Disney Parks Kicks Off ‘Celebrate Soulfully’ Black History Month 2026. Disney just dropped the details for “Celebrate Soulfully” 2026. It’s their yearly event for Black History Month, and it’s happening at both Disney World and Disneyland. Here is what you need to know. The Walt Disney Company has officially unveiled its 2026 “Celebrate Soulfully” lineup, expanding its annual tribute to Black heritage and culture for Black History Month.
This year’s celebration features a mix of brand-new offerings, including an immersive “Heritage Trail” at Disneyland, and the return of fan-favorite performances and culinary experiences across both domestic resorts. For Disney fans and travelers planning a February visit, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Celebrate Soulfully events.
Walt Disney World Resort: A Star-Studded Start
The festivities at Walt Disney World will begin with high energy at Magic Kingdom Park. On February 9, 2026, entrepreneur and media personality Toya Johnson-Rushing will serve as the honorary Grand Marshal for a special parade moment. The celebration will wind through Liberty Square and down Main Street, U.S.A., at approximately 3:00 PM ET, featuring beloved characters and live musical performances.
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Coinciding with Black History Month, the Festival of the Arts (running through Feb. 23) will highlight several prominent Black creators.
Disney on Broadway: The American Gardens Theatre will host a rotating lineup of stars, including Jelani Remy (The Lion King), Anastacia McCleskey (Tarzan), and Kissy Simmons (The Lion King).
Artistic Showcases: Guests can meet and view works from artists, including Yesenia Moises, Ryan Riller, Larissa Brown, and Mark Page
Animal Kingdom & Disney Springs At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe and the Viva Gaia Street Band will provide daily rhythmic tributes to African and Caribbean culture.
Vibrant Artwork at Disney Springs – Even if you’ve walked the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression before, there’s always something interesting to see. Explore works by talented Black artists, including Ernest Shaw, Nneka Jones, Nardstar, Marci Swett, and Brandon Hill, and let their creativity surprise and inspire you all over again.
Disneyland Resort: The Debut of the Heritage Trail
The biggest update for 2026 is at the Disneyland Resort, which is introducing a brand-new Heritage Trail. This resort-wide installation features dynamic displays honoring influential Black leaders, trailblazing artists, and innovative thinkers.
Notable stops along the trail include:
- Main Street, U.S.A.: Tributes to Martha Blanding and Frederick Douglass.
- New Orleans Square: Honors for legendary chef Leah Chase and animator Ron Husband.
- Buena Vista Street: A spotlight on Disney Legend Floyd Norman.
Celebrate Gospel Returns: The “Celebrate Gospel” concert series moves to the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage for 2026. This year’s event will take place over two weekends—February 21 and 28—headlined by Gospel legends Hezekiah Walker and Yolanda Adams, respectively. The event is free to the public and does not require a park ticket.
“Cooking with Soul” and Year-Round Magic
Disney’s culinary teams are rolling out “Cooking with Soul” menu items across both coasts. Highlights for 2026 include the Peach Cobbler Panna Cotta at select Walt Disney World hotels and New Orleans BBQ Shrimp at California Adventure’s Lamplight Lounge.
While many of these offerings are limited to February, Disney officials emphasized that “Celebrate Soulfully” experiences—such as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, encounters with Ariel (from the live-action story), and jazz sets by Joe Gardner at the Pixar Place Hotel—remain available to guests year-round.
