Each March, Women’s History Month celebrates the diversity of women — from personal achievement, to societal and cultural contributions across many fields.
International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, recognizes the global women’s rights movement. This year’s theme calls for unity and inclusion, while bringing to light issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, domestic abuse and violence against women.
From female entrepreneur-led markets to interactive programs, here are some events that spotlight Women’s History Month — and honor women — across Southern California.
John Muir High’s Katarine Hart, a 10th grader, talks about her art piece “My Body. My Choice” during A Celebration of Women’s History Month under the theme My Body, My Choice, Our Rights at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School in Pasadena on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles County
Sat, March 9: Celebrate Local Women’s History Kiki, 237 Hill St. in Santa Monica, 6 to 8 p.m. A free potluck and community gathering to honor local women’s history.
Sat, March 16: Metro Bike Share Community Ride — A 4.9-mile loop bike ride starting 11 a.m. at Union Station West Portal, 800 N Alameda St. in Los Angeles. Pedal through women’s history in a route connecting important spaces for women throughout downtown L.A., from women-designed architecture to spaces of change for women’s rights. More information at bikeshare.metro.net.
Wed, March 20: Pasadena Unified School District’s 7th Annual Women’s History Event; Marshall Fundamental Secondary School; 990 N. Allen Ave. in Pasadena, 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event will include an art exhibit, readings and speakers. Info: www.pusd.us
Sun, March 24: “The Mothership Experience,” 1056 South Fairfax Ave. in Los Angeles, 3 to 8 p.m. Gallery highlights powerful West African art by weaving together technology, imagination, plants and cultural heritage. Free reservation on Eventbrite.
Wed, March 27: Wondery Hike Crew: Trivia Night-Women’s History Month Celebration, 6449 Tahoe Dr. in Los Angeles, 6 to 8 p.m. Info: bit.ly/49Y8MWI.
All month: Debbie Allen Dance Academy “HERstory”, Rhimes Performing Arts Center, 1850 South Manhattan Place, Los Angeles. Events include a March 9 film screening of “Origin” by Ava Duvernay with a Q&A, and a March 17 fashion-in-motion show with a gallery exhibit on view through May. Tickets and info on Eventbrite.
Long Beach, coastal cities
Fri, March 8: National Women’s History Month Networking Event at COLLAB Dance Studio, 441 E Carson St. in Carson, 6 to 9 p.m. Networking event celebrating female entrepreneurs, community leaders and industry professionals; themed “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.” RSVP at www.collabcarson.com/events.
Sat, March 9: “Women Elevating Women: An Evening of Health, Wealth and Empowerment” at COLLAB Dance Studio 441 E Carson St. in Carson, 6 to 9 p.m. Uplifting female-focused conversation on health and wealth. Tickets are $25. Register on Eventbrite.
Sat, March 9: “Ladies First” Pop-Up celebration at Human Aeon, 121 Belmont Ave. in Long Beach, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The wellness-themed event will spotlight women-owned vendors, featuring an opening yoga ceremony, acupuncture demonstrations, mocktails and more. Tickets are $35. Info: humanaeon.com/workshops.
Sun, March 10: International Women’s Day at the Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave. in Long Beach. The MOLAA store will feature Latina artisans, from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission to MOLAA is free on Sundays. More information at molaa.org.
Sat, March 23: ICANDO Women’s History Month Luncheon: “A Celebration of the Village,” Parkers’ Lighthouse, 435 Shoreline Village Drive in Long Beach, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Honoring the women in HERstory with a special lunch, giveaways, a presentation and more. Tickets are $55; purple dress code. Info and tickets on Eventbrite; hello@icando.biz.
Women wave purple flags as each state ratifies the 19th Amendment as they perform for the “Suffrage! A History in Word and Song” for the Long Beach Suffrage Centennial anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution at the First Congregational Church on Saturday, September 21, 2019. (Photo by Ana P. Garcia, Contributing Photographer)
Orange County
Thurs, March 7: Orange County Women’s Day Fair, Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Ave. in Santa Ana, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free community event will feature speakers on topics from law enforcement to caregiving; book readings with Ciara Blume and Mirelle Ortega, business and health resources, an onsite art class, food trucks and more. Info: 714-633-1442.
Fri, March 8: Women’s Day Luncheon, Casa De Lago, 1615 Lincoln Ave. in Orange; 11:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m. Senior women are invited to join a free special luncheon with health screenings, a physician health panel, raffle prizes and more to celebrate International Women’s Day. Info and RSVP bit.ly/48GBF8P, or contact Lauren Rodriguez (657) 562-8050.
