WISCONSIN — As Black History Month kicks off Feb. 1, entities across Wisconsin are hosting events to celebrate Black history and support local Black-owned businesses and artists. 

From cultural showcases to community gatherings, here’s a look at some events happening around the state.

Milwaukee area

Stars, Stories, & Rhythms of Africa
UW-Milwaukee Manfred Olson Planetarium, 1900 E Kenwood Boulevard, #139, Milwaukee
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 7 - 8 p.m.

Celebrate Black History month under the stars at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Manfred Olson Planetarium. With free admission, spectators can sit through the one-hour event comprising music, storytelling and stargazing.

Learn more, here.

Black History Month at Milwaukee Public Library
Various locations
All month

The Milwaukee Public Library is challenging students in grades K-12 to complete three challenges related to Black History Month. Once completed, students can enter their name into a raffle for a prize. Multiple entries are allowed.

Learn more, here.

Black History Month Kickoff
UW-Milwaukee Union Concourse, 2200 E. Kenwood Boulevard., Milwaukee
Saturday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Black History Month Kickoff at UW-Milwaukee is an event for people to come together and celebrate community. There will be vendors, crafts and food to enjoy.

Learn more, here.

Black History Month at the Milwaukee Public Museum
800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee
Feb. 15, 22 and March 1, 10 a.m. - noon and 1 - 3 p.m.  

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) offers an array of activities to enjoy throughout Black History Month.

On Feb. 15 and 22, and March 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., families with young children can stop by the Early Learning classrooms for activities and stories about Black History.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the above dates, America’s Black Holocaust Museum teamed up with MPM to offer tours highlighting African American History. Tours are 50 minutes long and span across three flours.

Learn more, here.

Madison area

In Conversation with Marissa Bode
UW Memorial Union-Shannon Hall, 800 Langdon Street, Madison
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m. 

Wisconsin native Marissa Bode made her silver debut as Nessarose in "Wicked." She's the first actress who is actually disable to take on the role. She'll be on UW-Madison's campus to talk about her own journey and experiences, as well as advocacy for disability representation. The moderated conversation will be followed by a Q&A. This event is free and open to the public. It will also be streamed online. 

Learn more, here

Black Men’s Health and Wealth Summit
Madison Area Techincal College, 1701 Wright Street, Madison
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m.

The second annual Black Men’s Health and Wealth Summit features prominent Black male speakers as they discuss how Black men can take care of their health, manage their wealth and grow economically. This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more, here.

Moonshine 2025
H’Doubler Performance Space, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Avenue, Madison
Friday, Feb. 28, 3:30 p.m.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison dance department will present “Moonshine,” a Black History Month celebration featuring live music, contemporary theater and dance performances. This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more, here.

Black Heritage Celebration
Madison Children’s Museum, 100 N. Hamilton Street, Madison
Thursday, Feb. 13, 5 - 8 p.m.

The Madison Children’s Museum honors Black community members with an event featuring Black artists, musicians and leaders. Free admission begins and 4 p.m. and no ticket is required.

Learn more, here

Green Bay area

Black History Month at UW-Green Bay
UW-Green Bay 2420 Nicolet Drive, Green Bay
Feb. 1 - March 1

Beginning Feb. 1, join UW-Green Bay students throughout Black History Month, at various events such as sporting events, Black history trivia, a masquerade ball, learning about Black history, a soul food dinner and more.

Learn more, here.

Afro Hair Fair
Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 Bluemound Drive, Appleton
Saturday, Feb. 15, 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The Afro Hair Fair looks to increase access to education on how to take care of 3a-4c hair types and promote hair equity. Workshops will start at noon, showing proper hair care techniques, hair styles and products for maintaining healthy hair. Kids ages 9-years-old and under receive free admission; general admission starts at $10. Food is provided.

Learn more, here.

Aly Prouty contributed to this report.