International Women’s Day is an annual celebration that celebrates women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements worldwide. On March 8, women and their allies gather to lift each other and embrace equity. However, this day should not only be a day to reflect on what women have achieved and the challenges ahead but also to take a break from the social scrutiny they face daily and to breathe, have fun and let go. So, if you still don’t have plans for this day, here are 15 fantastic things to do in London on International Women’s Day.
1. Dine at an incredible women-owned venue
The female-owned, open-fire restaurant and natural wine bar, Firebird, will host their inaugural Firebird & Friends event on International Women’s Day. The night will see the Firebird team collaborating with Caia’s Head Chef Jessica Donovan, Where The Pancakes Are Founder Patricia Trijbits, Updown Farmhouse’s Sommelier Ruth Leigh, and Chef Pippa MacDonald, previously of Levan and Angela Hartnett’s Merchants Tavern, for an evening of small plates and wine. It’s sure to be a meal you won’t forget anytime soon. Head to their socials to find out how to grab tickets.
2. Nab some art for a good cause
Art on a Postcard’s fourth International Women’s Day auction will find them offering works up for auction, carefully selected by seven female curators each curating a show of 20/25 female artists. These shows will run as seven concurrent auctions, and the money raised will go to support The Hepatitis C Trust’s work with women affected by the criminal justice system both in prison and local communities. See the pieces, and make your bids, here.
3. Try out a special wine tasting honouring female winemakers
The ‘Women In Wine’ tasting event from Gaucho Restaurant’s Sour Grapes series of events is perfect for wine-lovers and wine-newbies alike. Attendees are invited to gather, drink, eat, and honour the pioneering female winemakers smashing grapes (and the patriarchy) in a male-dominated industry. Guests will also be treated to a bespoke 5-minute reading from an expert tarot-reader throughout the evening.
4. Attend an stunning candlelit concert
On International Women’s Day, become a Dancing Queen as a sea of candles surrounds you. Celebrate women’s desires, in all their forms, in a stunning candlelit tribute to ABBA as you’ve never experienced before. Dance, jive and have the time of your life while classically trained musicians play Gimme, gimme, gimme, Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, and other ABBA anthems. S.O.S grab your tickets here!
5. Celebrate girl power and empowerment and dance the night away
For a night of empowered women empowering women, head to 100 Wardour Street and dance the night away at their Night of Beyoncé event. An all-female line-up with acts ranging from DJ Annie Grace to Izzy Chase, and Formation band, will be playing you the best ‘girl power’ hits. Tracks will encompass icons ranging from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, to Miley and Madonna, the Spice Girls, and more. Grab your tickets here.
6. Join an empowering DJ workshop at Florattica
From March 9-10, Florattica rooftop bar in East London will host DJ workshops in collaboration with the women-led collective Hub 16. The workshops will be Samantha Nelson, the founder of Hub 16, and will run for three hours each day. The beginner-friendly workshops will cover essential mixing techniques, including the basics of beatmatching. The workshops include a welcome glass of Champagne, sushi platter, and a signature Florattica cocktail. Secure your spot and grab your ticket here!
7. Enjoy a delicious supper at Wahaca made by the holy trinity of chefs
If you’re a foodie, you will want to grab tickets to Wahaca’s Plates Shared: Supper Club. Pioneer chef and Wahaca co-founder Tommi Miers will join Masterchef: The Professionals critic Leyla Kazim and The Great British Bake Off finalist Crystelle Pereira to host the one-off supper club at Wahaca Shoreditch on March 8. You will enjoy a specially-created five-course tasting menu inspired by their culinary heritage. The evening’s profits will go to Practical Action, a charity fighting poverty and gender inequality in developing countries.
8. Check out some breathtaking immersive artwork
Outernet London, the immersive art space, has handed over their 23,000 sq ft, 16k screens to female creators for the entirety of March. The month kicked off with Paula Zuccotti’s Everything We Touch, which celebrates individual stories by displaying every single item a person touches in a day. Be sure to also check out Outernet’s collaboration with Take More Photos, The Face Of Womanhood, which celebrates creatives behind and in front of the camera.
