Things to Do

Black History Month-21 (1).png

Feel the Heritage Festival

kids at feel the heritage festival Arlington's annual Feel the Heritage Festival will be held on Sat., Feb. 21, 2026, from noon-5 p.m. at Charles Drew Community Center. The festival welcomes hundreds each year to learn about the Arlington’s historically African American neighborhoods while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and dozens of vendors. 

Event Page

 

Honoring Black Artists

Alma Thomas.png

Get creative while learning more about Black Americans' contributions to art by watching these 'how to' videos from Parks and Recreation's Community Arts team:

More Black History Month Events in February

  • Black Women Fight for Civil Rights: Explore the powerful role of Black women in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting their leadership, courage and lasting impact on the fight for justice and equality. Wed., Feb. 4, 1-2 p.m. at Aurora Hills. 55+ Membership required. Learn more.
  • TR Adapted Art: Led by the Community Arts team, participants will create 2 tempera and paper collages featuring mixed-media techniques by Dindga McCannon and Chris Ofili. Mon., Feb. 9 from 6-7 p.m. at Fairlington Community Center. Learn more.
  • The Civil Rights Movement: In this Black History Month presentation with 55+ Operations Supervisor Cory Cox, learn about some of the people and events during the civil rights movement that changed the country as we know it. We will discuss the lives and accomplishments of civil rights activists like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X and more. Thurs., Feb. 12, 1-2 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center. 55+ Membership required. Learn more.
  • Queen City: A Community Displaced: Scott Taylor, president of the Black Heritage Museum of Arlington, will share the story of Queen City, a once-thriving Black neighborhood near today’s Pentagon City. Learn about the families who lived there, the vibrant community they built, and how construction of the Pentagon led to its displacement, leaving a lasting legacy in Arlington. Thu., Feb. 12, 3-4 p.m. Virtual. 55+ Membership required. Learn more.
  • Black History Month Luncheon: Join us for a luncheon honoring the rich history, culture and contributions of the Black community. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Scott Taylor, president of the Arlington Black Heritage Museum, who will share powerful insights on local Black history and the ongoing efforts to preserve and uplift these stories. Fri., Feb. 13, 1-3 p.m. at Arlington Mill Community Center. 55+ Membership required. Learn more.
  • Arlington’s Halls Hill: Arlington’s Halls Hill was one of the first historically Black neighborhoods in Arlington, dating back to 1881. The neighborhood had its own school, firehouse and businesses. Saundra Green, a lifelong resident, will recap the history of this neighborhood and will discuss her experiences living there. Thurs., Feb. 19, 2-3 p.m. at Langston-Brown Community Center. 55+ Membership required. Learn more.
  • Celebrating Black History Month: Join Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteers for a fun cooking demonstration and learn some tasty new recipes on the theme of Black History Month. Monday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Langston-Brown Community Center. 55+ Membership required. Learn more.
  • Black Heritage Museum of Arlington: Visit BHMA and learn about Arlington’s fascinating local Black and African American history.
Back to top