ARKANSAS CITY, Ark. — Black History Month is almost here, and communities across Arkansas are planning to mark the month with celebrations, art installations, engaging conversations, documentary screenings, and more.

Here’s a look at what’s going on in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley during February. 

Wednesday Over Waters: 4th Annual Black History Month 

• When: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 
• Where: Crystal Bridges, Great Hall
• More info: The first WOW event of 2026 will feature several speakers, including Southern Chef Steven Brooks, Grammy award-winning musician Boo Mitchell, Music Education Initiative nonprofit founder and leader Orson Weems, Her Set Her Sound found and cultural producer Robyn Jordan, and news producer and host Jaclyn House. Tickets are $120 ($115 for members). 

Second Saturday: Black History Month

• When: Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Where: Crystal Bridges, campus-wide
• More info: Create a Scratch Board Portrait inspired by Elizabeth Catlett’s Sharecropper, explore the recently opened Visions of America galleries where We the People by Nari Ward is on display, and join a gallery talk at 11:30 a.m. for a deep dive into Ward’s artwork. Another gallery talk will follow at 1 p.m. featuring AnReckez Daniels and Naudia Walton from the University of Arkansas Multicultural Center. Free, no registration required. 

Langston Hughes Art Song Recital

• When: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 
• Where: Christian Life Cathedral Chapel
• More info: Lenora Green-Turner, teaching professor of music at the University of Arkansas, and Jarvis Young, assistant professor of African American literature, will host a lecture about poet Langston Hughes’ life, mission, and partnerships with composers. They will be joined by alumni, students, and guests pianists. General admission is $15.

African American Family History Research Strategies

• When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m. – noon
• Where: Fayetteville Public Library, Walker Community Room
• More info: Family historian will share strategies, practical tools, and culturally specific research methods to trace African American ancestry, which typically presents challenges with gaps in historical records. 

University of Arkansas celebrates Arkansas native and musician Florence Price

• When: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Where: Fayetteville Public Library, Walker Community Room
• More info: The University of Arkansas Libraries Special Collections Division and the U of A Department of Music will celebrate the life and legacy of Florence Price in a production called “Resonant Voices – Music by Florence Price.” Price was an Arkansas native and the first African American composer to have her work performed by a major orchestra. 

“Silas Hunt: A Documentary” – Screening & Discussion

• When: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Where: Fayetteville Public Library, Walker Community Room
• More info: The special screening of “Silas Hunt: A Documentary” will be followed by a discussion with assistant producer Brian Petty. The documentary follows Hunt’s life and details his childhood, time in the military, and his experience becoming the first African American student admitted to the University of Arkansas Law School. 

Black-Owned Northwest Arkansas Business Expo

• When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Where: Fayetteville Town Center
• More info: The semi-annual Black-Owned NWA Business Expo will return to the town center to showcase a wide range of Black businesses, events, and resources. 

Black History: Reclaiming Our Roots with Rooted Movement Collective

• When: Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 
• Where: Fort Smith Public Library, main branch
• More info: Rooted Movement Collective — a touring dance group that celebrates African American dance forms, culture, and history — will perform an interactive show that every age can enjoy. 

Black History in the Making

• When: Thursday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
• Where: The Bakery District, Collection Room
• More info: Free panel discussion featuring emerging community leaders of Fort Smith. 

Did we miss an event? Email us at KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com.