Sat, March 9 and March 16: AKASSA Makers Market, 201 Center Street Promenade in Anaheim on March 9, and at Casa Bloom Studios, 109 West 3rd St. in Santa Ana, on March 16. Both markets are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop diverse local makers and artisans, highlighting women-owned small businesses. More info: akassa.co
March 9 and 10: The Makers Hive Market at the Anaheim Packing District, 412 S. Anaheim Blvd. in Anaheim; 2 to 8 p.m. Shop over 40 local makers, with photo ops, local eateries and more. Instagram: @themakershivemarket.
March 10: International Women’s Day IWD 2024, Norma Hertzog Community Center in Costa Mesa; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A day of celebration and empowerment featuring keynote speakers, workshops, networking opportunities and more. Tickets are $35. Info: bit.ly/ICWIN-IWD2024
Sun, Mar 17: Women’s Leadership Summit at Tandoor Cuisine of India, 1132 East Katella Avenue in Orange; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The United Nations Association of Long Beach hosts a celebration of women’s achievements, with uplifting speakers and discussions featuring female leaders. Tickets available on Eventbrite.
Wed, March 20: Movie Night Series: “The Woman King” at the Santa Ana Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza. All are invited for a family-friendly movie night. Light snacks provided while supplies last. The Santa Ana Public Library library also offers themed collections on ComicsPlus and Hoopla. More info: 714-647-5250, www.santa-ana.org/womens-history-month/
Sat, March 23: “Making HERstory” film screening, The Frida Cinema, 305 East 4th St. #100 in Santa Ana, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Admission to see the award-winning film celebrating diverse women who defied the odds is $15. Tickets and info: womensjourneyfoundation.org
All month: Golden West College, 15751 Gothard St. in Huntington Beach, opens its latest exhibit during Women’s History Month, “The Fate of Eve,” running at the college’s art gallery March 7 through April 4. Curators said the exhibit peels back the curtain on the struggles, unseen labor and inner-worlds of women and femme-presenting individuals, Themes include bodily autonomy, mental health, motherhood and more. The gallery (in the Fine Arts Building, Room 108) is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: goldenwestcollege.edu
Members of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. listen to keynote speaker Tamica Smith Jones, the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at UC Riverside, during a Women’s History Month reception at Cal State Fullerton on Thursday, March 23, 2017. (File photo by Kevin Sullivan, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Inland Empire
March 12, 19, 26: “Women in the Weight Room,” Blink Fitness in Rialto and select Blink gyms, 7 to 8 p.m. In honor of Women’s History Month, this free intro to strength training series is offered every Tuesday in March, open to everyone. Info: 909-990-1266, rialto@blinkfitness.com
Sat, March 16: National Women’s Political Caucus of Pomona and the Inland Empire, Women’s Leadership Conference, at Fuego Cocina & Cantina, 205 E. 2nd Street in Pomona, 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Celebrate Women’s History Month with speakers, a panel discussion and breakout sessions, and a birthday networking mixer. Lunch included with each registration, and limited childcare is available. For info and registration: linktr.ee/nwpcpie; nwpcpie@gnail.com
Mar 16: Black Women’s Health Summit, Moreno Valley Senior Center at 25075 Fir Avenue, 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Free event with resources, workshops on mental and maternal health, breast cancer awareness, race-based discrimination and more. RSVP to cbhwghcc@yahoo.com or on Eventbrite.
Fri, Mar 22: Women’s Day Celebration at the Emporium I.E., 2591 Rubidoux Blvd. in Jurupa Valley, from 4 to 9 p.m. Interactive workshops, build your own flower bouquet, games, crafts, mimosas and more. Info: @emporium_i.e
Sat, Mar 23: “Sowing The Seeds For a Collaborative Community: Women Empowering Women” at First Christian Church, 1751 N. Park Avenue in Pomona, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interactive event intended to ignite confidence and unity among women, led by retreat facilitator and author Dr. Heather Backstrom. Lunch included. Early bird registration, available through March 10, is $15. For tickets and info: fcc@fccpomona.org
Thurs, Mar 28: A Conversation with Women of the IE at Victor Valley College, 18422 Bear Valley Road in building #44, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free networking and speaker-filled event with women leaders from all fields and backgrounds. RSVP on Eventbrite.
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