Join Black community events in California celebrating your cultural heritage. Find cultural festivals, professional networking events, religious celebrations, educational workshops, fundraisers, and social gatherings that bring the Black community together. Stay connected with events that honor your traditions and create meaningful connections.
Join us in celebration of the 12th annual Black History Month Closing Ceremony (2027), hosted by Malia Cohen and assorted guests!
The event date and time as stated here are not yet confirmed, and actual details will be shared as the event approaches. We intend to use this event page to capture interested attendees information and reach out directly via email!
Wednesday, 24, 17.00 -
Wednesday, 24, 21.00
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
FREE concert celebrating Afro Filipinx music roots and traditions only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Few artists have appeared at the Festival more frequently than flutist, percussionist and arranger John Calloway. Whether he’s leading his own band, performing in the sextet of longtime creative partner John Santos, or directing the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco, Calloway is a Bay Area icon who’s been at the center of the San Francisco Latin jazz scene for some five decades. But his latest and most personal project yet, the Afro-Filipino Jazz Project, takes his music in a new direction. Founded in 2022 as a creative, interactive space, the Project is intended to bring together Afro Filipinx, African American and Filipino American musicians to explore a broad range of musical styles, with a particular emphasis on jazz idioms, African American roots and traditional and folkloric Filipino music. It’s one component of the larger Afro-Filipino Project, a platform dedicated to highlighting and celebrating, individually and collectively, the art practices and artists of the African American and Filipino American communities whose contributions have profoundly shaped our nation's artistic narrative. For this performance the AFJP features bass star Marcus Shelby, inveterately grooving drummer Deszon Claiborne, Latin jazz piano specialist Murray Low, saxophonist TJ Milan, Conrad Benedicto on kulintang, vocalist and dancer Ting Alvarez and guest vocalist Anna Maria Flechero.
Saturday, 24, 14.00 -
Saturday, 24, 15.30
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
FREE show with the legendary Joe Bataan in San Francisco, only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Opening Set from MeloDious
Festival favorite Joe Bataan, a Latin music legend since the mid-1960s, returns to the Gardens for his third performance in the past four years. He made an indelible mark as one of the early stars of Fania Records with a seductive combination of doo-wop vocals and boogaloo, one of the era’s defining sounds. Born Bataan Nitollano to a Filipino father and African-American mother and raised in Spanish Harlem, he is the father of the Latin soul sound, crooning hits like “Gypsy Woman” and “Ordinary Guy.” But Bataan never stayed in one groove for long. He went on to expand his sound in the ’70s with his Ghetto Records releases, co-coining the apt moniker “salsoul,” though he adapted to changing currents at the end of the decade with forays into disco and hip-hop (scoring the early rap hit “Rap-O Clap-O” in 1979). Stepping back from performing in the early ‘80s, he largely disappeared from the scene while working as a youth counselor in detention facilities. It’s a dramatic story that he recounts with humor and searing detail in his 2024 memoir Streetology: The Legacy of the Afro-Filipino, King of Latin Soul. Since returning to music in 2005, he’s reclaimed his crown and is still going strong in his 80s, a fact made evident by his triumphant YBG Festival performances.
The last time MeloDious appeared at the Gardens the group was serving as house band for Cava Menzies’ glorious CO-LLAB choir in 2024. This year the rapidly ascending Oakland trio presents their own program of eclectic, soulful sounds. Grounded by keyboardist Micaiah, bassist Matthias and drummer Memphis Dempsey, MeloDious draws on a rich musical lineage that spans gospel, jazz, R&B and soul. Since forming in 2016, the band has captivated audiences with dynamic vocal harmonies, inventive arrangements and unmistakable creative chemistry. Their versatility and musicianship have led them to sharing stages with several Grammy Award-winning artists, solidifying their stature within the Bay Area’s vibrant musical ecosystem as stars on the rise.
Pre-show music from KALW DJ Marcus at 1pm.
In partnership with:
KALW
Museum of the African Diaspora
Saturday, 17, 14.00 -
Saturday, 17, 16.30
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
Get ready to celebrate unity and support the NAACP San Diego Branch at our 2026 Freedom Fund Dinner!
We are excited to announce our National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) San Diego Branch will host its annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Saturday, October 10, 2026, 5:30 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego – Mission Valley, located at 7450 Hazard Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92108. Our theme is “Celebrating 107 Years of Excellence: Honoring the Past & Shaping the Future.” We would greatly appreciate your support of this important event to help us carry out the mission of the NAACP to “ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most effective civil rights organization. Don't miss out on this special event - mark your calendars now!
