From New York City to Buffalo, the Empire State is packed with rich Black art and culture. Witness riveting performances from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, explore Black-owned art galleries, or take a walking tour through Jackie Robinson’s Harlem. Whether you prefer a beautiful art museum or a lively festival, here are some great places to celebrate, honor, and commemorate Black art and culture throughout the state. 

Originally published 02/16/2024 | Updated 02/04/2025

JUMP TO: Art, Museums, and Exhibits | Performing Arts | Annual Celebrations | Tours

Art, Museums, and Exhibits

Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (New York City)

Art, music, and cultural icons placed on a white wall of a hallwayCredit: @lorie.caval on Instagram

Explore and honor the contributions of the global African Diaspora through vibrant art exhibitions, exciting performances, and educational programs at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) in Harlem. Be sure to check out the ever-rotating lineup of engaging exhibitions, including two digital exhibits, “The Abyss of the Ocean” and “The Color of Power." Plus, the program calendar is always filled with exciting events, performances, celebrations, book releases, and more.

Before Yesterday We Could Fly at The Met (New York City)

Beige neoclassical exterior of the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the dayCredit @dario.nyc on Instagram

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s most renowned museums, home to more than 5,000 years of art from around the world! Be sure to check out one of the museum’s ongoing exhibits, Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room. This ongoing exhibit depicts a room from Seneca Village, founded in the 19th century as the first significant community of African American property owners in Manhattan found in what is now Central Park. The title is inspired by Virginia Hamilton’s legendary retellings of “The Flying African Tale” and the room highlights the African and African Diasporic belief that the past, present, and future are interconnected. 

Buffalo AKG Art Museum (Greater Niagara)

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

With a 150-year tradition of collecting, conserving, and exhibiting outstanding art, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum is home to one of the world’s most extraordinary collections. The museum also has a variety of public art projects found throughout Buffalo, including murals, sculptures, and more. Celebrate Black history and culture on a self-guided mural tour of the city’s gorgeous artwork, which includes installations such as Edreys Wajed’s “Love Black,” Monet Kifner’s “The Divine Feminine,” and the museum’s most famous installation, “The Freedom Wall,” featuring 28 portraits of notable Civil Rights leaders like Malcom X, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, Martin Luther King Jr., and more.

Kindred Worlds at the Hudson River Museum (Hudson Valley)

The exterior of the Hudson River Museum

Admire the private collection of Priscila and Alvin Hudgins III at “Kindred Worlds” now through March 2 at the Hudson River Museum. Many of the paintings once adorned the dining, living, and bedroom walls of the Hudgins family home in Yonkers, showcasing the couple’s deep and enduring devotion to the arts and their vital legacy of Black American collectorship, one that continues to prioritize the success of Black and Brown artists and ensure a more equitable and expansive vision of American art.

Dia Beacon (Hudson Valley)

A rope holds up three clear plastic bags filled with red, orange, and clear liquidCredit: @alllllberto on Instagram

Explore remarkable sculptures from renowned Black artists at Dia: Beacon. Be sure to check out long term exhibits featuring artists likeSenga Nengudi (pictured) whose sculptures and room-sized installations are made from everyday materials like vinyl, water, nylon, and sand, and Melvin Edwards’ works crafted from welded steel, chains, and other metal objects.

Americans Who Tell the Truth at the Albany Institute of History & Art  (Capital-Saratoga)

Albany Institute of History & Art

Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is New York’s oldest museum with collections documenting the Hudson Valley as a crossroads of culture, influencing the art and history of the region, the state, and the nation. Now through July 20, be sure to check out “Americans Who Tell the Truth,” an exhibit showcasing more than 40 portraits by Robert Shetterly, featuring individuals throughout U.S. history who exemplify courageous citizenship and democratic ideals. Portraits span generations and include impactful leaders such as civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Grafton, NY-based food justice activist Leah Penniman, and abolitionist John Brown. 

Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (New York City)

In Brooklyn, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA) is a must-visit that uses the visual, literary, and performing arts to amplify Black voices and experiences. The museum, the first of its kind in New York, holds film screenings, artist-in-residence programs, and educational offerings for children, as well as revolving exhibits, that all serve to shine a light on the diverse experiences of Africans living throughout the world.

