New York City hums with vibrant culture and gatherings for all ages this weekend. Whether you’re eager to roam or looking to slow down, the city keeps the choices coming. Lean into its restless spirit, and let it pull you in with these events.
Truth Be Told Black History is…
Date: Friday, February 14th
Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Location: 275 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (The Theater at City Tech)
Price: $25
The Theater at City Tech is set to host a stirring celebration of Black history and the bonds of family, inviting audiences to reflect on the past while looking ahead. A diverse cast, spanning multiple generations, will share personal narratives, engage in lighthearted competition, and pay tribute to ancestors whose legacies endure. The performance blends warmth and reflection, offering a space for both remembrance and the shaping of future aspirations. Designed to captivate attendees of all ages, the event aims to spark dialogue and inspire connection across communities. Those seeking an afternoon of storytelling and celebration will find it here.
Films at the Schomburg: Valentine’s Day Edition!
Date: Friday, February 14th
Time: 1:00 PM-8:30 PM
Location: 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10030 (Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture)
Price: Free
Film enthusiasts looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a touch of nostalgia can settle in for an afternoon-to-evening screening of three acclaimed movies at the Schomburg Center. The lineup begins at 1 p.m. with Mahogany (1975), a classic starring Diana Ross as an ambitious fashion designer whose meteoric rise clashes with her pursuit of happiness. At 5 p.m., The Photograph (2020) unfolds a layered romance led by Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield, exploring love across generations and the bonds that shape identity. Closing the day at 7 p.m., Five on the Black Hand Side (1974) delivers sharp humor and social commentary as a Black family navigates shifting power dynamics in their household. Each film offers a unique lens on love, resilience, and the pursuit of self-discovery—threads woven deeply into Black storytelling.
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 7:30 PM-11:30 PM
Location: 157 Saint Pauls Place, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Price: $65.87
A new theatrical production seeks to illuminate the depth and breadth of Black history, moving past the limiting lens of slavery to celebrate centuries of resilience and achievement. The narrative opens in pre-colonial Africa, centering on the wealth and influence of Emperor Mansa Musa, offering a vivid portrait of African excellence before European intervention. From there, the production confronts the violence of American slavery and the generational scars it left behind. It carries audiences through the Civil Rights Movement and into the present, reflecting on both progress and the struggles that remain. Music, dance, and bold visual storytelling intertwine, ensuring the journey is both emotionally stirring and unforgettable.
Discussion on “The Theater of Refusal: Black Art and Mainstream Criticism”
Date: Saturday, February 15th
Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Location: 22-25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 (Artbook @ MoMA PS1 Bookstore)
Price: Free
On Saturday, February 15, at 4 p.m. EST, artist Charles Gaines and scholar Huey Copeland will revisit The Theater of Refusal: Black Art and Mainstream Criticism in a public discussion reflecting on the exhibition’s legacy. Originally staged in 1993 at the University of California, Irvine, the groundbreaking show challenged how Black artists were framed by critics, positioning works across Conceptualism, assemblage, Fluxus, and photography alongside reviews that exposed the racial bias in art writing. The event will be streamed live through @artbookps1, offering remote access to the conversation. Copies of the exhibition publication are available at artbookstores.com. The dialogue aims to explore how the show’s confrontational spirit continues to resonate in today’s cultural landscape.
Tegereg Comedy Show – Black History Month Celebration
Date: Sunday, February 16th
Time: 6:15 PM-8:15 PM
Location: 77 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003 (Whiskey Cellar NYC)
Price: $7
The Tegereg Comedy Show at Whiskey Cellar NYC invites guests to a night of comedy and celebration in honor of Black History Month. Enjoy a curated lineup of talented comedians, blending humor and culture for a truly unforgettable evening. With a two-drink minimum and a first-come, first-served seating arrangement, attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot. This adult-friendly event, recommended for ages 18 and up, promises good vibes and laughter, but be advised that photos may be taken throughout the performance for promotional use.
We hope you enjoy this weekend’s events!