Saturday, 10, 17.30 -
Saturday, 10, 21.00
San Diego,
CA
_$25
An original play in tribute to the 90's film but with an LGBTQ+ twist.
Cagedbirds Productions, LLC affirms black LGBTQIA+ stories on stage and in film. We're a small but mighty production company funded by a grant from the DC Arts and Humanities Commission. For more information, please follow us @CagedbirdsProductions.
After successful shows in Nashville, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago and DC, 'When Boys Exhale' comes to LA. This original, stage play is a tribute to 'Waiting to Exhale' and has been making audiences EXHALE since 2020. You don't want to miss this hilarious and thought-provoking celebration of black queer friendship .
Synopsis
Jonathan and Andre are best friends who have loved 'Waiting to Exhale' since they were kids. Now as black gay men, their appreciation for Terry McMillan’s classic deepens as their adult lives seem to mirror the situations of the women in the film they love so much. Just like Robin, Gloria, Bernadine, and Savannah, will they both learn to let go of everything holding them back or will they continue waiting to exhale?
Click here for a feature about the show
Click here for a review of a past show.
Click here to visit our website for more information.
Follow us @CagedbirdsProductions
Friday, 09, 19.00 -
Friday, 09, 22.00
Los Angeles,
CA
_$25
Join us for an extraordinary evening that pays homage to the brilliance and creativity of black women artists.
Black Girl Art Show is back in L.A. for our biggest celebration yet, supporting and showcasing the creativity of Black women artists. This event will feature 100+ talented Black women artists and bring together an unforgettable experience of art, culture, and magic with 4k+ attendees!
Expect powerful art displays, immersive installations, live performances, and special surprises as we celebrate Black girl magic in its finest form. Whether you’re an art lover, collector, or simply here to vibe, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
Interested in becoming an Exhibitor? Apply
Note: Children under 13 are granted free entry and must by fully supervised by an adult.
Sunday, 13, 15.00 -
Sunday, 13, 21.00
Los Angeles,
CA
_$25
We are celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week! Join us for a free gift bag pickup to celebrate Black, pregnant, and breastfeeding families.
Annual San Diego Black Breastfeeding Week 2026!
Come celebrate with us, a Breastfeeding "Swag Bag" pickup event to support breastfeeding among Black communities in San Diego.
Pick up location is O'Farrell Charter School 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114. Registered participants can drive through the parking lot to receive the gift bag (no contact necessary). If you would like to attend the event but do not have transportation, please tell your BIH, Healthy Start, or WIC contact; a limited number of bags will be reserved for clients without transportation. Dads - we have a special bag for you too!
Black Breastfeeding Week was created to bring awareness to the racial disparity in breastfeeding rates. All are welcome to join the celebration to learn more and provide support for Black breastfeeding families.
Special thanks to our partners and donors!
Saturday, 29, 11.00 -
Saturday, 29, 14.00
San Diego,
CA
_$25
Fillmore After Dark Presents a Special Hot August Nights Edition & Night Market celebrating soul, art and community.
Rooted in the legacy of the “Harlem of the West,” Fillmore After Dark transforms the neighborhood into a dynamic nighttime marketplace featuring Hot August Nights!
Where Summer Comes Alive on Fillmore.
Retail & artisan vendors offering handcrafted goods and unique products
Live music & entertainment highlighting Bay Area talent and cultural expression
Casino Gaming w/Roulette, Craps and Blackjack
Kids Zone with painting and activities for the whole family.
Bingo, with a cultural twist, celebrating the history and stories of the Fillmore and Western Addition, with the brick and mortars on the Fillmore corridor
Local food vendors & culinary experiences showcasing diverse and culturally inspired cuisine along the corridor
Community engagement spaces connecting residents, organizations and visitors
The historic Fillmore District will come alive after dark with the launch of a series of night markets throughout the year. Fillmore After Dark Night Markets brings a vibrant cultural experience, celebrating the rich legacy, flavor, and energy of the Fillmore.
Brought to San Francisco by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the Civic Joy Fund, Livable City, Citizen Film, and Burge LLC, these immersive events blend food, music, art, and community connection into an unforgettable evening experience.
The Fillmore Holiday Night Market has been a great success for four years running, and now we’re expanding the fun into a year-round series of events, kicking off with “Bingo & Bites” on May 22. Other 2026 Fillmore After Dark events will take place on August 21, October 31, and December 11.