Sakimatwemtwe at the Brooklyn Museum (New York City)

The front of Brooklyn MuseumCredit: @gallivant_gram on Instagram

Honor more than 100 years of a watershed exhibition of African art at the Brooklyn Museum, titled "Sakimatwemtwe." The original display included over 1400 pieces from African regions with the centennial installation centered around the Sakimatwemtwe figure, meaning “many heads” to the Bwami society of the Lega people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and symbolized the consideration of multiple perspectives.

Black-Owned Art Galleries (New York City)

From contemporary to abstract, take in all forms of art at a variety of Black-owned galleries throughout New York City. View contemporary art in Chelsea at the Black-woman-owned Nicola Vassell Gallery, in Harlem the Essie Green Galleries feature work by Black artists, fine art can be found at the Mackey Twins Art Gallery, and the Nigerian-American-owned Skoto Gallery highlights the work of contemporary African artists. For even more Black-owned art galleries in New York City, check here for a full list. 

Black Capital: Harlem in the 1920s at the New York State Museum (Capital-Saratoga)

New York State Museum buildingCredit: @oeprophoto on Instagram

Celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Harlem throughout the 1920s and 1930s at the New York State Museum in Albany. At “Black Capital” (ongoing), explore the history of Harlem, which was seen as a hotspot for Black culture, art, and music as well as a symbol of the African American struggle for civil and economic equality.

Performing Arts

Ujima Company Inc (Greater Niagara)

Rows of red upholstered seats inside the Ujima TheaterPhoto courtesy of the Lorna C. Hill Theater

Since 1978, the Ujima Company in Buffalo has been a beacon for the preservation, perpetuation, and performance of African American theatre. Throughout the year, the company puts on a variety of plays and productions showcasing the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the community. The theater’s upcoming lineup includes “Goodnight, Tyler” (February 28-March 16) and “Everybody” (May 2-18).

National Black Theatre (New York City)

Founded in 1968 by award-winning performer, director, and champion of the Black Arts Movement, ​​Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, the National Black Theatre continues to tell authentic, autonomous, and multifaceted stories of the Black experience. Stop by to celebrate their 57th season, themed The Pilgrimage, featuring five productions of new and reimagined contemporary work by Black artists.

Goddess at The Public Theater (New York City) 

Make your way to The Public Theater to catch the critically-acclaimed team behind the 2021 Free Shakespeare in the Park production of “Merry Wives” return for the New York Premiere of “Goddess.” Conceived and directed by Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director Saheem Ali and based on the book by Tony Award nominee Jocelyn Bioh, “Goddess” is inspired by the myth of Marimba, the Goddess who created beautiful songs from her heartbreak. Dive into a tale of romance, the supernatural, and the quest towards one’s truest self at this must-see show, showing April 29-June 1.

Queens Underground Black History Red Carpet Film Festival at the King Manor Museum (New York City)

Celebrate African American culture through an array of diverse selection of films at the Queens Underground International Red Carpet Black History Film Festival held at the King Manor Museum. At this exciting annual event taking place April 3-5, experience the untold stories, powerful narratives, and meaningful conversations about Black history through art and film.

Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY (Capital-Saratoga) 

Since 2010, the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY has been a place for Black artists and creatives to learn, grow, and thrive. Throughout the season, expect entertaining performances by and about artists of color including this year’s productions: “Once on this Island” (February 6-16) and “Eclipsed” (May 29, June 8). 

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (New York City)

A trio of dancers dressed in white costumes perform on a stage with a blue background with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has been a pioneer in the performing arts for more than 65 years, using the beauty of African American heritage and other cultures to unite people of all races, ages, and backgrounds. The renowned dance company has performed for around 25 million people at theaters in 48 states, and 71 countries on six continents. This year, witness Ailey II perform live at the Ailey Citigroup Theater from March 26-April 6.

