National Women’s History Month is the time to show appreciation and support to women in your life and across the globe. In March, you can check out these 18 events highlighting women’s contributions to art, literature, science, and community.
Celebrating Women of Color
Visit the MLK Library (901 G St., NW) on Sunday, March 5 for a book reading and discussion with journalist April Ryan. In partnership with African Ancestry, a service that traces people’s African lineage, Ryan will explore her own ancestry while discussing her book Black Women Will Save the World: An Anthem. The book includes detailed interviews with Black women who have changed their communities, as well as details about Ryan herself. The event is free with registration.
The City Tavern Preservation Foundation will host a presentation called “You Should Know Her Name: Reverend Doctor Pauli Murray” on Thursday, March 2. Murray was a feminist leader, poet, and author, as well as the first American woman to earn a law PhD from Yale and the first Black woman ordained as a priest. Murray’s niece, Rosita Stevens-Holsey, will lead a talk about her aunt’s life and many accomplishments. The free event will be at the City Tavern Club (3206 M St., NW). Guests must register here.
Recognize the role that African immigrant women have played in shaping communities around the globe with the Prince George’s County African Diaspora Advisory Board. Their annual International Women’s Day event (which takes place on Friday, March 17 rather than during the actual holiday) will recognize the accomplishments of women from a variety of backgrounds. Guests include first ladies of African countries, the African Union ambassador to the United States, religious leaders, nonprofits, and several others. The event will feature a panel discussion, an African culture exhibition, and a scholarship award presentation. Tickets are $100 and are available here.
The National Women’s History Museum will open a new exhibition, “We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC,” on the first floor of the MLK Library (901 G St., NW) on Thursday, March 30. The first physical exhibit of this scale for NWHM, it will highlight the Black women at the heart of activism in DC throughout the 20th century and into today. The exhibit’s curators say that the show will explore decades-old topics—voting rights, reproductive freedom, equitable education—that are still relevant in 2023. You can explore more details on the exhibit here.
Art, Food, and Activities
Lace up your shoes to join in the 5th annual HerStory 5K run to commemorate Women’s History Month on Saturday, March 4. The event, inspired by DC mayor Muriel Bowser, will kick off at Freedom Plaza (1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW) with speeches by Bowser and other guests. Runners’ paths will be lined with pop-up exhibits on women’s history and empowering quotes. You can finish the race off with live music and shopping from women-owned businesses. For more details on the free event, check here.
On Thursday, March 9, the Tudor Place Historic House and Garden (1644 31st St., NW) will highlight works by female artists in their archives in a special exhibition. “The Feminine Touch: Celebrating Works of Art Created by Women” will feature artworks often not shown to the public that were created by both well-known artists and by the women who resided in Tudor Place. Afterwards, guests are invited for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Dower House. For details and ticket prices, check here.
“RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up” is the Kennedy Center’s (2700 F St., NW) annual all-women comedy event. This year’s show, held on Thursday, March 9, will feature Janelle James (from Abbott Elementary), Ali Kolbert, Sam Jay, and Atsuko Okatsuka. Tickets start at $39 and are available here.
Visit the Virginia location of Hank’s Oyster Bar (818 N. St. Asaph St., Alexandria) every Sunday in March for Second Floor Sessions with chef Jamie Leeds. She’ll partner with talented women from DC’s restaurant scene to serve collaborative menus for each of the one-time-only events. Five dollars per ticket will be donated to RE:Her, a nonprofit that helps advance women and non-binary people pursuing culinary careers. On Sunday, March 5, try pizza and seafood from Pizzeria Paradiso’s Ruth Gresser. The next week, sip on wine with Cork Wine Bar’s Diane Gross, sommelier Nadine Brown, and Hank’s own Terri Cutrino. On the following Sunday, visit Chinese Street Market’s Susan Qin for dim sum. Finally, on Sunday, March 26, join chefs Lucy Dakwar, Sarah Ewald, and Katherine Thompson of Thompson Italian for a five-course dinner. Check out more details on the month-long series here.
