How to celebrate International Women's Day in London

Celebrate 15 years of the Women of the World (WOW) Festival with a special evening at the Royal Albert Hall. It's hosted by WOW founder Jude Kelly alongside activist Angela Davis and will feature music and discussion honouring the achievements of women, girls, and non-binary people around the world.

EVE: Riot Grrrls of Wrestling challenges the notion that wrestling is a male-dominated industry, and this year, to commemorate IWD, they're coming to Big Penny Social in Walthamstow for a night of high-energy, punk-rock women's wrestling, cabaret, and burlesque. Expect a night of empowerment, entertainment, and fun.

The iconic Natural History Museum is renowned for its architecture as much as for its fascinating contents. The museum runs several free tours; one explores gender and sex diversity in nature, revealing untold stories of species worldwide. Discover pioneering women scientists, past and present, and encounter treasures like Mary Anning's specimens while learning about the exhibits and cutting-edge research. 

Feast on delicious traditional Thai cuisine at Nipa Thai, where they run an all-female, all-Thai kitchen led by Head Chef Sanguan Parr. The menu is chock full of dishes like coconut soup with mushrooms and stir-fried chicken or pork with chillies and basil leaves, as well as the head chef’s signature dish, a classic pad Thai. There’s a classy, luxurious feel about the place, with cosy carpeted floors and polished wooden furniture.

Dona is a female-owned mezcal bar in Stoke Newington that usually throws a party of some sort to commemorate International Women's Day. This year, resident artist Twinks teams up with the fabulous ALPHAGAL to bring you Heartbreakers, a special International Women's Day edition of their empowering, self-esteem-boosting event where women come together to celebrate friendship, self-love, and the joy of music. Expect a diva-led soundtrack and an upbeat atmosphere of pure euphoria and empowerment.

You might've seen Darjeeling Express on Netflix's award-winning series, Chef's Table; if so, you'll know that an all-female team runs the kitchen. This women-owned and operated restaurant serves an à la carte lunch menu and set dinner menu designed for combining, sharing and feasting. It's a casual and relaxed spot, and you might even get to meet owner Asma Khan herself; she likes to wander around tables chatting with guests. In traditional India, sons are still preferred over daughters, and second daughters even less so, so Darjeeling Express has decided to donate a percentage of their profits to the Second Daughters Fund, a charity in India that sends celebration packages for the birth of the second daughter and continues to support her through her education.

Tonight Josephine is more than just your average Insta-worthy cocktail bar; this snazzy neon-pink bar is an ode to Napoleon's rebellious wife, Josephine. Napoleon famously once (allegedly) ignored her advances by saying, 'Not tonight, Josephine,' but she brushed him off and continued to live a lavish and sassy lifestyle without him. Sip on zingy cocktails, like the London Lady and Razzle Dazzle, or book one of their themed bottomless brunches.

Celebrate International Women's Day at the London Irish Centre this year, where they're hosting a special Women's Circle led by Louise Durand. Women's circles are rooted in centuries of tradition, and provide a space for connection, support, and empowerment. This particular gathering will explore Irish female creativity and identity, featuring an energy healing session with meditation and reiki, self-care techniques, and the opportunity to share ideas, dreams, and visions in a nurturing environment. In the evening, the London Irish Centre will also present an intimate 'in the round' showcase featuring three exceptional Irish female singer-songwriters: Megan O'Neill, Grainne Hunt, and Emma Langford.

This bar, café and store on Mare Street is female-owned by Diddy Valley, who has wanted to open a bar since she was a child. You can expect a menu of classic cocktails, wine, beer and spirits and a food menu of small plates perfect for sharing. You can also stock up on top-quality produce sourced from independent suppliers.

There are two Luminary Bakeries in London, one in Camden and one in Stoke Newington. They're both social enterprises that work to empower and equip women in bakeries around London. There's a big focus on supporting women with social and economic disadvantages, prepping them to gain the skills to have a successful and comfortable future. The menu here is jam-packed with baked goodies, like brownies and sweet treats, best paired with one of their hot drinks.

Bibliophiles and oenophiles, rejoice; BookBar has you covered. This female-owned bookshop and wine bar was opened by Chrissy Ryan in 2021 and has been making waves in London ever since. It's been the setting for various events, such as talks by renowned authors like Caleb Azumah Nelson and Emily Ratajkowski. They also host supper clubs and book clubs.

For International Women's Day this year, the Barbican is hosting a film-focused event to celebrate women in cinema. They will be showing a collection of short films and animations all directed by female filmmakers from around the world. Take a stroll around the adjoining conservatory afterwards to get your fill of plants.

Pole dancing is a great way to build strength and feel empowered within the fitness community. It’s run by Nigerian-born Londoner Kelechi Okafor, who opened the studio in Peckham in 2016 and offers a range of classes, from pole fitness and yoga to self-defence classes - another great way to feel empowered. Treat yourself to one of their classes to celebrate International Women’s Day this year.

Feel empowered by learning the seductive art of burlesque dancing at Soho School of Burlesque. This intimate boudoir-style studio offers drop-in classes, ongoing courses, and party classes that are great for birthdays and hen dos. Classes are taught by burlesque and cabaret professionals – try one out for a unique way to celebrate IWD.

