CALENDAR

The African Descent Society hosts several large and smaller events throughout the year.


African Descent History Month:

Black History happens everyday, but in the month of February, we celebrate and honour our pioneers, heroes and the trailblazers who forged the path forward for people of African descent and all of humanity. The African Descent Society BC hosts and partners with other organizations throughout Black History month many events, including walking tours, live performances, forums and discussions.

African Descent Festival:
This three-day festival showcases the best local, national and international African and African descent talent! Kicking off with the African Descent Music Conference, which takes industry players and mixes them with artists and promoters, this networking event is a must for those aspiring to make it and also to learn more.
The next two days are the heart of the festival: live music, workshops, food and artisans all gather to share and put their culture on display for all to enjoy.

Kwanza:
From December 26 January 1st, this festival is intended to honour African Descent Heritage, African-American culture, family and community. The African Descent Society hosts a live music week featuring local artists of all music genres, culminating in a celebration of the nguni saba, or seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Live Music:
Happening throughout the year, we pride ourselves in showcasing our local, up-and-coming talent, as well as well-known Canadian artists and global icons.

Calendar

See our upcoming African Descent Heritage Month Events! 

African Descent Heritage Month
Event Calendar 2026
Date Event Location Time
Feb 2, 2026 Black History Month – Joe Fortes Parks Board Recognition 2099 Beach Avenue 6:30 PM
Feb 9, 2026 Joe Fortes Black History Walking Tour The Joe Fortes Branch, 870 Denman Street 9:30 AM
Feb 17, 2026 Celebrating Black Canadian Women Pioneers (1800s–1972) Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, 25 East Hastings 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Feb 21, 2026 Celebrating Black Canadian Women Pioneers (1859–Present) 302 Columbia Street, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre 10:00 AM
Feb 22, 2026 African Fountain Chapel Heritage Celebration (1918–Present) Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C6 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Feb 23, 2026 Black History Awareness – UBC Black & African Students Partnership The Nest, UBC 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Feb 23, 2026 Drum Circle, Poetry & Storytelling – Black History Month West End Seniors Network, 1447 Barclay Street 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Feb 24, 2026 Total Education School Heritage Walking Tour Start: 209 Union Street 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Feb 24, 2026 Community Celebration Honouring Black Trailblazer Nalda Callender Venue To Be Announced 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Feb 25, 2026 Black History Month Community Celebration Salvation Army, 555 Homer Street 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Feb 26, 2026 Community Conversation & African Descent History Exhibition Secondary School Venue 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Feb 27, 2026 Black Canadian Artists Music Forum (Hip Hop & Rap) 268 Keefer Street, Second Floor 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Feb 28, 2026 Hogan’s Alley Heritage Walking Tour Start: 209 Union Street 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Feb 28, 2026 Afro Night Gala – African Descent Music History Celebration 1370 E Georgia St, Vancouver Evening