Shea’s Buffalo (Greater Niagara)

Night time exterior of the bright illuminated sign spelling out "Shea's Buffalo" at Shea's Buffalo

Built in 1926, the historic Shea’s Buffalo seats 3,019 people and hosts Broadway shows, local productions, dance performances, comedy shows, and more year-round. Take in the beautiful architecture while you enjoy an upcoming lineup that includes Tony Award-winning Best Musical “The Wiz” (March 4-9) and “R&B Invitation Tour” (April 18) with Eric Benet, Joe, and Musiq Soulchild.

National Jazz Museum in Harlem (New York City)

Harlem played a major role in shaping jazz as we know it today. Explore it all and more at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem with an extensive collection that features more than 100 hours of live radio broadcasts from 1935-1941, never-before-heard concert recordings from the legendary Benny Carter, an exhibit dedicated to Sonny Allen’s Savoy Memories, and more.

The Apollo Theater (New York City)

The marquee outside the Apollo Theater in HarlemCredit: Phoebe Baker

The legendary Apollo Theater has been the soul of American culture since 1934, showcasing the performances, achievements, and contributions of Black performers. Stop by the historic theater which has seen some of music’s greatest such as Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Jimi Hendrix, and more. Catch performances throughout the year including the original Amateur Nights, which helped launch the careers of legends like Ella Fitzgerald.

Brooklyn Academy of Music (New York City)

Brooklyn Academy of Music BAM -  Photo by Kate Glicksberg - Courtesy of NYC & COPhoto by Kate Glicksberg, NYC Tourism

For more than 150 years the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has been a home for adventurous artists, audiences, and ideas. Each year, the BAM presents more than 200 stage productions of theater, dance, music, opera, and film including The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD (through May 31), “Macbeth In Stride” (April 15-27), Whitney White’s R&B-soaked musical recasting of Lady Macbeth as an indomitable Black female icon, , and kids productions like BAMkids Springfest (May 3).

The Colored Musicians Club (Greater Niagara)

Mural of a row of 7 men and 1 woman on the brick exterior of the Colored Musicians Club in Buffalo.Credit: @explorebflo on Instagram

Found in Buffalo’s historic Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is the only continuously running all-Black-owned music venue in the United States, The Colored Musicians Club. The club has seen some of jazz’s greatest like Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald. Experience the iconic venue for yourself at their Sunday night jazz series or at the club’s jazz history museum.  

Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen (New York City)

Embrace an Empire State of Mind at Alicia Keys’ new musical Hell’s Kitchen, all about chasing your dreams, honoring your roots, and finding your voice. The production, loosely inspired by Keys’ own coming-of-age story, is currently showing at Broadway’s Shubert Theater through November 2025 and features new arrangements of Keys’ biggest hits and a handful of new songs.

Annual Celebrations

Buffalo Juneteenth (Greater Niagara)

Two women at the Juneteenth Festival

Buffalo’s annual Juneteenth celebration is one of the largest of its kind in the country, showcasing the unity of Buffalo’s Black community and solidarity of people from all backgrounds, religions, and neighborhoods. The festival takes place each year in June at Martin Luther King Jr. Park with a parade, musical performances, food vendors, cultural activities, and more.

Rochester Juneteenth (Finger Lakes)

Commemorate Juneteenth in Rochester with a day filled with family fun events celebrating Black heritage. Each June, enjoy a lively atmosphere with an array of delicious cuisine, kid-friendly activities, live performances, and a parade all highlighting art, culture, and unity. 

Harlem Week (New York City)

What began in 1974 as a one-day event of encouragement for the Harlem Community is now an annual 11-day extravaganza celebrating the best of Harlem. This iconic festival has been a staple for more than 50 years with a lineup of events that include music, art, community events, delicious cuisine, and more, taking place each August.

Curlfest (New York City)

Get the group together and head to the world’s largest natural beauty festival, Curlfest! Founded in 2014 by five Black women called the Curly Girl Collective, Curlfest celebrates all expressions of beauty with a variety of live performers, guest speakers, Black-owned small businesses, food trucks, and more.   

J’Ouvert and West Indian American Day Carnival (New York City)

Each Labor Day, Brooklyn comes to life with an electrifying celebration of Caribbean heritage and culture. The festivities begin bright and early at 6am with J’Ouvert (meaning daybreak in French) and continue throughout the day with the West Indian American Day Carnival. Admire the vibrant parade filled with dancing, music, dazzling outfits, food, and more all celebrating the culture of the Caribbean.

