy Studio Theatre at the VIFF Centre at 1181 Seymour Street in Vancouver.
Note: Details below are subject to change.
Saturday, February 1st (2025)
- Feven Kidane & Tiny Pyramids Play the Music of Sun Ra – at 8:00 pm at the VIFF Centre.
Friday, February 7th (2025)
- Luther: Never Too Much – at 2:00 pm at the VIFF Centre.
- Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul – at 8:30 pm at the VIFF Cinema.
Saturday, February 8th (2025)
- Luther: Never Too Much – at 6:15 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul – at 8:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Sunday, February 9th (2025)
- Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul – at 6:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Luther: Never Too Much – at 8:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Monday, February 10th (2025)
- Mami Wata + Drexciya – at 6:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Wednesday, February 12th (2025)
- The Pirogue – at 8:30 pm at the VIFF Centre.
Thursday, February 13th (2025)
- Mother of George – at 8:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Sunday, February 16th (2025)
- The Inheritance – at 3:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- The Pirogue – at 6:15 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Mother of George – at 8:10 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Wednesday, February 19th (2025)
- Atlantics – at 8:30 pm at the VIFF Centre.
Thursday, February 20th (2025)
- Chez Jolie Coiffure – at 8:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Friday, February 21st (2025)
- Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story – at 8:20 pm at the VIFF Centre.
Saturday, February 22nd (2025)
- Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story – at 6:00 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Quincy Mayes Brazilian Soul Experience – at 7:30 pm at the VIFF Centre.
Sunday, February 23rd (2025)
- Chez Jolie Coiffure – at 2:00 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Mami Wata + Drexciya – at 3:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Atlantics – at 6:20 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Dilli Dark – at 8:40 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Monday, February 24th (2025)
- The Inheritance – at 6:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story – at 8:40 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
Wednesday, February 26th (2025)
- Tori and Lokita – at 8:30 pm at the VIFF Centre.
Thursday, February 27th (2025)
- Dilli Dark – at 5:30 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
- Tori and Lokita – at 7:45 pm at the Lochmaddy Studio Theatre.
For tickets and full details about the above events, see the VIFF website.
Shows and Performances in 2025
Various performances taking place across Vancouver during Black History Month this year are listed below. Details are subject to change.
Saturday, February 1st (2025)
- 13th Annual Songs of Freedom – a Musical Launch to Black History Month hosted by Marcus Mosely with performances by Candus Churchill, Krystle Dos Santos, Dawn Pemberton and more. The event begins at 7:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral at 690 Burrard Street.
Tuesday, February 4th (2025)
- Guilt and Company – ebonEmpress performs at 7:00 pm at 1 Alexander Street in Gastown.
Wednesday, February 12th (2025)
- Verses of Power: Black Poets Speak Out – spoken word performances by poets Brandon Wint, Fanny Kearse and Adonis King. The show takes place at 7:00 pm at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library. The venue is located at 350 West Georgia Street.
Saturday, February 15th (2025)
- African Fashion Week Vancouver: Heritage in Motion Fashion Show – African Fashion Week Vancouver only takes place in March, but this event is a special preview held at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library. The building is at 350 West Georgia Street and the event runs from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Expect to see a great runway show, hear an inspiring talk, and more.
Saturday, February 22nd (2025)
- Black History Month Celebration – a celebration of Black History Month at the Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library, located at 350 West Georgia Street. The event runs from 10:00 am until noon and is intended for children. There’s a storyteller, drummer and musician to entertain young ones.
Other Black History Community Events in 2025
Below is a selection of other events taking place during Black History Month in Metro Vancouver in 2025.
Saturday, February 8th (2025)
- Afro Gala 2025 – A Black History Month Event – a formal ticketed event with food, music, dancing and more at the Thomas Haney Rotunda. The school is located at 23000 116 Avenue in Maple Ridge.
Saturday, February 15th (2025)
- Black History Month Celebration – a free event with African music, food and activities for kids from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Mackin House at 1116 Brunette Avenue in Coquitlam.
Other Information
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver’s February Calendar
- Free February Events
- Vancouver Festivals & Events
- Vancouver Shows & Entertainment
- Multicultural Heritage Months in Vancouver
Odihi is an organization that works to empower black women and girls. An event it hosts is the On Your Block Festival in New Westminster in the summer. Another similar but unrelated event in the summer is the Black Block Party in downtown Vancouver in August. There’s also the Vancouver International Black Film Festival in December.