St Martin-in-the-Fields sits in the heart of London and is known for its classical music programming as much as for being a place of worship. It's hosting a special concert to celebrate International Women's Day, comprising a 30-minute journey of words and music featuring beloved choral works in the stunning setting of St Martin-in-the-Fields.

Islington Museum in Clerkenwell is a free local museum dedicated to the history of Islington. The Maya Centre is hosting a day packed with events to celebrate International Women's Day, including inspiring talks, information stalls, music, activities, and a light lunch.

To celebrate International Women's Day, Humble Grape is hosting an exclusive tasting event on March 11th at their Fleet Street location, dedicated to honouring women transforming the wine industry. The event spotlights pioneering female winemakers, with wine consultant Libby Brodie hosting a panel featuring a guided tasting of four wines by female winemakers paired with cheese and charcuterie. Archie Patel, wine sales expert Mari Juhasoo, and Humble Grape sommelier Sharrol Mukendi-Klaas are joining her.

Bethnal Green's Mama Shelter is hosting a series of special events leading up to International Women's Day, including a life drawing session where guests become the model, led by body acceptance coach Kitty Underhill on 3rd March, and a female-led comedy night featuring Alexandra Haddow, Chloe Petts, Katie Norris, and Shalaka Kurup on 4th March.

Feminist arts night 'She Grrrowls' is marking its tenth anniversary with a special International Women's Day event at Southbank Centre. Enjoy a preview of an upcoming project featuring poet Leilah King, writer Annie Hayter, author Phoebe Wagner, and poet/artist Antonia King, with full details TBC.  The Southbank Centre is also hosting an International Women's Day artists' scratch showcase on 8th March, where six artists will share their works in progress.

On International Women's Day, the English Folk Dance and Song Society is hosting the inaugural Feminist Folk Club Festival at Cecil Sharp House. Expect performances from both established and emerging musicians, including Daisy Beau, Jasmine Kennedy, and Lucy and Hazel, as well as a special collaboration between mother and daughter Sandra and Nancy Kerr.

Visit the Vagina Museum in Bethnal Green for the International Women's Day Market, hosted by Pearly Makers Market, which showcases queer emerging artists and first-time market sellers. This free event will feature makers such as The Floating Apothecary, a medical herbalist crafting remedies aboard her narrowboat, Weiss Tub, a multidisciplinary artist with international exhibitions, Yian Artcraft, a community artist from South London selling art prints, zines, and a crochet vulva curtain, and Snail Stuff, bringing their radical queer brand of "wearable propaganda" with lino-printed patches and upcycled clothing.

Journalist and author Emma Barnett is joining broadcaster Kirsty Young at Southbank Centre to discuss her book Maternity Service. Barnett explores the realities of maternity leave, challenging the idealised portrayal of the experience and highlighting how labelling it as a "special" time often fails to prepare women for the challenges of new motherhood.

Reclaim The Frame is a platform for female filmmakers originally known as Birds' Eye View Film Festival, which marks its 20th anniversary with a special event at BFI Southbank on International Women's Day. The event will feature a carefully curated selection of short films, followed by an interesting conversation with the filmmakers, all celebrating 20 years of the work of Reclaim The Frame and championing marginalised perspectives in cinema.

ArtHouse Crouch End is hosting a Bad Gal Film Club's Women's History Month special, featuring a screening of Elizabeth Sankey's documentary 'Witches'. The film explores the social stigmas women have faced throughout history, examining the links between postpartum mental health and the portrayal of witches in Western society and popular culture through interviews and film clips. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Sankey.

For International Women's Day this year, Hampton Court Palace is opening the palace after dark, guided by an audio narrative that unveils the stories of women who lived or worked there. It features suffragettes, royal mistresses, queens, and maids, with their tales brought to life by actors like Kathryn Hunter and Miranda Richardson, supported by thorough historical research.

This Women of London history tour company offers female-focused tours throughout the year, a great way to commemorate IWD. These include a tour highlighting women in the British Museum and another exploring the stories of working women in the East End. Be sure to check the website for special events during Women's History Month and International Women's Day.

A guide from Southwark Cathedral is leading a one-hour 'Women of Southwark tour' at Southwark Cathedral, highlighting the lives of women connected to the cathedral, including Victorian educator Octavia Hill and Queen Mary.

Join a discussion and screening at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich for IWD, where they are exploring the pioneering women who worked at observatories in the UK, US, and Australia during the late 1800s. Find out about their roles, the challenges they faced, and the conditions they worked under, followed by a screening of 'Hidden Figures', a film about the gender and race discrimination experienced by female scientists in the Apollo space program.

In celebration of International Women's Day, Boxcar proudly spotlights the talented women on its team, with a special focus on Sous Chef Sara Dongiovanni at Boxcar Bar & Grill. Sara has created a signature pasta e ceci inspired by her Italian heritage and culinary journey for the occasion. This limited-time dish will be available for one week starting March 8th.

In celebration of International Women's Day, SheSpot will host the 'Art of Self-Connection' workshop at Agua Spa in Sea Containers London. The workshop will focus on intimacy and helping women reconnect with their bodies. It will kick off with a nourishing breakfast, followed by a breathwork session led by somatic sexual healing coach Amy White. White helps women rediscover their sensuality and pleasure in a supportive, women-only space. The morning will end with the SheSpot founders introducing various sexual wellness products and offering expert tips on enhancing intimacy and pleasure.