Black History Month Celebrations and Events in San Diego
From the pioneer days of the early 1800s to San Diego’s 21st-century identity as a thriving, world-class city, the region’s Black community has been a prominent and ever-vibrant part of the region’s culture, commerce and so much more.
As we celebrate Black History Month in February, here’s a look at some of the local events and activities commemorating the rich heritage and crucial contributions of San Diego’s Black community. With all these happenings to choose from, it’s a great time to visit and soak in San Diego’s fascinating Black history, along with everything else the region has to offer.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
When: Through February 2026
MTS, which operates San Diego's extensive trolley and bus system, is celebrating Black History Month by issuing a limited-edition PRONTO fare card that celebrates Black leaders, culture and history across generations. The commemorative card, titled "American Sketches," was designed by local artist and MTS Manager of Rail Facilities Ibn Edwards. It honors influential Black Americans, including the Tuskegee Airmen, Jimi Hendrix, Jackie Robinson, Mae Jemison, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Edwards’ own father, Eddie Edwards, who was also an established San Diego artist.
WorldBeat Cultural Center's Black Comix Day
When: Feb. 14-15, 2026
Black Comix Day returns to the WorldBeat Center in San Diego's Balboa Park for an eighth year. The free two-day event highlights creators of African descent in the arts of comic books, animation and film. Food as well as activities for children will also be available.
San Diego History Center
When: Ongoing
The San Diego History Center, located in Balboa Park — San Diego’s cultural heart — is presenting the exhibition "San Diego's Lost Neighborhoods," in partnership with the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art (SDAAMFA). The immersive exhibition uses augmented reality, oral histories and archival materials to explore local communities — including parts of Julian, City Heights, the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla, Chollas View, Southcrest, and MLK Way — that were displaced by redlining, freeway construction and other discriminatory policies.
Fifth Annual North San Diego County Black Festival
When: Feb. 22, 2026
Billed as the biggest Black History Month celebration of Black culture, business, and creativity in North San Diego County, the 2026 North San Diego County Black Festival brings together entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and the community for an afternoon of empowerment, entertainment and networking.
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir of San Diego
When: Various dates in February 2026
San Diego's Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir is presenting three free concerts during Black History Month. The events are at 5 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Unity Center, 8999 Activity Road in the Miramar area; 3 p.m. Feb. 15 at the First Congregational Church of Ramona, 404 Eighth St., Ramona; and 4 p.m. Feb. 21 at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, 2111 Camino del Rio South in Mission Valley.
San Diego Public Library
When: Throughout February 2026
As it does each February, the San Diego Public Library is offering an extensive slate of Black History Month programming, both at the Central Library in Downtown San Diego and at branch libraries across the city. Among the highlights is "We Are Each Other's Harvest," an author talk and resource fair with author Natalie Baszile, at the Central Library on Feb. 24 at 5 p.m.
Women of Color ROAR
When: Feb. 7, 2026
The Eighth Annual Women of Color ROAR Black History Month Breakfast takes place Feb. 7 at San Diego City College. The event celebrates the strength and stories of women of color, with the theme "Spirit of the Warrior."