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Black Creatives & Performing Art Events in Arlington Heights, IL

Immerse yourself in Black Creatives & Performing Art Events in Arlington Heights, IL showcasing cultural artistic traditions. These events feature performances, exhibitions, and creative expressions that honor Black heritage while bringing innovative artistic perspectives to the community.
Black History Future Folk Symposium: Dunham & the Diaspora
Black History Future Folk Symposium: Dunham & the Diaspora
A FREE 2-day Chicago symposium celebrating Katherine Dunham & the Diaspora through a keynote address, performances, panels & workshops!! Old Town School of Folk Music is hosting its 3rd annual Black History Future Folk Symposium. Produced by our Community Ventures Department, each year this symposium draws inspiration from the definition of folk music provided by Folk Alliance International: “Folk is the music of the people, reflective of any community where they are from.” The theme for 2026 is Katherine Dunham and the African Diaspora. Focusing on the prolific Chicago legacy of Katherine Dunham, this free two-day Symposium will invite participants of all ages to participate in open, accessible, and rigorous discussions about the intersections of Black history, liberated futures, and folk practices. Through presentations, panel discussions, participatory workshops, and performances, 2026’s Symposium will cultivate fertile ground for deep theoretical and embodied understandings of afro-diasporic dance and music. SCHEDULE Friday, April 17, 2026 • 6:00 - 8:30 PM 📍 Old Town School Lincoln Square Campus – Myron R. Szold Concert Hall | 4545 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 6:00–7:15 PM • Opening Keynote Speaker: Heather Beal 7:30–8:30 PM • Dunham from Haiti to New Orleans Opening Performance: Featuring Tamboula & the Windy City Ramblers with choreography by Stacy “Jukeboxx” Letrice & Daniel Desir

Friday, 17, 18.00 - Friday, 17, 20.30 Chicago, IL _$25

Lit Fest
Lit Fest
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Gary Comer Youth Center is hosting Lit Fest: Celebrating the Power of Black Literacy & Liberation — a Black History Month celebration exploring the many forms of literacy that shape our lives today and reimagining it as more than just words on a page. Through immersive workshops, performances, and conversations, Lit Fest explores literacy as a pathway to self-expression, wellness, financial empowerment, digital fluency, and cultural preservation. The event will feature keynote discussions, performances, interactive workshops, author talks, and family-friendly activities designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Saturday, 28, 10.00 - Saturday, 28, 16.00 Chicago, IL _$25

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Black Love Paint & Sip — Inspired by New Edition
Black Love Paint & Sip — Inspired by New Edition
In honor of Black History Month, come out and paint to the sounds of the r& b legends New Edition, BBD, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill & Boyz2Men!! This guided experience is designed for couples, friends, and solo guests who appreciate good music, good energy, and intentional vibes. This is a "Chicago Curated Experience" where music sets the mood and painting brings everyone together. What’s Included All paint supplies Light Bites (While supplies last) Complimentary Wine tasting New Edition + classic R&B playlist Black Love–inspired atmosphere BYOB BYOB is welcomed 🎟️ Ticket Options $110 – Couples Ticket + Food and Wine Tasting for 2 $60 – Solo Ticket + Food and Wine Tasting for 1 $35 - Painting Experience Only for 1 (Tax and Fees applied at check out) Who This Event Is For Couples looking to relax & reconnect. Friends & besties. Solo guests who enjoy art, R&B, and grown vibes. All are welcome. Come as you are. 📍 Location Art Center of Englewood 748 W 69th St Chicago, IL Event Flow (Suggested – adjust if needed) Doors Open: 15 minutes before start time Painting begins shortly after arrival Music, sipping, and vibes throughout the evening Additional Info No refunds (all sales are final) This is a 21+ event Seating is limited Arrive on time to get the full experience Hosted By LEE |Lela Eventiful Experience Perfect for Valentine’s vibes, Black History Month celebrations, and anyone who loves R&B, art, and good energy.

