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 but a day to have fun and celebrate us. So, if you still don’t have plans for this day, here are all the things to do in London on International Women’s Day in 2025.
1. Sweat it out at against the backdrop of London’s stunning skyline at The Shard
The View from The Shard and Sweaty Betty are hosting an exclusive POWER Yin experience to commemorate International Women’s Day. This unique event, led by Power is Bananas, offers a fusion of Tai Chi-inspired movements, guided meditation, and relaxation against the backdrop of London’s stunning skyline.
Date: Thursday, 14th March 2024, 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM (45-minute session plus viewing time)
Location: The View from The Shard
2. Turn it up at the Big Penny Social with your gal pals
This International Women’s Day, Big Penny Social is amplifying their free Saturday night party, The Penny Drop, with an extraordinary celebration of female talent, music, and exceptional brews.
On Saturday, March 8th, the spotlight shines on the dynamic All Day Breakfast Café, a seven-piece, all-female ensemble bringing their unique disco-joy from South London. Known as the capital’s favourite disco band, they aim to spread positivity and energise the crowd with infectious rhythms and uplifting anthems of self-love and empowerment. DJ Pamela X will keep the party’s momentum going into the night.
Complementing the musical festivities, Big Penny Social presents an IWD Tap Takeover, showcasing a curated selection of beers and cider from trailblazing women in the brewing industry.
3. Snack on a Vulvanada
De Nadas, the UK’s pioneering empanadería specialising in hand-shaped Argentinian empanadas, has partnered with the world’s first Vagina Museum to create the Vulvanada. This unique collaboration aims to raise awareness for Endometriosis Action Month in March and generate funds for the Vagina Museum, a registered charity dedicated to educating the public about vaginas, vulvas, and gynaecological anatomy.
The Vulvanada will be available exclusively at De Nadas’ new Bethnal Green location from March 6th to 31st. This special empanada features spiced peaches caramelised in ginger and cinnamon, with £2 from each sale going directly to the Vagina Museum.
4. Celebrate women in craft & wine at Old Spitalfields Market
This International Women’s Day, Old Spitalfields Market is set to host a dynamic celebration, shining a spotlight on the remarkable women making waves in craft and wine industries. With a record-breaking 45% of stallholders now being women, the market has become a thriving hub for female entrepreneurs challenging traditional stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive creative future. This growing representation reflects the market’s commitment to diversity and showcases the increasing influence of women in the craft market scene.
The event will feature an exciting focus on women in the wine industry. Visitors can look forward to discovering innovative female winemakers who are employing sustainable techniques and reshaping the future of wine.
5. Explore the extraordinary in the ordinary lives of women at this touching exhibition at Granary Square
King’s Cross is celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 with HighlightHer, an outdoor exhibition showcasing the extraordinary in the ordinary lives of women. Running from March 4 to March 30, the exhibition features vibrant illustrations by London artist Hanna Benihoud displayed on the art benches of Granary Square.
The exhibition explores diverse themes including motherhood, menopause, relationships, female friendship, and caregiving. Benihoud’s artwork, inspired by conversations with women from various backgrounds, aims to elevate the often-overlooked aspects of women’s lives and celebrate the “magic of the mundane.”
6. Attend a female empowerment workshop at One Hundred Shoreditch
Stefanie Sword-Williams, founder of the female empowerment brand F*ck Being Humble, is set to host the “Exhausted Women” workshop at One Hundred Shoreditch on March 11, 2025. The event will take place on the rooftop in East 2 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This interactive and self-reflective workshop will feature a fireside chat between Sword-Williams and Tamu Thomas, author of “Women Who Work Too Much”. The discussion will focus on helping women reclaim their energy and time, covering crucial topics such as:
- Breaking free from societal expectations
- Avoiding overextension
- Listening to one’s body
- Ending the cycle of toxic productivity
Tickets for this empowering event are available for £15 per person. Find more information here.
7. Enjoy some brilliant food cooked by Head Chef Savannah Hagendijk
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Firebird restaurant in Soho is hosting an exclusive one-night-only event on Saturday, 8th March, featuring Savannah Hagendijk, the head chef of Amsterdam’s Michelin-starred Restaurant de Kas. This marks the first international pop-up for both Firebird and Chef Hagendijk, as part of the restaurant’s Firebird & Friends series. Known for its plant-to-plate ethos, De Kas grows over 300 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and fruits in its greenhouse and garden, which will inspire the evening’s menu. The event will blend De Kas’ signature seasonal dishes with Firebird’s bold, flame-kissed cooking style.
8. Celebrating the legacy of women who shaped St. Katharine Docks
This March, St. Katharine Docks is hosting a free outdoor exhibition to celebrate its 200th anniversary, commemorating the 1825 Act of Parliament that paved the way for its redevelopment. Running from March 17th to April 21st, 2025, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of this iconic 23-acre estate.
The display showcases the transformation of the area through Thomas Telford’s three-year engineering project, highlighting the dock’s evolution into the vibrant haven it is today. With a special focus on the women who played crucial roles in its origins, including Queen Matilda and St. Katharine herself, the exhibition unveils hidden gems and untold stories that bring to life the fascinating heritage of St. Katharine Docks.
9. Attend an stunning candlelit concert
On International Women’s Day, why not celebrate with ABBA? Enjoy an evening of music with your girlfriends or mum 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!
10. Learn more about the women behind some of London’s biggest events
London is a diverse city, and as such, is home to a range of events – as you can see from the rest of this piece! Behind the scenes are women from all walks of life, who play key roles in creating the experiences we all know and love. We sat down with three such women – read about their motivations, their thoughts on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, and advice for women in the events industry here.
So, head out, seek out women-led events where you can, and have a great International Women’s Day!