International Women's Day Events in Melbourne That Aren't Corporate Cupcakes
Celebrate alongside female chefs, creatives and changemakers this IWD.
This International Women's Day ditch the corporate celebrations in favour of these unique events championing female changemakers, chefs, artists, brewers, musicians and more. In fitting with this year's theme 'Embrace Equity', they're putting talented and inspiring women in the spotlight, ensuring they receive the recognition, celebration and credit they deserve.
Can't make it to the events? Donate to these female focused charities or buy your next outfit from one of these female owned beauty brands.
Women of Soul
Cherry Bar have had the time of their lives presenting Women of Soul - Australia’s premier collective of female songwriters and performers. Their residency wraps up on International Women's Day in Melbourne - which is the perfect time to witness this fierce femme ensemble live, before they perform at the iconic Byron Blues and Roots Festival in April.
Featuring vocalists Chelsea Wilson, Candice Monique, Fem Belling, Carla Troiano, Alzzy and Germaine McCerthy, these powerhouses will show you the true value of womanhood.
More evidence to that fact? In 2023 they released their critically acclaimed album ‘Feel Good’, which was then nominated for the 2024 Australian Music Prize. The album is significant as the first LP in Australia to be entirely composed, performed and produced by an all-female team.
$27.70
Book here
Friday March 8th, 8.00pm to 11.00pm
Cherry Bar, 68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Second Story's Rise of the Feminine: International Women's Day Circle
Come join a sacred circle for women to connect to their soul sisters, feel seen and heard and to awaken the divine feminine within. Second Story's Rise of the Feminine: International Women's Day Circle is a beautiful chance for anyone who feels called to sit and connect with like-spirited women (in comfortable clothing, bless) and to own your truth and take up space.
Bring an open heart and mind, a journal, pen and water bottle, and get ready for some soul alignment. Think feminine embodiment guided meditation to oracle card intuitive guidance readings, nourishing chats, and even tea and yummy treats - in a space that's inclusive to anyone who identifies as a women.
Nurture yourself this International Women's Day in Melbourne.
$38.00 per person, 18+ only
Friday 8th March, 7.00pm to 9.30pm
Second Story, 222 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Make Your Own Unisex Bucket Hat - Paypal Fashion Festival
Make your own unisex reversible bucket hat in this free workshop at Carlton Library. Gender-inclusive project options and all materials are provided, with two styles of bucket hats available to create. They even have fancy embroidery machines.
The Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival is the perfect time to try your hand at something new - and it's also one of the best International Women's Day Events in Melbourne in the sense that it pushes for more inclusivity in the fashion industry while helping to break down gender stereotypes.
There are three session times to choose from across two days - find out more here.
Thursday 7th to Friday 8th March, various times
Carlton Library, 667 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Women of Utopia: Melbourne Pop-Up Exhibition
Mitchell Fine Art will be presenting the ‘Women of Utopia’ Aboriginal Art exhibition from 6th to 17th March at Langridge Gallery in Collingwood.
The exhibition showcases significant artworks by some of Australia’s most recognisable female Aboriginal artists from the Utopia region in Central Australia - and it's a beautiful way to celebrate International Women's Day in Melbourne.
Utopia has grown the genius of luminaries such as Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Gloria Petyarre, Minnie Pwerle, Kathleen Petyarre, Margaret Loy Pula, and Polly Ngale.
The work in the exhibition depicts the focus of cultural maintenance regarding country, food, traditional practices, law, and the complex social system to which they adhere.
The artists featured have been collected both nationally and internationally, with Emily Kame Kngwarreye achieving the highest secondary auction price for any female Australian visual artist to date. How impressive is that?!
6th March to 17th March
Free admission
14 Langridge Street, Collingwood
F--k the Invisible Runway at Paypal Fashion Festival
Fashion is one of the purest forms of self-expression at any age. Facing directly into the fear and perception that women become invisible as they age, the F*** The Invisible Runway rejects this notion completely. Fashion is a lifetime opportunity. It doesn't stop until you stop. Celebrate International Women's Day with fabulous fashion that will inspire, thrill, surprise and elevate women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.
From $69.00
Buy tickets here
Friday 8th March, 7.00pm
Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
