Town of Cary Black History Month Events Guide 2026
Food, Music, Film, Art & Community Programs All Month Long
Cary is going big for Black History Month 2026 with a month-long lineup of live music, educational performances, film screenings, art exhibits, cooking demos, youth leadership programming, and community gatherings—hosted across the Cary Arts Center, Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Downtown Cary Park, and The Cary Theater.
If you’re looking for meaningful ways to celebrate, learn, and connect—this guide has you covered.
Highlights to Bookmark
Live music + legends (Jazz, R&B, Funk) Food + culture (Cooking demo with soulful, healthier twists) Film + conversation (Classic cinema, documentaries, and a featured guest talk) Art + exhibitions (Free gallery shows + hands-on activities) Youth leadership (A summit for ages 8–18)
Events at Cary Arts Center
A Night of Jazz, R&B and Funk with Chip Shearin
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Cary Arts Center | 101 Dry Avenue, Cary
$35–$40
Celebrate Black History Month with a powerful night of live music led by a genre-spanning bassist whose career connects hip-hop history, legendary touring, and major cultural institutions.
The Willie Hinton Collection — RISE: The Story of Love and Resilience
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Cary Arts Center | 101 Dry Avenue, Cary
$14–$20
An interactive, educational multimedia performance blending dance, theater, and music—exploring resilience, mental health, spiritual well-being, and self-care through the power of the arts.
Youth Advocacy Summit (Ages 8–18)
Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cary Arts Center | 101 Dry Avenue, Cary
FREE (Registration Required)
Calling young changemakers: hands-on workshops, panels, and activities focused on storytelling for social impact, civic engagement, collaboration, and community care.
Events at Page-Walker Arts & History Center
Christopher Evans: “Within the Light—Finding the Balance”
January 7 – March 7, 2026
Page-Walker Arts & History Center | 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary
FREE
A personal, emotionally driven exhibition by a North Carolina native—artwork rooted in childhood, culture, and community, encouraging viewers to experience freely and feel deeply.
Events at Downtown Cary Park
Cooking Demo: SoulFULL Celebrations (with Chef Amelia Irene)
Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Downtown Cary Park | 327 S Academy Street, Cary (Academy Pavilion)
FREE (Registration Required)
A nostalgic, joy-filled cooking demo featuring a signature mocktail, dips, and updated 70’s party classics—plus a conversation on food, tradition, and memory.
The Future of Black History: “The Brilliance of Resilience”
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Downtown Cary Park | 327 S Academy Street, Cary (Academy Pavilion)
FREE
A powerful afternoon of reflection and inspiration featuring keynote speaker Yohuru Williams, exploring resilience, legacy, and the living future of Black history.
Art Cart Inspired by Black History
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Downtown Cary Park | 327 S Academy Street, Cary (Academy Pavilion)
FREE
Drop in for free crafts and creativity—great for kids and families, with supplies provided and plenty of room to make something meaningful.
Game Night with Black and Nerdy Gamers (BANG)
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Downtown Cary Park | 327 S Academy Street, Cary (Academy Pavilion)
FREE
Trivia, music bingo, and nerdy favorites—celebrating Black culture with a fun, community-first vibe.
Events at The Cary Theater
A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM
The Cary Theater | 122 E Chatham Street, Cary
$8.53
A landmark drama following the Younger family as they navigate grief, opportunity, and conflicting visions of the American Dream—starring Sidney Poitier.
The Color Purple (1985)
Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM
The Cary Theater | 122 E Chatham Street, Cary
$8.53
An epic story of survival and transformation starring Whoopi Goldberg, based on the novel by The Color Purple.
Mornings with the Arts Film Series — Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11:00 AM
The Cary Theater | 122 E Chatham Street, Cary
$8.53
A moving documentary on the life and legacy of Bill Traylor, whose work emerged late in life and captured memory, change, and community.
Art Class Inspired by Bill Traylor
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 1:00 PM
The Cary Theater | 122 E Chatham Street, Cary
$13.99
Study Traylor’s visual storytelling style, then create your own cardboard painting. Materials provided.
A Conversation & Book Signing with Mark Curry
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 3:00 PM
The Cary Theater | 122 E Chatham Street, Cary
$16.78
An unfiltered talk on music industry realities, memoir, and life during the golden era of Bad Boy Records, including reflections tied to documentary work with Netflix.
Double-check before you head out
Event details can change—especially registration requirements, capacity limits, or start times. Confirm the latest info on the Town of Cary’s event pages and venue listings before leaving home.
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