From gospel concerts to festival art, parades, and specialty food, here’s how to experience Celebrate Soulfully at the Disney Parks.
Black History Month is almost here, and with it comes one of Disney’s most meaningful and joy-filled seasonal celebrations. Across both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, guests can experience Celebrate Soulfully, a special initiative honoring Black culture, creativity, history, and community through music, art, storytelling, food, and unforgettable entertainment.
From uplifting gospel concerts and vibrant heritage displays in California to powerful parade moments, Broadway performances, and culinary creations in Florida, Celebrate Soulfully weaves cultural appreciation into the magic of the Disney Parks in a way only Disney can. Whether you’re planning a winter Disney vacation or simply looking to experience something new and inspiring during your visit, here’s everything you need to know about how Celebrate Soulfully comes to life on both coasts.
Celebrate Soulfully isn’t just a Black History Month event, it’s a year-round Disney initiative that highlights Black culture through food, entertainment, storytelling, and community partnerships across the parks.
Celebrate Soulfully at Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Resort transforms into a hub of music, storytelling, and flavor during Black History Month, offering special experiences throughout the parks and Downtown Disney that spotlight Black heritage past and present.
Celebrate Gospel Concerts at Downtown Disney
For the first time, lighting up the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage, the Celebrate Gospel concerts return for two special weekends in 2026: February 20–21 and February 27–28. These high-energy, soul-stirring performances bring Grammy Award-winning gospel artists to the heart of the resort, all without requiring park admission.
This year’s headliners include Bishop Hezekiah Walker on February 21 and Yolanda Adams on February 28, alongside community choirs from across Southern California. The result is a powerful blend of professional performances and grassroots voices that turn Downtown Disney into a joyful celebration of faith, music, and culture.
The Celebrate Gospel concerts at Downtown Disney are completely free to attend (no park ticket required) making them one of the best live entertainment experiences at Disneyland Resort during Black History Month.
Heritage Trail of Dynamic Displays
New for this year, a heritage trail of vibrant displays will debut across Disneyland Resort, honoring influential Black leaders, artists, and pioneers who have shaped culture, creativity, and innovation.
From Frontierland to Hollywood Land and beyond, each installation tells a story, spotlighting individuals such as legendary chef Leah Chase at Tiana’s Palace, Disney trailblazer Martha Blanding on Main Street, U.S.A., and animator Floyd Norman on Buena Vista Street. Together, the trail creates a walking celebration of Black excellence woven directly into the fabric of the resort.
Specialty Food for Celebrate Soulfully at Disneyland
Food lovers will find plenty to savor during Celebrate Soulfully, with limited-time dishes inspired by the flavors and traditions of Black culinary heritage.
At Tiana’s Palace, guests can enjoy the French Quarter Fried Chicken Bowl (featuring spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served alongside baked macaroni and cheese and collard greens) available from January 30 through March 2.
Over at Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining, the New Orleans BBQ Shrimp delivers bold Cajun flavor with battered shrimp, cheesy polenta, vegetables, and a rich New Orleans-style butter sauce, also available through early March.
Beyond these seasonal offerings, Disneyland celebrates Black culture all year long. Guests can meet Princess Tiana in New Orleans Square, ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, enjoy live jazz performances on Buena Vista Street, train with the Dora Milaje in Avengers Campus, and even catch Joe Gardner from Soul playing smooth jazz at Pixar Place Hotel.
Celebrate Soulfully at Walt Disney World Resort
Across Walt Disney World Resort, Celebrate Soulfully brings together powerful storytelling, high-energy entertainment, striking visual art, and delicious culinary tributes throughout February.
Toya Johnson-Rushing Named Grand Marshal for Special Magic Kingdom Parade
Celebrate Soulfully officially kicks off in unforgettable fashion with a special parade moment at Magic Kingdom on February 9. Toya Johnson-Rushing will serve as honorary Grand Marshal, leading a joyful procession down Main Street, U.S.A., around 3 PM ET.
Photo Courtesy of Disney
Guests can expect lively music, beloved Disney characters, vibrant displays, and plenty of high-energy magic that sets the tone for a month of cultural celebration. While at Magic Kingdom, visitors can also experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, where Princess Tiana, Naveen, Mama Odie, and Louis bring New Orleans rhythm and heart to a lively musical journey.
Celebrate Black Artists at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts
Black creativity takes center stage once again at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts. Throughout February, a talented lineup of artists (including Yesenia Moises, Ryan Riller, Larissa Brown, and Mark Page) showcases bold, expressive work that celebrates imagination, storytelling, and culture.
Many of the artists will appear in person on select days, giving guests the chance to meet the creators behind the art and learn more about their inspiration.
The festival also hosts the always-popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series, featuring powerhouse Black performers from iconic productions like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Tarzan. Artists such as Jelani Remy, Anastacia McCleskey, Kissy Simmons, and James Monroe Iglehart bring Disney songs to life with show-stopping vocals at the America Gardens Theatre.
Specialty Food for Celebrate Soulfully at Disney World
Celebrate Soulfully’s flavors shine across Walt Disney World with limited-time desserts and treats that blend creativity with cultural inspiration.
At The Ganachery in Disney Springs, guests can indulge in the new Soulful New York Cheesecake Pop, a rich combination of cheesecake ganache and graham cracker layers enrobed in dark chocolate, available February 1–28.
Amorette’s Patisserie offers the stunning Wakandan Mousse, featuring coconut mousse, guava gelée, and chocolate sablé for a beautifully balanced bite available throughout February.
Disney Springs also comes alive with colorful murals and installations along the Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression, showcasing the work of Black artists such as Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, Nardstar, Marci Swett, and Brandon Hill, creating a vibrant outdoor gallery that’s always evolving.
Across the parks, guests can dance along with Viva Gaia’s Caribbean street party at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, feel the powerful rhythms of the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, and meet favorite characters like Princess Tiana, Frozone, and live-action Ariel throughout the month and beyond.
Celebrate Soulfully at Disney Springs
Disney Springs becomes a vibrant hub of creativity, culture, and flavor during Celebrate Soulfully, offering guests even more ways to experience Black artistry beyond the theme parks.
One of the highlights is the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression, an outdoor gallery that features rotating murals and installations by talented Black artists. Even longtime visitors will find something new to admire, as the collection continues to evolve with fresh perspectives and bold designs.
Artists showcased this season include Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, Nardstar, Marci Swett, and Brandon Hill, whose work brings color, storytelling, and cultural pride to walkways throughout Disney Springs. It’s a perfect stop for photos, inspiration, and a slower-paced way to soak in the spirit of Celebrate Soulfully.
In addition to the artwork, Disney Springs is also home to several limited-time Celebrate Soulfully food offerings (including specialty desserts from The Ganachery and Amorette’s Patisserie), making it a must-visit destination for both art lovers and foodies during Black History Month.
Like what you just read?
That tells us you’re the type who never misses a Hidden Mickey. Respect.
