Disneyland Resort’s Celebrate Gospel returned in powerful fashion for 2026, transforming the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage into a space of worship, history, and community.
Held across two weekends — February 20–21 and February 27–28 — the annual event continues to be one of the most meaningful traditions at the resort. This year marked the first time the concerts were hosted at the Downtown Disney LIVE! Stage, making the celebration accessible to all visitors without requiring park admission.
On February 21, Grammy Award-winning gospel legend Bishop Hezekiah Walker took the stage, delivering a performance that felt less like a concert and more like a communal experience rooted in memory, faith, and culture.
Where Gospel and Black History Meet
Celebrate Gospel is part of Disneyland Resort’s broader Celebrate Soulfully offerings during Black History Month. The programming extends beyond music, weaving in educational installations, heritage displays, and cultural tributes throughout the resort.
Walking through the park during the celebration revealed thoughtful installations honoring both gospel music and Black history. One particularly moving display was a “wall of giving flowers” — a tribute space that invited reflection on the people who helped shape us.
It was the kind of moment you might not expect inside a Disney environment.
The installation prompted pause. It encouraged gratitude. It asked visitors to think about mentors, elders, artists, and loved ones whose influence continues to ripple forward.
That intentionality elevated the entire experience.
Bishop Hezekiah Walker Brings the Memories Back
When Bishop Hezekiah Walker took the stage, the energy shifted from reflective to electric. For many in attendance, his performance was not just music — it was a time machine.
Watching Walker perform brought back memories of growing up with his songs playing in church, in homes, and at family gatherings. His catalog has long been woven into the soundtrack of countless lives.
The performance was a reminder of something simple yet profound: gospel is Black history.
Gospel music has always been more than melody. It is resilience. It is testimony. It is cultural preservation. It is communal strength. Hearing those songs live, in the middle of a Black History Month celebration at Disneyland Resort, reinforced how inseparable those threads are.
Beyond the Stage
Celebrate Gospel also highlighted influential Black creatives and visionaries across the resort. Visitors could learn about artists such as Nikkolas Smith, recognized for his visionary work including contributions to the Legacy Tower at Downtown Disney.
Moments like that expanded the event beyond performance into education. It wasn’t just about who was on stage — it was about honoring those shaping culture in real time.
Community choirs from across Southern California also participated throughout the two weekends, adding local voices to a platform that celebrates both established legends and rising talent.
A Celebration Worth Experiencing
Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Resort continues to grow without losing its heart. Moving the concerts to Downtown Disney opened the doors wider, allowing more guests to participate without needing theme park admission.
The February 21 performance by Bishop Hezekiah Walker stood as proof of why the tradition matters. It was entertaining, reflective, culturally grounded, and spiritually uplifting all at once.
For anyone considering attending in future years, the recommendation is simple: go.
You may arrive expecting a concert. You will likely leave having experienced something deeper.
Celebrate Gospel runs annually during Black History Month at Disneyland Resort as part of the Celebrate Soulfully programming.
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I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.