Tours

Black Gotham Experience (New York City)

Take a walking tour through African American history with the Black Gotham Experience. Choose from a variety of tours revealing the impact of the African Diaspora on New York City, highlighting the pivotal contributions and narratives of real people whose images have been erased.

The Freedom Wall (Greater Niagara)

Malcolm X painted on a mural panel for the Freedom Wall in BuffaloCredit: @chopan585 on Instagram

Stroll through large scale vibrant portraits of 28 Civil Rights leaders at the Buffalo Freedom Wall presented by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. This unique outdoor exhibit also doubles as a walking tour, featuring portraits of Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., among others, all painted by four Buffalo natives.

Harlem Heritage Tours (New York City)

Exterior of a red and gold trolley parked on the streetCredit: Harlem Heritage Tours

Travel back in time through the history and milestones of jazz, hip-hop, gospel, or the art of Harlem on an entertaining and informative journey with Harlem Heritage Tours. Choose from walking tours ranging from Civil Rights to the Harlem Renaissance to Harlem Gospel, each one led by guides who were born and raised in the community.

Explore Buffalo Community Cultural Tours (Greater Niagara) 

Discover the rich and diverse stories of the Buffalo community on a tour with Explore Buffalo. Tour topics range from anti-slavery history to African American heritage and are led by a knowledgeable guide either on foot, bike, or bus, allowing you to see the city through a new perspective.

Reclaiming Black Spaces at the Tenement Museum (New York City)

The Tenement MuseumCredit: @kingasa on Instagram

Listen to the stories of Black New Yorkers and how their experiences shaped Lower Manhattan on the Tenement Museum's Reclaiming Black Spaces walking tour. On your journey through the neighborhood, you’ll make stops at historic sites including the former downtown New York Congress of Racial Equality Office, the firehouse of the FDNY’s first Black lieutenant, and more. 

Jackie Robinson’s Harlem at the Jackie Robinson Museum (New York City)

Jackie Robinson MuseumCredit: @ericmonacelli on Instagram

March 1 through December 31, take a self-guided walking tour of Harlem through the eyes of Jackie Robinson with the Jackie Robinson Museum. Explore Robinson’s role in the Harlem community not only as an athlete, but as an activist, citizen, businessman, and family man. You’ll make stops at sites like Jackie Robinson Park, Freedom National Bank, and more, revealing the lesser known stories about the renowned baseball player.

Together As One Black History Month Bus Tours (Greater Niagara)

A group watches an educational movie in a room at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

Explore Black history throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls on a bus tour through some of the area’s most intriguing museums and historic sites. Each week focuses on different themes pertaining to Black history and a unique lineup of stops. You’ll get to admire a variety of exhibits at sites including the Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Black Achievers Museum, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Buffalo African American Museum, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, and many more.

Hush Hip Hop Tours (New York City)

A wall full of graffitiCredit: @tobytreichler on Instagram

Travel through hip hop history in the genre’s birthplace with Hush Hip Hop tours. Choose from a variety of tours which all feature a classic hip hop soundtrack, showing the evolution of the New York artform through historic sites in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Akwaaba Tours (Finger Lakes)

Take a journey through Rochester’s African American history on an Underground Railroad tour with Akwaaba Tours. Throughout the experience, you’ll learn about the important role this city played as a stop on the Underground Railroad, following along Main Street and the Genesee River as Frederick Douglass, Austin Steward, and Harriet A. Jacobs once did.

Art in the Parks, Honoring the Black Experience (New York City)

Women's Rights Pioneers MonumentCredit: @marcus_beasley_photography on Instagram

In honor of Black History Month, explore the monuments, sculptures, and murals of Black historical figures found throughout New York City parks. Follow the walking guide and learn about the life and legacy of historical figures like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and more. There’s also an extensive collection of art created by Black artists to uncover, including the Peter and Willie Monument at Prospect Park and RockIt Black by Tanda Francis at Queensbridge Park.


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