For media inquiries, Sophie Constantinou
415-206-1880
Vendor opportunities,Tamara Walker
415-851-1752
Sponsorship information, please contact:Tamara Walker
About the Partners
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development supports economic vitality, workforce development, and neighborhood growth throughout San Francisco.
The Civic Joy Fund is a San Francisco-based nonprofit re-energizing public spaces across San Francisco by investing in and organizing projects that bring joy to the streets.
Livable City works to create vibrant, people-centered public spaces that foster community and connection.
Citizen Film is a storytelling nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying community voices through media and film.
Burge LLC specializes in producing culturally grounded events and experiences that celebrate community, creativity, and connection.
Friday, 14, 16.00 -
Friday, 14, 21.00
San Francisco,
CA
_$25
Welcome mothers & children of the Diaspora for cultural lessons, fun activities, and holistic practices. Join us to reflect and reconnect
Join us for a sacred "soft space" dedicated to the wellness and reconnection of mothers and children of the Diaspora. This gathering is designed to bridge the gap between ancestral tradition and modern family life through play, culture, and community support.
While the children engage in vibrant cultural lessons and group activities, mothers will transition into an intimate Sister Circle to share wisdom and find collective rest. We conclude our time together as one family, grounding ourselves through meditation and a communal meal.
ALL FAMILIES ARE WELCOME. Enjoy a complimentary dinner and access to our Community Food Pantry to support your household.
What to Expect
For the Children: Fun group activities, interactive African cultural lessons, and physical grounding exercises.
For the Mothers: A dedicated Sister Circle for transparent discussion and spiritual support.
For the Family: Collective meditation, communal eating, and access to essential resources.
Schedule at a Glance
Grounding & Movement: Centering our energy as a community.
Breakout Sessions: Cultural lessons for youth / Sister Circle for moms.
Communal Feast: Shared dinner and fellowship.
Resource Exchange: Open access to the Community Food Pantry.
Saturday, 01, 17.00 -
Saturday, 01, 19.00
San Diego,
CA
_$25
Join us in celebration of the 12th annual Black History Month Closing Ceremony (2027), hosted by Malia Cohen and assorted guests!
The event date and time as stated here are not yet confirmed, and actual details will be shared as the event approaches. We intend to use this event page to capture interested attendees information and reach out directly via email!
Saturday, 01, 17.00 - Saturday, 01, 19.00
San Francisco, CA
0.00
FREE concert celebrating Afro Filipinx music roots and traditions only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Few artists have appeared at the Festival more frequently than flutist, percussionist and arranger John Calloway. Whether he’s leading his own band, performing in the sextet of longtime creative partner John Santos, or directing the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco, Calloway is a Bay Area icon who’s been at the center of the San Francisco Latin jazz scene for some five decades. But his latest and most personal project yet, the Afro-Filipino Jazz Project, takes his music in a new direction. Founded in 2022 as a creative, interactive space, the Project is intended to bring together Afro Filipinx, African American and Filipino American musicians to explore a broad range of musical styles, with a particular emphasis on jazz idioms, African American roots and traditional and folkloric Filipino music. It’s one component of the larger Afro-Filipino Project, a platform dedicated to highlighting and celebrating, individually and collectively, the art practices and artists of the African American and Filipino American communities whose contributions have profoundly shaped our nation's artistic narrative. For this performance the AFJP features bass star Marcus Shelby, inveterately grooving drummer Deszon Claiborne, Latin jazz piano specialist Murray Low, saxophonist TJ Milan, Conrad Benedicto on kulintang, vocalist and dancer Ting Alvarez and guest vocalist Anna Maria Flechero.
Saturday, 01, 17.00 - Saturday, 01, 19.00
San Francisco, CA
0.00
FREE show with the legendary Joe Bataan in San Francisco, only at Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Opening Set from MeloDious
Festival favorite Joe Bataan, a Latin music legend since the mid-1960s, returns to the Gardens for his third performance in the past four years. He made an indelible mark as one of the early stars of Fania Records with a seductive combination of doo-wop vocals and boogaloo, one of the era’s defining sounds. Born Bataan Nitollano to a Filipino father and African-American mother and raised in Spanish Harlem, he is the father of the Latin soul sound, crooning hits like “Gypsy Woman” and “Ordinary Guy.” But Bataan never stayed in one groove for long. He went on to expand his sound in the ’70s with his Ghetto Records releases, co-coining the apt moniker “salsoul,” though he adapted to changing currents at the end of the decade with forays into disco and hip-hop (scoring the early rap hit “Rap-O Clap-O” in 1979). Stepping back from performing in the early ‘80s, he largely disappeared from the scene while working as a youth counselor in detention facilities. It’s a dramatic story that he recounts with humor and searing detail in his 2024 memoir Streetology: The Legacy of the Afro-Filipino, King of Latin Soul. Since returning to music in 2005, he’s reclaimed his crown and is still going strong in his 80s, a fact made evident by his triumphant YBG Festival performances.