Sunday, 22, 17.00 - Sunday, 22, 19.00 Chicago, IL _$25

Latest Events

Black History Future Folk Symposium: Dunham & the Diaspora
Black History Future Folk Symposium: Dunham & the Diaspora
A FREE 2-day Chicago symposium celebrating Katherine Dunham & the Diaspora through a keynote address, performances, panels & workshops!! Old Town School of Folk Music is hosting its 3rd annual Black History Future Folk Symposium. Produced by our Community Ventures Department, each year this symposium draws inspiration from the definition of folk music provided by Folk Alliance International: “Folk is the music of the people, reflective of any community where they are from.” The theme for 2026 is Katherine Dunham and the African Diaspora. Focusing on the prolific Chicago legacy of Katherine Dunham, this free two-day Symposium will invite participants of all ages to participate in open, accessible, and rigorous discussions about the intersections of Black history, liberated futures, and folk practices. Through presentations, panel discussions, participatory workshops, and performances, 2026’s Symposium will cultivate fertile ground for deep theoretical and embodied understandings of afro-diasporic dance and music. SCHEDULE Friday, April 17, 2026 • 6:00 - 8:30 PM 📍 Old Town School Lincoln Square Campus – Myron R. Szold Concert Hall | 4545 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625 6:00–7:15 PM • Opening Keynote Speaker: Heather Beal 7:30–8:30 PM • Dunham from Haiti to New Orleans Opening Performance: Featuring Tamboula & the Windy City Ramblers with choreography by Stacy “Jukeboxx” Letrice & Daniel Desir

Sunday, 22, 17.00 - Sunday, 22, 19.00 Chicago, IL 0.00

Lit Fest
Lit Fest
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Gary Comer Youth Center is hosting Lit Fest: Celebrating the Power of Black Literacy & Liberation — a Black History Month celebration exploring the many forms of literacy that shape our lives today and reimagining it as more than just words on a page. Through immersive workshops, performances, and conversations, Lit Fest explores literacy as a pathway to self-expression, wellness, financial empowerment, digital fluency, and cultural preservation. The event will feature keynote discussions, performances, interactive workshops, author talks, and family-friendly activities designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Sunday, 22, 17.00 - Sunday, 22, 19.00 Chicago, IL 0.00

Black Love Paint & Sip — Inspired by New Edition
Black Love Paint & Sip — Inspired by New Edition
In honor of Black History Month, come out and paint to the sounds of the r& b legends New Edition, BBD, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill & Boyz2Men!! This guided experience is designed for couples, friends, and solo guests who appreciate good music, good energy, and intentional vibes. This is a "Chicago Curated Experience" where music sets the mood and painting brings everyone together. What’s Included All paint supplies Light Bites (While supplies last) Complimentary Wine tasting New Edition + classic R&B playlist Black Love–inspired atmosphere BYOB BYOB is welcomed 🎟️ Ticket Options $110 – Couples Ticket + Food and Wine Tasting for 2 $60 – Solo Ticket + Food and Wine Tasting for 1 $35 - Painting Experience Only for 1 (Tax and Fees applied at check out) Who This Event Is For Couples looking to relax & reconnect. Friends & besties. Solo guests who enjoy art, R&B, and grown vibes. All are welcome. Come as you are. 📍 Location Art Center of Englewood 748 W 69th St Chicago, IL Event Flow (Suggested – adjust if needed) Doors Open: 15 minutes before start time Painting begins shortly after arrival Music, sipping, and vibes throughout the evening Additional Info No refunds (all sales are final) This is a 21+ event Seating is limited Arrive on time to get the full experience Hosted By LEE |Lela Eventiful Experience Perfect for Valentine’s vibes, Black History Month celebrations, and anyone who loves R&B, art, and good energy.

Sunday, 22, 17.00 - Sunday, 22, 19.00 Chicago, IL 119.22

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