Celebrate Soulfully and Black History Month takes place every February at Disneyland Resort. Black History Month was first expanded to an entire month around the United States in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford. The past few years I’ve noticed more and more opportunities to celebrate at Disneyland Resort, including the Celebrate Soulfully offerings.
Disneyland Resort Black History Month Events
During February we pay special “tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.” (BlackHistoryMonth.gov). I’m excited to share how you can honor Black heritage and culture at the Disneyland Resort during Black History Month, plus give a look into Disney’s inclusion initiative and how that plays out on the screen and in the parks.
What is Disney’s Celebrate Soulfully?
Celebrate Soulfully is the soulful celebration of Black heritage and culture. Most of the offerings are available every February at Disneyland Resort and some throughout the entire year.
Where are Disneyland’s Black History Month Events?
In 2024 it seems the Black History Month (Celebrate Soulfully) events at Disneyland are slimmed down. While I’d like to see more, here is what Disneyland Resort has planned this month:
Celebrate Gospel at Fantasyland Theatre
Stop by the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park during the annual tribute to gospel music that brings together award-winning artists and community choirs from across Southern California.
- February 17 Marvin Sapp, recipient of 24 Stellar Awards, 2 Soul Train Music Awards, 2 BET Awards, 4 Dove Awards and 8 BMI Songwriter’s Awards, and 13-time Grammy nominee
- February 24 Tasha Cobbs Leonard, breakout 2013 release, Grace, which garnered a Grammy Award, 3 Dove Awards and 3 Stellar Awards on the strength of its chart-topping, platinum-selling lead single, “Break Every Chain.”
- Sacred Groove is an a cappella group of 6 who performs soul-stirring beloved classics and upbeat modern hymns
- The Singers of Soul is LA’s premier gospel choir who has performed with Beyoncé, BTS and Dolly Parton
More Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
- Frederick Douglass Exhibit at the Main Street Opera House
- Five & Dime soulful singer on Buena Vista Street
- Meet Moon Girl from the Disney series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur in Hollywood Land
- Meet Meet Asha in Fantasyland, from the new film Wish
- Meet Tiana in New Orleans Square and try some of the delicious food at Tiana’s Palace
- Meet Ariel from the live-action film near “it’s a small world”
How much does Disney’s Celebrate Soulfully cost?
All the extras at Disneyland Resort including Celebrate Soulfully and Black History Month events are included with you valid theme park admission and reservation. Get discount Disneyland Resort tickets here.
Any food and drinks are an additional cost (find exact prices on the Disneyland app), just like any other food and drinks in the parks.
Black History Month at Downtown Disney
Come celebrate at Downtown Disney District with family crafts, live music and special offerings. I love this huge selection because admission to Downtown Disney is free (just pay parking).
Here are some of the offerings you can explore:
- Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio. Enjoy soul warming cooking at an eatery fusing its authentic New Orleans roots with its adopted California influences.
- Black Stories Forever in Bloom: A Celebration of “Artivist” Nikkolas Smith—Crafts and Historical Panels Amplifying His Brilliance. Experience the reimagining of the Downtown Disney District, including artist Nikkolas Smith’s homage to significant Black architects of the 20th century. You can also enjoy a craft activity centered around Los Angeles architecture. Special events happen February 1 to 4, 16 to 18 and 23 to 25, from noon to 5:00 pm near the Downtown Disney Live Stage.
- See Marcella Swett’s Black Heritage chalk art mural from February 21 to 23 in Downtown Disney.
And there’s tons of live family entertainment happening all month long:
- Showtimes at noon, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
- February 2 and 3: Magician Kenrick Ice McDonald
- February 14, 18 and 25: The Singers of Soul
- February 16 and 17: UniverSoul Hip Hop Show
- February 23 and 24: Got Rhythm – History of Tap Show
Evening showtimes include:
- Showtimes at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm
- February 1: 9Zero Band
- February 2: LALA Brass
- February 3: Denean’s Soul Foundation
- February 4: Del Atkins and the LYFE Band
- February 16: Forward Motion Band
- February 17: Apollo BeBop
- February 18: Michael Haggins
- February 23 Apollo BeBop
- February 24: The Honeydrops
- February 25: Aquile Muzik
This is the location of the old Downtown Disney Stage, but the new one is just south of this—you can’t miss it.
I love how Black History month is getting more attention at Disneyland Resort. It’s the perfect place to discover your roots, embrace cultural and promote inclusivity. I’ve seen how Disney has done this throughout the year with celebrations like Lunar New Year, Viva Navidad and more.
It’s also more important than ever to learn and grow together and I am grateful to see events like this embraced and celebrated at Disneyland Resort.
