Creative Women of Color
2025-12-22 09:00 - 2025-12-26 16:30, 2025-12-29 09:00 - 2026-01-02 16:30 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Creative Women of Color is a collective of African American women artists whose mission is to educate, encourage, inspire and provide a creative connection with the community for the purpose of advancing the arts. Creative Women of Color Members: Creative Women of Color views art as a powerful social force; a form of expression that has always been part of the structure of our society. As African American Woman artists, our work is influenced by our heritage and cultural traditions. CWOC represents a broad and diverse range of artistic talent.

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
2025-12-23 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-26 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-29 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-30 08:30 - 15:30, 2025-12-31 08:30 - 15:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. It is so important that all students are challenged to be original creators of work, and most importantly, that they have fun doing it! Here at the King Arts Complex, we provide an inviting environment that pushes all students to perform to their greatest abilities. Youth participants will learn about the principles of Kwanzaa by working with local, visual, and performing artists. There will be something for everyone at the 2025 Winter Academy.

Registration for Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy is OPEN. Contact our Visitor Services Manager, Hellen Corder, at 614-646-0642 or hcorder@kingartscomplex.com for registration. We would prefer the $25 is paid once your student is registered. Ms. Corder will be able to assist you with any additional questions or concerns.

Kwanzaa Youth Winter Academy
December 22, 23, 26, 29-31, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Ages 5 – 13 (Kindergarten through 8th grade)
Programming: $25. per student (Only 25 spots available)

*Please note there will not be before or after care.

Drop off begins at 8:30 AM and pick up ends at 3:30 PM.

Citywide Kwanzaa Celebration
2025-12-26 18:00 - 22:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
This celebration will be hosted by Tawi Family Village. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture which is held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast of faith.
Kwanzaa is a seven-day, celebration of family, culture, and community. Each day honors a particular African-derived principle, and the final day culminates in a feast (called Karamu Ya Imani) on New Year’s Day. Each day is counted down on a menorah-like candelabra.
It was created by Maulana Karenga and first celebrated in 1966.
Tawi Family Village will have the storyteller come around 10:00 for the Winter Academy and others from the neighborhood. Tawi Family Village will also provide programming to the community from 1-3:00 and vendors will be setting up around 5:00 and Kwanzaa Opening night will begin at 6:00 pm.

41st Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Birthday Breakfast: The Journey Ahead: Advancing Liberty and Justice for All
2026-01-19 07:30 - 10:00 | Columbus Convention Center, 400 North high Street, Columbus, OH, 43215, United States
The City of Columbus takes great pride in its observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, Inc. invites the public to the Columbus signature King Holiday event attended by thousands of diverse multicultural individuals. This is the largest event of its kind in the United States honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Join us at the flagship event on MLK Jr. Day, the national holiday commemorating Dr. King the fallen civil rights leader who transformed the world.

The Breakfast keynote speaker leads us in tribute to, and remembrance of the fallen, global civil rights leader, Dr. King; who inspired nonviolent liberation movements around the world.  The Breakfast continues to showcase community oratory tributes from student speakers of the Columbus City Schools and the King scholar, a prestigious designee from Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College.

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2026 Keynote Speaker

Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III

A third-generation warrior for civil and human rights, Dr. Moss is the Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, where he has built a ministry centered on community advancement, social justice, and the inseparable companions of love and justice. He is also a nationally acclaimed author, educator, filmmaker, and prophetic voice for our times. His powerful messages—deeply rooted in the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Howard Thurman, and the Black spiritual tradition—have inspired audiences across generations and around the world.
CLICK HERE For more Information

MLK Day Open House
2026-01-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Ohio History Center, 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH, 43211, United States
Join us as we explore the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy. This annual community event is an excellent opportunity for children, families, and friends to enjoy musical and live theatrical performances. It is also a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn about the civil rights movement, participate in art activities, view the art exhibition, and meet new friends. We encourage you to attend the MLK Breakfast and the MLK Day evening program hosted by the City of Columbus.
We invite you to experience entertainment and education during the next MLK Open House on Monday, January 19, 2026!

First Tuesday Tea
2026-02-03 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-03-03 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-07 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-05 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-02 12:00 - 14:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
First Tuesday Tea is a monthly forum for seniors to explore dance, music, books, news from the community, and so much more. Sessions can include presentations by guest artists, lecturers and community leaders. Each month, participants look forward to the camaraderie that comes from meeting new friends in a safe, relaxed atmosphere, and the opportunity to discover abilities and creative talents. Come sip some tea and be… This event is free and open to the public: Seniors, Ages 55+ (Men are also welcome) Please email Linda at lbroadnax@kingartscomplex.com for questions or to join the list to be notified via email.

All Arts Day: A Celebration Of Aminah Robinson
2026-02-14 10:00 - 15:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Each February, The King Arts Complex honors the life and legacy of one Columbus’ most celebrated artists at the Annual Aminah Robinson Family Day. This special event is an opportunity for people of all ages to create art with local visual artists, enjoy music, and learn more about Aminah’s rich contributions to the world of art.
An innovative multimedia artist, teacher, storyteller, and MacArthur Fellow, Aminah Robinson was known for her work within the African-American community of Poindexter Village on Columbus’ Near East Side. As home to one of Aminah’s earliest studios, The King Arts Complex proudly displays her work year round to inspire emerging artists, current artists, and our community.

Earth Day 2026
2026-04-18 09:00 - 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Earth Day is a chance to highlight environmental justice, raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized neighborhoods, and celebrate the rich cultural connection many communities have to the land. Programs will focus on sustainability, urban gardening, green spaces, waste reduction, and advocating for policies that protect the environment while addressing racial and economic disparities. The goal is to inspire community action and ensure a healthier future for all, especially in areas that have been historically neglected or impacted by environmental harm.
Activities Include:
Food Demo
Lip Scrub
Line Dancing
Yoga
Candle Making
Seed Starter
Recycling
Sea Moss Scrub
Sustainable bags with African Parish House Quilters
DJ & Food Truck

39th Annual Gala
2026-05-15 19:00 - 23:00 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Get ready for the event of the year! The 39th Annual King Arts Complex Gala is the spring celebration you won’t want to miss in Columbus! This incredible night is all about making a difference, supporting youth programs and performances, and honoring outstanding community leaders. We promise an unforgettable evening of excitement, entertainment, and inspiration that you’ll be talking about for years to come! May 15,2026 @ The King Arts Complex, 835 Mt. Vernon Ave. Columbus, OH – 7 PM – 11 PM

Juneteenth
2026-06-19 09:00 - 16:30 | The King Arts Complex, 835 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43203, United States
Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Originating in Texas, this historic day has been observed every June 19th since 1865. Join us as we honor this significant milestone in history with a day full of exciting activities. Event highlights include: Speakers Performances Local Vendors Reality Vibez with Taylor Branding Co. Come celebrate with us and be part of this meaningful occasion!
