9 Black History Month events happening in and around Greater Victoria

February is Black History Month, and Greater Victoria has a full lineup of events that celebrate Black history, culture, and community across the city. 

From museum exhibits spotlighting Black pioneers on the Saanich Peninsula to live music, poetry, guided history tours, and community gatherings, there are plenty of ways to learn, connect, and show support this month. 

Whether you’re looking to explore local history or attend a powerful cultural event, there’s plenty of events to explore.

Here are 9 Black History Month events happening in and around Greater Victoria: 

Black Pioneers on the Saanich Peninsula

From February 1st to 28th, the Sidney Museum will feature a special exhibit highlighting  the history of Black pioneers on the Saanich Peninsula who migrated from San Francisco in 1858. 

Created in partnership with the BC Black History Awareness Society, visitors will get a glimpse into the Clantons family’s life in Sidney during the 20th century, where they raised eight children, played active roles in local organizations, and regularly participated in community gatherings.

Don’t miss the chance to explore this important chapter of the Saanich Peninsula’s history!

Admission to the museum is by donation.

• Where: The Sidney Museum, 2423 Beacon Avenue 
• When: February 1st to 28th – times vary

1858: Black Routes, Black Roots

Explore the journey of early Black immigration to BC at the Maritime Museum of BC!

This story begins in San Francisco with the formation of the “Pioneer Committee,” taking you through their journey via the steamship Commodore to arrive on Vancouver Island in 1858, as well as other early Black immigrants.

Don’t miss a deep dive into the exhibit on February 21st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with writer and researcher Madison Bridal about her experience learning and sharing about the “Pioneer Committee” and their journey to Canada aboard the Commodore. 

Then, hear from Barbra Hudlin, a descendent of these early Black immigrants and her family’s history on Vancouver Island.

• Where: Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street
• When: Until April 26th – times vary

Black History & Heritage Day at Royal BC Museum

There will be an opportunity to meet and talk with direct descendants of the Black pioneers who migrated to the Saanich Peninsula from San Francisco in 1858.

Learn about their stories and family history and meet local organizations that are dedicated to the preservation of historical records related to Black history in BC while browsing the nine exhibits. 

This is a drop-in event!

• Where: Royal BC Museum – Conference Centre, 675 Belleville Street
• When: Saturday, February 7th – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

MY BLACK HISTORY IS POETRY, IS JAZZ

An evening filled with poetry, Afro-diasporic music, and history.

Nick Pecks plays jazz piano as Vancouver Island University professor Sonnet L’Abbé tells their story of Black expression, performing both covers and their own work.

This is a free event!

• Where: Phillip T. Young Recital Hall (UVic), 3800 Finnerty Road
• When: Tuesday, February 10th – 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Black History Month 2026 Appreciation Tea

The Appreciation Tea highlights people in our community who do so much to uphold culture, share history and raise the next generation. 

Bring anyone you want to show appreciation to and have the opportunity to share stories and highlight the amazing people in our lives. 

Everyone is welcome! Get your tickets here for $22.63.

• Where: Pacific Opera Victoria & Baumann Centre, 925 Balmoral Road
• When: Saturday, February 14th – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate Music and Words: Ebony Roots

Ebony Roots is a concert celebration of African-descent and Black music, featuring 300-year-old spirituals to Motown and everything in between. 

It showcases a journey through Black music representing the evolving emancipation of the African-descent community from the North American perspective. 

This powerful and intimate musical experience features prison and work songs, passionate spirituals, iconic songs from the stage, to the emergence of Black Soul, R&B, Blues, and Motown.

Tickets are $45—grab yours here!

• Where: KWENCH Work and Culture Club, 2031 Store Street
• When: Sunday, February 15th – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Black Hair Salon: The Story of Our Crowns

Hair has always carried meaning. For Black women, it holds memory, resistance, care, grief, creativity, and pride. 

The Story of Our Crowns brings together Black women with diverse histories, lived experiences, and expertise to explore the complex and deeply personal relationship they have with their hair. 

The evening includes light snacks and drinks. Tickets are $25—get yours here!

• Where: Royal BC Museum – Conference Hall, 675 Belleville Street
• When: Friday, February 20th – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Ross Bay Cemetery Tour

Did you know there are more than 50 Black Pioneers and/or their descendants at Ross Bay Cemetery?

Don’t miss this guided tour of their graves and others who were influential in the migration of Black settlers to the British Colony. 

In the last couple of years, several graves have been restored through the work of our Society; and Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corp member gravesites have been restored by the Last Post Fund. 

Tickets are available at the cemetery for $5 per person.

• Where: Ross Bay Cemetery, 1495 Fairfield Road
• When: Sunday, February 22nd – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Keynote Speaker Event – Junie Desil

The BC Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) Keynote Speaker event is back! 

Join the BCBHAS for an evening with author Junie Désil, host Wayde Compton and music by Caleb Hart.

Junie Désil is of Haitian ancestry, whose work has appeared in Room Magazine, PRISM International, The Capilano Review, and CV2. 

 She is current a UVic MFA student, Junie’s debut book of poetry eat salt | gaze at the ocean (Talon Books, 2020) was short-listed for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize. Her second collection allostatic load (Talon Books) came out April 2025. 

This is a free event—reserve your spot here!

• Where: Pacific Opera Victoria & Baumann Centre, 925 Balmoral Road
• When: Sunday, February 27th – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Have an event that should be added to this list? Email us at info@victoriabuzz.com or comment below to let our readers know.