Reader-recommended Black History Month events

A curated list of Black History Month-related events from our February Reader Radar and beyond.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Chicago Reader has compiled a selection of Black History Month-related events happening across the city, including documentary screenings, restaurant weeks, film festivals, art exhibits, and more.

Why it matters

These events provide opportunities for the Chicago community to celebrate and engage with Black history, culture, and artistic expression during the month of February.

The details

The events featured range from a documentary screening and discussion series at the Chicago Public Library, to the 11-year-running Chicago Black Restaurant Week, to a guest chef dinner series spotlighting south side culinary talents, to theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibitions.

  • The events take place from February 7 to April 26, 2026.
  • Chicago Black Restaurant Week runs from February 8 to 22, 2026.
  • The Sunday's Best film screening series runs from February 8 to March 1, 2026.
  • The American Writers Museum's free day celebrating Langston Hughes is on February 15, 2026.
  • The South Side + Friends guest chef dinner featuring Justice of the Pies is on February 25, 2026.

The players

Chicago Public Library

The city's public library system, which is hosting screenings and discussions of the documentary film "I Am Not Your Negro" at various branches.

Chicago Black Restaurant Week

An annual event celebrating Black-owned culinary establishments in the Chicago area.

Tyler Michael Balentine

A programmer who has curated a series of short film screenings by local Black filmmakers at Facets Cinema.

American Writers Museum

A museum in Chicago that is offering free admission and activities related to the work of Langston Hughes on February 15, 2026.

Dominique Leach

The chef behind Lexington Betty Smokehouse, who is hosting a monthly collaborative dinner series spotlighting south side chefs and restaurants.

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What they’re saying

“It can be hard to get people to pay attention to the south side, even though it's where so many culture-shaping chefs are doing the work. There is so much talent and heart here, and I wanted to create something that brings those voices together in one intimate space.”

— Dominique Leach, Chef, Lexington Betty Smokehouse (Chicago Reader)

The takeaway

These Black History Month events in Chicago showcase the diverse range of cultural, artistic, and culinary contributions from the city's Black community, providing opportunities for residents to learn, engage, and celebrate.