Black History Month starts February 1st, and Las Vegas is getting the community together with several events happening throughout the month.
Check out some of these events around town.
A Night of Expressions Youth Talent Showcase Auditions
- Saturday, Jan. 28, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Free and open to ages 8-22.
- Municipal Pool, 431 E. Bonanza Road
Youth will audition to sing, dance, perform spoken word, play music and more in anticipation of performing at the free event Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park, in recognition of Black History Month. If you are a youth with a talent to share, for more information and audition times, call Willie Henderson at 702.229.2473.
African American Heritage Exhibition
- Through April 6; hours Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed Friday-Sunday and holidays.
- Free and open to the public.
- Las Vegas City Hall Chamber Gallery, 495 S. Main St., second floor.
In this annual exhibit, enjoy the work of visual artists who live and work in our community. Call 702.229.ARTS (2787) for more information or visit ArtsLasVegas.org.
Junkanoo Bahamas “Road to 50” Exhibition By Mario Lorne
- Meet-the-Artist Reception and Exhibition Opening Wednesday, Feb. 1, 5 to 7 p.m.
- Exhibition Feb. 1-May 20. Call for availability; hours may vary.
- Free and open to the public.
- West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702.229.4800.
The exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of Bahamian independence as you experience the culture of Junkanoo and cultural icons of The Bahamas.
Annual Good Time Fish Fry
- Thursday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m.
- Cost: $10.
- Doolittle Active Adult Center, 1930 N. J St., 702.229-6125.
Join the neighborhood for the annual catfish fry with all the trimmings. Enjoy good food, laughter and fun with the community. RSVP and ticket purchase open until full or Jan. 31. Space is limited.
Family Movie Night
- Friday, Feb. 3, 6 p.m.
- Free and open to the public.
- Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 702.229.6374.
Join the community for an indoor movie night. Bring your low-back chairs and enjoy light refreshments as we watch a featured movie to kick off Black History Month celebrations.
Celebrate Diversity in Small Business Ownership
- Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 to 5 p.m.
- Free and open to the public.
- Cork and Thorn, 70 W. Imperial Ave.
Join this networking event with opportunities to share information about your product or services. Receive valuable tips and advice from city of Las Vegas business specialists. Enjoy refreshments available for purchase as well as musical entertainment and drawings for prizes. For more information, call Willie Henderson at 702.229.2473.
Heart of Black History Mixed Media Contest
- Submissions are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8.
- Free and open to youth in grades 6 through 12.
- Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J St., 702.229.6374.
Grab your pen, your computer, paintbrush or other media and submit your entry to the 2023 Black History Month mixed media contest. Your entry should feature an important person or event in Black History. First-, second- and third-place winners will be awarded in each division -- Middle School division, 9th-10th-grade division and 11th-12th-grade division. Click here for registration form. For more information, please contact Doolittle Community Center at 702.229.6374.
A Night of Expressions Youth Talent Showcase
- Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 to 5 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m.
- Free and open to the public.
- Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park, 720 Twin Lakes Drive.
Youth ages 8-22 will share their talents in singing, dancing, performing spoken word, playing music and more, in recognition of Black History Month. Bring the family, blankets and lawn chairs to be more comfortable on the lawn while you enjoy an afternoon of talent and festivities. Food trucks will offer refreshments for sale. For more information, call Willie Henderson at 702.229.2473.
Woody Woods Musical Trio
- Saturday, Feb. 11, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Free and open to the public
- West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
In honor of Black History Month, enjoy the trio and special guests as they perform chants, spirituals, blues, jazz, classical music and the spoken word. These are the sounds of Africa that changed American music. For more information, call 702.229.4800.
Annual Mid-Day Inspirational Showcase & Luncheon
- Thursday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.
- Cost: $10.
- Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St.
This year’s showcase will feature singing, spoken word, opera and ballroom dancers, an art display and a fashion show with the luncheon. Space is limited. RSVP and pay for luncheon/showcase by Feb. 14. Call 702.229.6125 for information.
Black Weekend 2023: Kemet in the Desert Lecture Series 10th Anniversary Celebration
- Friday-Saturday, Feb. 17-18; 6:30 p.m. jazz, 7 p.m. lecture.
- Free and open to the public.
- West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
In recognition of Black History Month, this is a cultural celebration of the African diaspora inclusive of dancing, music, spoken word and affirmations in afro-ritualistic traditions. The program enlightens and awakens the community by presenting world-renowned master teachers of African and Egyptian history, culture and religion. For more information, please call the West Las Vegas Arts Center at 702.229.4800.
Concert in the Park - Derek Dominique
- Saturday, Feb. 18, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Free and open to the public.
- Historic Westside Legacy Park, 1600 Mount Mariah Drive.
Composer/singer/songwriter Derek Dominique accidentally ended up in Las Vegas by way of Houston. He has released new music, made some intriguing videos, written poetic tracks for other musicians, represented Las Vegas in a Super Bowl commercial, and scored a 2021 film soundtrack on Netflix in 2021. Come to the free concert and become his next big fan.
VIP and Me Dance
- Friday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m.
- Cost: $20/couple plus $5 each additional child.
- East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave.
Children and their very important parent/person can dance the evening away. Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite ‘fancy’ outfits. The event includes dancing, light refreshments and a photo booth. Recommended for, but not restricted to, children ages 4-11 years old and their VIP.
7th Annual Generation 2 Generation Old School Ball Game
- Saturday, Feb. 25, at noon.
- Free and open to the public.
- Kianga Isolke Palacio Park ball field, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Come cheer on the youth of East Palo Alto Pitching as they take on a group of Westside adults in a fun-filled softball game. Hotdogs and refreshments will be served while supplies last. For more information, call 702.229.6125.
Read The Book!
- “The 1619 Project: A New American Origin Story” Workshop
- Saturday, Feb. 25, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Free and open to the public.
West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Participants are invited to read the book, “The 1619 Project: A New American Origin Story” by Nikole Hannah-Jones, prior to attending the workshop. For more information, please call the West Las Vegas Arts Center at 702.229.4800.
NEVADA STATE COLLEGE
The Heritage Center at Nevada State College will present its annual series of films, panel discussions, talks, and cultural events to celebrate Black History Month. All events in the series, which will take place throughout February, are free, and all are invited to attend and learn about the rich, complex history of Black Americans. Upcoming events include:
February 7 at 3:30 pm – Black History Month Kick-Off Event
- Topic: Literature That Lives
- Speaker: Walter Mason
- Location: Dawn Room 109
February 13 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm – Inroads Presentation
- Topic: Local and National Internships for African-American Students
- Presenter: Myisha Brown, Inroads Recruiter
- Location: Great Hall
February 14 at 3:30 pm – Black Church & Politics Round Table Discussion
- Presenters: Local Black Clergy
- Location: Dawson Room 109
February 20 at 3:30 pm – Early Black Films Festival
- Topic: Featuring groundbreakers Oscar Micheaux Drama’s Herb Jeffries Early Westerns Film Discussion
- Speaker: Dr. Peter La Chapelle, Nevada State College assistant history professor
- Location: Dawson Room 109
February 23 at 6pm – Gospel Fest
- Topic: Local Churches Perform traditional and new gospel songs
CLARK COUNTY
Black History Month Festival
- Springs Preserve
- Feb. 18
- 10 am-4 pm
District D special events
More county events here
DISCOVERY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Click here for list of events
CLARK COUNTY LIBRARY EVENTS
Click here for list of events
THE NEON MUSEUM
Click here for list of events