Every March, we honor Women’s History Month and on March 8, specifically, we celebrate International Women’s Day — a time to examine the social, economic, cultural and political impact of all women across the globe, now and throughout history. Many women at the forefront of intellectual, artistic and political progress — the likes of Ida B. Wells, Jane Addams, Gwendolyn Brooks, Michelle Obama and more — all called Chicago home at some point in their lives; cementing their impact on the city’s broad shoulders of success and its subsequent cultural impact.
Here, we’re highlighting some of the best ways to honor the occasion, as well as other events this month to keep the awareness and celebration going.
Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram @betterchicago and use #EmbraceEquity in honor of International Women’s Day and the year-round fight for gender equity.
March 8: International Women’s Day Celebrations
International Women’s Day Run + Walk with the Windrunners
Join the Windrunners for a two-mile walk or three- to four-mile fun run on March 8. The run is open to all women and allies, and will end at EDGE Athlete Lounge for small bites, drinks and a toast to womanhood. The race starts at 6:30pm and registration is free — find more details on the International Women’s Day Run + Walk web page.
International Women’s Day Wine Tasting at Uvae
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In recognition of International Women’s Day, Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar in Andersonville is welcoming guests to a wine tasting, featuring women winemakers. Tickets are $55 per person, and each guest will receive four, four-ounce wine pours with light food pairings — led by sommelier and owner, Lindsey Anderson. Multiple times slots are available, to make a reservation, visit International Women’s Day Wine Tasting at Uvae.
5553 N. Clark St.
Women’s History Month Mosaic Night
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Looking for a way to celebrate Women’s History Month? This unique event combines the fun of mosaic art making with the deliciousness of cocktails and Mexican food — courtesy of event host Tatas Tacos. No mosaic making experience necessary, just bring yourself, a gal pal and enthusiasm to celebrate all women! Details on the Lakeview Roscoe Village website.
2826 N. Lincoln Ave.
International Women’s Day Networking Fundraiser
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This event — hosted by Roseland Community Hospital Foundation — is about more than just networking, it is an opportunity for women to come together as a community while raising funds for The New Roseland Community Hospital‘s Spring Health Fest. From 4:30-7pm, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beverages, raffles, a walk the line activity, panel discussions and networking — all in an effort to “Break the Bias.” Tickets can be purchased on the fundraiser webpage.
US Bank Building, 4th Floor, 1000 E. 111th
International Women’s Day Celebration Happy Hour
Chicago Financial Women — a not-for-profit organization committed to expanding the professional networks of Chicago-area women in finance and other industries — will host this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration Happy Hour. A ticket to this event guarantees each attendee wine, soft drinks, snacks and endless networking opportunities. The happy hour will be held at the William Blair headquarters, check the event page for more details and registration.
150 N. Riverside Plaza
Free International Women’s Day Screening: “Saint Omer”
Cinema/Chicago and Alliance Francaise de Chicago co-present a screening of Alice Diop’s “Saint Omer” — winner of the Silver Hugo for Best Screenplay at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival — in celebration of International Women’s Day. The show starts at 6:30pm, and will be followed by a post-screening discussion, led by film critic Nick Davis of Northwestern University. Details at Cinema/Chicago online.
Alliance Française de Chicago, 54 W. Chicago Ave.
International Women’s Day Celebration
The Service Club’s Annual Day of Giving will revolve around International Women’s Day this year. Join them from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm for champagne, wine, snacks and inspiration — and yes, men are welcome too. A $50 minimum donation is required for attendance, which will go to support The Service Club’s Philanthropic Grant Fund. Want to find out more about what you’re supporting? Visit The Service Club website for event and organization details.
233 E. Erie St., Suite 405
Women in Winemaking Dinner
As a kick-off to Sofitel Chicago’s 2023 Dining Series, from 6-8:30 p.m. they will host Women in Winemaking — an up-scale evening and dinner paired with wines from women-owned wineries. In partnership with Sofitel, local women’s organization, Deborah’s Place, will also sponsor the event — for every ticket sold, $25 will be donated to their cause. All logistics and registration can be found on the Sofitel Chicago website.
20 E. Chestnut St.
Other Women’s History Month Events:
March 12: International Women’s Day Market
The Lincoln Square Ravenswood neighborhood is brimming with locally-owned businesses. On March 12, in honor of International Women’s Day — celebrated on March 8 — the community will be hosting their 2nd annual International Women’s Day Market. Local, women-owned vendors will congregate at Artifact Events for a day of shopping small and giving big, with booths that carry jewelry, home goods, beauty products, food, drink and much more. Details on the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce website.
Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
March 14: Get (Chick) Lit: Women Writers
Who says you can’t have fun while you learn? At the American Writers Museum, they know you can have the best of both, which is why they are hosting a happy hour within the museum. Guests will get to enjoy adult beverages while perusing the exhibits after hours. A perfect night out for you and your gals, as this event is in honor of Women’s History Month. Details on the event — including a book swap — are on the Get (Chick) Lit event page.
180 N. Michigan Ave.
Narrative – A Semicolon Concept
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In honor of National Women’s History Month, Narrative – A Semicolon Concept — a popup bookstore at The Kimpton Gray Hotel, held Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-6pm — has been extended through March. The popup shop gallery features titles written by BIPOC women authors and “offers a rare chance to browse their curated collection while downtown.” Semicolon is Chicagoland’s largest Black woman-owned bookstore — support them by visiting Semicolon Chicago online, where registration and details can be found.
Kimpton Gray Hotel, 122 W. Monroe St.
Storefront Art Activation
The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber — with a generous grant from the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection — has illuminated what was once empty business fronts on Belmont Avenue between Western and Ravenswood, into a premiere spot for local women artists to showcase their work. The four artists’ work was meant to be “bold and bright” and “to bring life” to that strip of town during the cold months. See it now through the end of March — details and exact locations on the Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber website.
Wine Tasting at Chicago Winery
During Women’s History Month, the Chicago Winery is showing support for the Chicago Foundation for Women — which aims to create a world where all women have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, just and healthy environment. For every wine tasting purchased at the Tasting Room on Wednesdays, 4-9pm throughout March, the Winery will donate $1 to CFW. Tasting flights are $20, and guests can choose one of three flights, or create their own — sourced from across the country. More details on the Chicago Winery website.
739 N. Clark St.
More from Better:
- 31 Things To Do in Chicago and the Suburbs This March
- Q&A: Ric Estrada, CEO of Metropolitan Family Services, on the Importance of Deep Understanding in a People-First Profession
- 2023 Summer Camp Guide: The Best Camps in Chicago, the North Shore and Beyond
Margaret Smith is a Chicago-based writer and editor with a passion for socio-political storytelling about their community. They are a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.