Visit the Elden Street Tea Shop (714 Pine St., Herndon) for a Women’s History Month tea party on Sunday, March 19. During the event—which will offer a variety of teas and treats—organizers will explain the history of tea and its connections to women’s lives and relationships. Guests are even welcome to arrive dressed as their favorite female historical figure, and the best-dressed wins a prize. For details, email here.
Women’s Education and Empowerment
Throughout the month, Women Uncorked invites women around DC to a group discussion all about sex. On Tuesday, March 21, the female-only safe space welcomes you to ask any questions you may have, without worrying about being an over-sharer. Sip wine and non-alcoholic beverages, snack on hors d’oeuvres, and sit back to relax and talk with a group of peers. According to Women Uncorked, the evening should be a fun way to share a variety of perspectives. Tickets are $20, available here.
The State of Fem Art will present its 10th annual SheROCKS event—a two day celebration of women artists and entrepreneurs. On Friday, March 24, things kick off with presentations from female creatives and entrepreneurship workshops. Saturday, March 25 will showcase live music, art installations, film screenings, and more. Plus, VIP members get access to bonus events like the pamper party and the power brunch mixer. Tickets start at $25 and are available here.
According to the Tigerlily Foundation, you’re never too old for a pajama party. The organization, dedicated to providing education about breast cancer, will host a “Pajama Glam” party for girls and women to talk about breast health. On Sunday, March 26, attendees should arrive at the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center (7901 Tysons One Place, Tysons) wearing shiny bling and their favorite pink, purple, or red PJs. They’ll make crafts, participate in wellness activities, enjoy provided snacks, and watch a sneak-preview movie screening. Tickets, which start at $25, are available here.
The National Museum of the United States Army (1775 Liberty Dr., Fort Belvoir) is hosting several free events to pay tribute to women who have served in the U.S. military. To educate visitors about women’s military history, the museum will host “Our Girls Over There: The Hello Girls of World War I.” The presentation details the stories of an all-women army telephone operating group in 1918. On Tuesday, March 7, the event will be held virtually. On Tuesday, March 14, a second talk will be available both virtually and in-person. You can also check out the museum’s presentation “Like Angels from Heaven: U.S. Army Nurses and the War with Spain.“ Attendees will learn about the female nurses who aided soldiers during the Spanish-American War. The presentation is available virtually on Wednesday, March 8 and 15, and hybrid on Wednesday, March 22. For more information, visit here.
On Saturday, March 25, the Army Historical Foundation will host “Angels of the Battlefield: Women of the Civil War,” at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum (21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling). History buffs can participate in a scheduled walking tour of Civil War battlegrounds and explore the museum’s exhibits. Tickets, which include transportation, food and drink, entrance fees, guided tours, and a souvenir program, start at $162. For tickets and details, check here.
Philanthropy Events
N Street Village will kick off its 50th annual auction and gala event on Thursday, March 2 at the Marriott Marquis (901 Massachusetts Ave., NW). The organization works to support DC women experiencing homelessness by connecting them with housing, health resources, and advocacy. Village honorees Hillary and Tom Baltimore will share their stories and their mission to end homelessness. Browse tickets, check out auction items, and make donations here.
On Saturday, March 25, join Yin. Women’s Social Club for the 2nd annual Women’s History Month pop-up event at Bitter Grace boutique (526 8th St., SE). Guests can shop from local vendors, sample wines from the Wine Concierge, and network with fellow WHM celebrants. For each ticket purchased, 50 percent of proceeds will be donated to House of Ruth, a DC organization that provides housing and support to women and children impacted by domestic violence. Tickets for the event start at $25 and are available here.
Wrap up WHM with at the National Women’s History Museum’s “Women Making History Awards” gala on Friday, March 31. At the Hamilton Hotel (1001 14th Street NW), guests will gather to celebrate the contributions of women over cocktails and a formal seated dinner. The evening’s honorees include Civil Rights activist Willie Pearl Mackie King and longest serving Congressional representative of DC, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. The evening will be chaired by Cheri Kaufman, and co-chaired (honorarily, as in not in-person) by Viola Davis and Meryl Streep. For details and tickets, check here.
