Events to Attend
Whether you're looking to honor Black History Month by learning some history, uplifting Black voices, celebrating Black joy, or all of the above, here are some events happening in February to put on your calendar.
Note: Want to add an event to the eXplore Lawrence leisure events calendar? Submit them for consideration here. More events will be added to this blog throughout the month - check back for updates!
BLACK Lawrence Open Mic Night
10th and Mass Studios | February 6
The Black Literature & Arts Collective of Kansas (BLACK Lawrence) hosts monthly open mic nights at the Lawrence Arts Center's 10th and Mass Studios. These events take place on the first Friday of every month, and February's event falls on Friday, February 6 at 7 PM. All skill levels and artistic mediums are welcome! Be sure to follow BLACK Lawrence on Facebook for updates.
The Mountaintop
Theatre Lawrence | February 1, 5-8
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19, Theatre Lawrence is putting on a performance of The Mountaintop by Katori Hall. Here's the synopsis:
On the eve of his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is visited by a mysterious stranger in this powerful reimagining of his final night. Set in a storm-lashed room at the Lorraine Motel, The Mountaintop is an intimate, poetic exploration of legacy, mortality, and the man behind the movement. A gripping and deeply human portrait of a legend at the crossroads of history.
Theatre Lawrence always puts on a terrific showing, so this one's not to be missed. It's a great way to begin the celebration of Black History Month.
Bob Marley Birthday Jamdown
The Bottleneck | February 6
If you're looking for some dancing and great music, look no further than the Bob Marley Birthday Jamdown at The Bottleneck on Friday, February 6, starting at 8 PM. This annual tribute show will feature Ras Neville & The Kingstonians (pictured above), Page 7, and International House of Dub DJs.
Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart
Lawrence Public Library Online Event | February 12
Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart’s book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. These women, in secrecy and subterfuge, courageously and devotedly continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions. The Lawrence Public Library is putting on a virtual event with the author. Join to take part in the magic and celebrate the legacy of America’s founding Black women. Register for free today!
Black History: A Kansas Legacy | A Heart to Heart with Kevin Wilmott
Carnegie Building | February 12
This Black History Month, the Lawrence Juneteenth organization is putting on a gala fundraiser to support the event. Join us for an inspiring evening of conversation, culture, and live music celebrating the rich Black History in Kansas. Connect with Academy Award-winning filmmaker and Kansas native Kevin Wilmott and gain powerful insights into the legacy of Black history in the heart of America. Tickets for this gala fundraiser can be purchased here.
Kings Return
Lied Center of Kansas | February 17
The dynamic acapella quartet Kings Return are visiting the Lied Center of Kansas this February 17 at 7:30 PM in the main auditorium. Their sound has earned comparisons to iconic acts like Take 6 and Boyz II Men. But what sets Kings Return apart is their seamless integration of a wide range of genres and styles. Drawn to the flexibility of a cappella music, they take full advantage of the genre-mixing aspects of the tradition. Their brand of R&B is entwined with free moments of jazz, soulful bursts of gospel and bright touches of pop—all built on a solid, classical foundation. Theirs is the kind of talent that makes virtuosic performance look (and sound) like sublime, effortless playtime, defying the constraints of any single genre to explore a myriad of sonic shades and textures. There are still tickets left for this amazing performance, so get yours while you can!
For the Kids - Black History Month Dance Workshop
Lawrence Public Library | Ages 5-11 | February 22
Join us at the library for an hour of dance fun and exploration with KU's Director of Dance, Maya Tillman-Rayton!
Historic Sites to Visit
Grover Barn
The Grover Barn at 2819 Stone Barn Terrace is a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. It played a significant role in the Underground Railroad in pre-Civil War era Kansas. Today, this well-preserved historic site hosts three informational kiosks at the barn that tell of its Underground Railroad history, the Grover Family, and the history of the barn after the Grovers. If you can't visit in person, learn more about the history here.
Saint Luke AME Church & Langston Hughes
The Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church at 900 New York St was built in 1910 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been an important part of Black history here in Lawrence since it was founded. Langston Hughes, one of the most notable writers of the twentieth century, attended the church when he lived in Lawrence during his youth. Hughes wrote about his experiences at the church and the isolation and racism he experienced growing up in a racially segregated Lawrence in his autobiography The Big Sea, released in 1940, as well as in Not Without Laughter, his 1930 novel portraying life in Kansas for Black Americans in 1910.
Learn more about Langston Hughes at the Historical Marker "Not Without Lawrence" located on the Burroughs Creek Trail between 11th and 13th streets. If you are interested in attending a service at Saint Luke AME, please visit their website.
Museums & Education
Watkins Museum of History
The Watkins Museum of History located at 1047 Massachusetts Street is dedicated to providing interesting and interactive exhibits that explore the heritage of Douglas County. The second floor of the museum features Territorial period and Civil War era artifacts. The exhibits continue with a look at the struggle of equality in the century between the end of Reconstruction and the civil rights movement of the 1960s. One of their current exhibitions, "In the Spotlight" focuses on Lawrence's George "Nash" Walker (pictured above). Featuring the research and personal collection of author Daniel Atkinson, this exhibit follows the career of Walker from Lawrence to the lights of Broadway. Walker and his partner, Bert Williams, performed a highly successful vaudeville act on Broadway and overseas, blazing a trail of opportunity for future Black actors and actresses. Plan your visit today!
From the Gary Davis Photo Collection
In addition to visiting the Watkins Museum, we highly recommend checking out their online exhibit, Embodying Connections: A New Look at the Gary Davis Photo Collection. The Gary Davis collection features photos of his ancestors and families that were part of the Black North Lawrence Community in the late 19th and 20th centuries. The Watkins is also hosting a Homeschool History class for kids ages 5-10 on February 27th called Counter Storytelling for Black History Month.
Raven Book Store
Support Black authors and your local independent bookstore with a trip to the Raven! For the month of February, you'll find works of all genres by Black authors on display in the front window and throughout the store. You can also check out their 2026 Black History Month collection online here.
John Lewis Waller was a survivor. When he had the opportunity, he flourished into a wise, empathetic leader in his local, national, and international communities. Born into slavery, John spent his first decade on a plantation in southeast Missouri....
