Black History Month - What's on
October sees a busy programme of events and activities celebrating Black History Month in Tower Hamlets. There is something of interest to those of all ages interested in Black arts, culture and heritage. Exhibitions, performances, workshops, film, music, poetry, talks and more.
Check the following listing for full details of the month-long programme.
If you are organising an event for Black History Month you can submit it to our listings.
What's up next
- Date
- 06/10/2026 (15:53) - 08/11/2026 (15:53)
- Location:
- Gallery Café St Margarets House Old Ford Road London E2 9PL
- Description
- This exhibition explores how African Diasporic Jazz dance has shaped British culture from the 18th century to the present day, from the Cakewalk to UK Jazz.
- Date
- 08 (09:00) - 31/10/2026 (09:56)
- Location:
- Poplar London E14 6TL, Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street
- Description
- Jena is a narrow boat visiting Poplar Union this October. Poplar Union are excited to host a variety of engaging events for everyone in the community throughout the month.
- Date
- 08/10/2026 (09:00) - 08/11/2026 (17:00)
- Location:
- Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street London E14 6TL
- Description
- This exhibition brings together a collection of photographs of those who have performed and participated at Poplar Union
- Date
- 09 (12:00) - 28/10/2026 (19:00)
- Location:
- More Life Home Unit 3 Jura House 61 Aberfeldy street E14 0QB
- Description
- A marketplace, where black owned businesses will be able to offer, sell and promote their products.
- Date
- 09 (12:00) - 28/10/2026 (19:00)
- Location:
- More Life Home Unit 3 Jura House 61 Aberfeldy street E14 0QB
- Description
- Mini art installation curated by a black Tower Hamlets resident
- Date
- 17/10/2026 (11:00-13:00)
- Location:
- Jena Canal & River Trust Day Boat Poplar Union Cotall Street London E14 6TL
- Description
- Part of Black History Month. Explore stories, places and identity through photography and creative making.
- Date
- 17 (11:00) - 18/10/2026 (17:00)
- Location:
- Trinity Buoy Wharf SS Robin Pontoon Trinity Buoy Wharf 64 Orchard Place E14 0JW
- Description
- Part of Photomonth, this exhibition presents a collaborative heritage project by photographers and curators Andrew Saunders and Garry Hunter
- Date
- 17/10/2026 (14:00-16:00)
- Location:
- Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives 277 Bancroft Road E1 4DQ
- Description
- A critical exploration of the Communities of Liberation 'runaways' advertisements
- Date
- 17/10/2026 (15:30-17:30)
- Location:
- Clore Creative Studio Whitechapel Gallery 77–82 Whitechapel High Street London E1 7QX
- Description
- A series of free participatory workshops exploring Somali cultural heritage through:Somali craft tradition.
- Date
- 21/10/2026 (10:00-15:00)
- Location:
- More Life Home Unit 3 Jura House 61 Aberfeldy street E14 0QB
- Description
- Teaching the traditionally African skill of hair braiding and afro hairstyling to local residents
- Date
- 21/10/2026 (10:30-12:30)
- Location:
- Tower Hamlets Town Hall Council Chamber 160 Whitechapel Road London E1 1BJ
- Description
- Join us this Black History Month at Tower Hamlets Town Hall for a special event themed, Unleashing Black British History.
- Date
- 21/10/2026 (18:30-20:30)
- Location:
- Oxford House Derbyshire Street London E2 6HG
- Description
- Hosted by Poet Nike Shonibare, Black History Month Open Mic Night brings Black poets, writers and spoken-word performers together.
- Date
- 23/10/2026 (10:35)
- Location:
- Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street Poplar London E14 6TL
- Description
- Poplar Poetry Evening presents 'Your Stage…Your Show' Open Mic Celebration
- Date
- 23/10/2026 (15:30-17:30)
- Location:
- Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street London E14 6TL
- Description
- A family-friendly film afternoon at Poplar Union, featuring a screening of Disney Pixar's Soul.
- Date
- 23/10/2026 (17:30-20:00)
- Location:
- Oxford House Derbyshire Street London E2 6HG
- Description
- Black History Month Flower-Making Workshop invites participants to explore craft, identity and connection.
- Date
- 24/10/2026 (10:00-17:00)
- Location:
- Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street Poplar London E14 6TL
- Description
- Celebrate black culture at Poplar Union's vibrant Black History Month market.
- Date
- 24 (11:00) - 25/10/2026 (17:00)
- Location:
- Trinity Buoy Wharf SS Robin Pontoon Trinity Buoy Wharf 64 Orchard Place E14 0JW
- Description
- Part of Photomonth, this exhibition presents a collaborative heritage project by photographers and curators Andrew Saunders and Garry Hunter
- Date
- 24/10/2026 (12:00-17:00)
- Location:
- Poplar Union 2 Cotall Street Poplar London E14 6TL
- Description
- The Afro-Hair Fair offers a culturally safe space to explore identity and self-expression.
- Date
- 24/10/2026 (13:00-15:00)
- Location:
- Island Point Community Centre 51 Sark Mews London E14 3PW
- Description
- Trapped in Zone One are hosting a series of workshops throughout October to celebrate Black History Month.
- Date
- 24/10/2026 (15:30-17:30)
- Location:
- Clore Creative Studio Whitechapel Gallery 77–82 Whitechapel High St London E1 7QX
- Description
- A series of free participatory workshops exploring Somali cultural heritage through:Somali craft tradition.