The last time MeloDious appeared at the Gardens the group was serving as house band for Cava Menzies’ glorious CO-LLAB choir in 2024. This year the rapidly ascending Oakland trio presents their own program of eclectic, soulful sounds. Grounded by keyboardist Micaiah, bassist Matthias and drummer Memphis Dempsey, MeloDious draws on a rich musical lineage that spans gospel, jazz, R&B and soul. Since forming in 2016, the band has captivated audiences with dynamic vocal harmonies, inventive arrangements and unmistakable creative chemistry. Their versatility and musicianship have led them to sharing stages with several Grammy Award-winning artists, solidifying their stature within the Bay Area’s vibrant musical ecosystem as stars on the rise.
Pre-show music from KALW DJ Marcus at 1pm.
In partnership with:
KALW
Museum of the African Diaspora
Saturday, 01, 17.00 - Saturday, 01, 19.00
San Francisco, CA
0.00
Situated at Chapman University's Fowler School of Law in Orange, CA, the Black Law Student Association represents a thriving community of law students united by shared values and a commitment to supporting one another throughout their legal education journey. This student-led organization embodies Chapman University's mission of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where diverse voices are heard and celebrated. The association serves the Chapman University community in Orange, California by creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, cultural awareness, and professional development among law students. Members of the Black Law Student Association benefit from a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of law school together. The organization plays an important role in enriching the student experience at Chapman's Fowler School of Law, located in Orange, by promoting academic achievement, professional networking, and community involvement. Through its various programs and activities, the association helps students build lasting relationships and develop the interpersonal skills necessary for success in the legal profession. As part of the broader Chapman University network, the Black Law Student Association connects students with alumni, faculty mentors, and community partners, creating a comprehensive support system that extends beyond the classroom and into the professional legal community.
Based at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA, the Black Law Students Association represents an essential community within the law school, dedicated to supporting Black students as they pursue their legal education and professional aspirations. This student-led organization recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives that Black law students bring to the legal profession, creating a supportive network that fosters belonging and mutual growth. Members of the association benefit from peer mentorship, professional development opportunities, and connections with legal practitioners and leaders who share their commitment to justice and equity. The association's work complements Santa Clara Law's institutional values, which emphasize developing lawyers who excel with integrity and passion for justice. By bringing together students with shared experiences and goals, the organization builds community while addressing the distinctive challenges and opportunities that Black students encounter in legal education. The association provides a space for dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration on issues affecting their communities and the legal profession. Through events, professional networking, and support systems, the SCU Black Law Students Association empowers members to thrive academically and professionally. The organization embodies Santa Clara University's broader commitment to inclusive education and social justice, recognizing that diverse perspectives strengthen the legal profession and enhance its capacity to serve all communities equitably and effectively.
The Black Law Students Association at the University of San Diego represents a meaningful community of students committed to supporting one another and advancing diversity within the legal profession. Located in San Diego, CA, this student organization embodies the university's core values of compassion, ethics, and leadership development through its inclusive and welcoming approach to legal education.
At its heart, the USD Black Law Students Association creates a safe and empowering space where Black law students can build lasting friendships, share experiences, and celebrate their identities as future legal professionals. The organization recognizes that community and connection are essential components of a fulfilling law school experience, particularly for students navigating the legal field from underrepresented backgrounds.
Serving the San Diego community and the broader legal profession, the association is dedicated to fostering mentorship relationships between students and established attorneys. These connections help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world legal practice, while also promoting visibility and representation in the legal community.
The organization's commitment extends beyond individual member support to include advocacy for systemic change within legal education and the profession. By promoting dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion, the USD Black Law Students Association contributes to the University of San Diego's mission of preparing compassionate leaders who are committed to ethical practice and social justice.
Through collaborative programming, community service, and mutual support, members of the Black Law Students Association in San Diego develop not only as legal scholars but also as advocates for positive change within their profession and communities.
San Diego,
CA
California's Pacific coastline runs for hundreds of miles where coastal mountains meet the sea — rugged headlands, turquoise coves, and sea stacks along the route from Big Sur and the Central Coast to beaches north and south.