📍 Find Outernet at The Now Building, near Tottenham Court Road Station.
9. Take the party downstairs at Clit Fest
If you’re interested in exploring issues of sexuality, pleasure, and empowerment, then Clit Fest is the place to go. On March 8 from 6:30 p.m., London’s first sex and pleasure-focused literary festival at The London EDITION will feature panel discussions on medical misogyny and romantic relationships, along with a live poetry reading with Monika Radojevic, author of “Teeth in the Back of my Neck”, and 1:1 interviews on the subject of “The Future of Sex…with Robots”. Clit Fest celebrates all the writers, poets and activists whose work explores sex, love, desire and gender inequality. More info here!
10. Raise your glass to womanhood with women created drinks
Looking for a more low-key plan? Then this light-hearted Female-Founded Drinks Flight is a fun and creative option for you. On March 10 from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm, you’ll raise your glass to women everywhere as you journey through a selection of great drinks created by women. Enjoy an intimate, small-group tasting experience, as you immerse yourself in the best of the best in low and no alcohol drinks. After this incredible journey through complex flavours and profiles, you can stay around for drinks and snacks at their Tasting Room bar. Grab tickets here!
11. Kick some butt with a free Krav Maga class
Learn a new skill that will help you feel more empowered. On March 8 Brixton Krav Maga is offering a free self-defense class from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This Krav Maga class, specially designed for women and LGBTQ+, will teach you practical techniques for self-defense in real world situations. A great way to build confidence and strength while celebrating International Women’s Day. Make sure to register here!
12. Hear the stories of Afghan women resisting the Taliban regime
Highlighting the different experiences of women in other countries, British-Afghan journalist Ariana Abawe will host a “journey through the political resistance and incredible beauty of Afghan culture.” Guests will be treated to live poetry, a traditional Rubab performance, a fashion show, and traditional Afghan food and desserts. All money from ticket sales will be fully donated to the Rahela Trust. The charity provides university scholarships to women in rural Afghanistan, and provides access to a leadership mentoring programme, to help them make the change themselves and “build a more progressive future society.” Get your ticket here.
13. Take a ‘step forward’ at this educational and supportive summit
Allbright, the women’s networking group, are hosting the first Step Forward Summit at The Design Museum on March 10. Key speakers include Katie Piper OBE, Munroe Bergdorf, Anna Mather, Kanya King CBE, Viv Groskop, and Malin Andersson. Those who are in attendance will get the chance to “delve into the actions required to create a world of unlimited possibilities for women in the workplace.” The event also marks the start of a two-year partnership between Allbright and Smart Works – a charity that helps women with the confidence and support needed to “secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives”.
14. Head to the Kimpton Fitzroy’s ‘House of Pankhurst’
Taking inspiration from the hotel’s incredible literary history, as well as its site (once the residence of Emmeline Pankhurst), the Kimpton has launched their inaugural year-long creative residency, ‘House of Pankhurst’. As part of the residency, creatives will be invited to pay homage to Bloomsbury’s literary heritage and the hotel’s links to the Suffragette movement. The residency will focus on supporting artists that embody feminist values – drawing from the way the suffrage movement used creative writing to further their goals. The hotel will also host events ranging from poetry slams to evening talks throughout the year.
The hotel’s coffeehouse, Burr & Co. is also getting in on the action with a bespoke Suffragette inspired breakfast dish and cocktail, while Fitz’s bar has curated bespoke cocktails embodying the creative residency’s first poem.
15. Celebrate womanhood at a Bottomless Drag Brunch
For a truly unforgettable experience, then Bottomless Drag Brunches are not to be missed. Hosted by some of London’s most talented drag performers, these bottomless brunches combine delicious food and endless drinks with fabulous entertainment. You can expect a lively and inclusive atmosphere, plenty of laughter, and a celebration of diversity and self-expression.
Check out our picks for Bottomless Drag Brunches:
✨Bottomless ABBA Sing Along Brunch
💄Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch
💁♀️Boss Brunch: Bottomless Drag Extravaganza
👠 Beyonce Drag Bottomless Brunch
So, head out, seek out women-owned companies where you can, and have a great International Women’s Day!