Bryan Stalder
Contributor

Kansas City has a robust lineup of events for Black History Month in February 2026. A major highlight this year is the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month celebrations.

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

  • Free Admission All Month: For the fifth consecutive year, the Kansas City Royals Foundation is sponsoring free admission for all visitors throughout February.
  • Extended Hours: The museum will be open on Mondays (10 AM – 5 PM) and will open early at 9 AM every Wednesday in February.
  • Details: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Kansas City Public Library (Multiple Branches)

The library has a full “Signature Event” series for the month:

  • The Legacy of Bruce R. Watkins (Feb 15, 2 PM): A tribute to the KC political leader and activist at the Central Library, 14 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105.
  • Community Conversation: ‘Porgy and Bess’ in Context (Feb 17, 6 PM): A discussion and live performance exploring the opera’s impact at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112.
  • Black Union Soldiers and the Fight for Freedom (Feb 18, 6 PM): The story of Black soldiers in the Battle of Westport at the Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112.
  • An Evening with Imani Perry (Feb 23, 6 PM): Award-winning author Imani Perry discusses her book Black in Blues at the Central Library, 14 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105.
  • Black History Month Challenge (Feb 1–15): A trivia challenge at the Central Library with prizes, 14 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105.
  • Full Schedule: KC Library Black History Series

American Jazz Museum & 18th & Vine

  • The Blue Room Live Shows: The museum’s “living exhibit” jazz club will host over 20 live performances in February, honoring the legacy of KC jazz, 1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108.
  • Poetry & Jazz: Unapologetically Black (Feb 23): An open mic event celebrating Black creativity through storytelling and music.
  • Details: American Jazz Museum Events

Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108

  • Annual Black History Luncheon (Feb 21, 11:30 AM): A celebration honoring the rich legacy and cultural contributions of African Americans in the region.
  • Permanent Exhibit: With My Eyes No Longer Blind traces the story of African Americans in KC from Lewis and Clark to the city’s first Black mayors.
  • Details: Black Archives of Mid-America

Other Notable Events

  • Reclaiming The Canvas (Feb 7, 2 PM – 10 PM): An immersive night of live music, dance, and visual art by local Black artists at the Zhou B Art Center. Tickets/Info.
  • KUMC Black History Month: The KU Medical Center is hosting several panels, including “History of Desegregation at KU Medical Center” (Feb 16) and a Research Day (Feb 23). Full Schedule.
  • Museum of Kansas City: While they host rotating exhibits, you can check their specific calendar for localized history talks. Kansas City Museum Calendar.

Tip: You can pick up a physical copy of the 2026 Kansas City Black History Compendium (a booklet of local biographies) at any KC Public Library branch or the Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E 17th Ter, Kansas City, MO.