See a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt (and the cherry blossoms!) this month
March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, enjoy live entertainment, attend a festival… all of it showcasing women and their accomplishments. Here’s where you can do that over the next month — and beyond!
Women’s History in American History
Where: National American History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The American History Museum houses several exhibits that focus on women, from a section on women inventors to displays about women’s suffrage to the First Ladies dresses and much more. See all the ways to explore women’s history through the museum here.
Statue-esque Women
Where: Around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Yes, there are some statues honoring women amid the many memorials and monuments dedicated to men — even one on the National Mall! Make it a mission to visit them over the month and see how many you can get to. You can find a map of them here on Curbed.
Creativity is Magic: Maya Lin Festival
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: March 11, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Join this all-ages festival to celebrate Women’s History Month and the life and work of Maya Lin. Known best as the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the architect, sculptor, and environmentalist creates work that meets at the intersection of art and environmentalism. At the festival, you can tour the museum’s One Life: Maya Lin exhibition, participate in Lin’s multi-site memorial “What is Missing?”, take part in workshops, and create art inspired by her designs. (PS: Women are showcased in many other ways throughout the Portrait Gallery… see a painting of the female Supreme Court justices, photographs of great female athletes, portraits of pop stars, and so many more notable women.) Read more about the museum here and here.
Women of the Freer
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Daily through March, 12-1pm
Admission: Free
To celebrate Women’s History Month, everyday through March, the National Museum of Asian Art is offering docent-led tours of art by the women in their collection — ancient and modern, human and divine. The tours will introduce you to influential women and their little-known stories. No reservation needed.
Sisterhood of Spies
Where: International Spy Museum | L’Enfant, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission:
The Spy Museum highlights women of espionage through many exhibits in the museum. You can learn about the Mata Hari, find how Harriet Tubman and Julia Childs gathered intel, discover how Josephine Baker used her star status to spy, and more! Go here for more details about where you can find them. And read more about the Spy Museum in this KFDC post.
Put It This Way
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Explore art by women in this exhibition that brings together nearly a century of works by 49 female and nonbinary artists. Put It This Way: (Re)Visions of the Hirshhorn Collection displays a variety of works in many mediums, some that are part of the museum’s collection and some that have have never been on view at the Hirshhorn. If you go, plan to see other fantastic exhibits by notable women artists like Yayoi Kusama’s One with Eternity (note that you need free passes) and Laurie Anderson’s Chalkroom, still there from The Weather exhibit there in 2021-22.
One of my favorite Georgia O’Keefe paintings a the NGA
More Works by Women
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art is full of remarkable works by women artists, from Georgia O’Keefe to Alma Thomas to Mary Cassat to Faith Ringgold — and so many more. Wander around them museum to explore them or take a tour (while not solely about women, they will cover some of them). And see below for special programs coming up to celebrate Women’s History Month at the NGA.
Legacies on Call Boxes
Where: Around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Find old fire call boxes and see where several notable women are commemorated. The Wander Women Project, a travel blog that celebrates women’s creations and follows female legacy, landmarks, and heritage trails, has a map to follow, plus more info about all of the women on their website. It’s a fun way to explore downtown and learn about some pioneering women!
Music HerStory Zine Workshops
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: March 4, 10:30am & 2pm
Admission: Free
Get creative and celebrate at a Zone Workshop focusing on women’s music. Zines are vibrant celebrations of self-expression using simple materials. In the early 1990s, they were propelled by the riot grrrl movement, connecting like-minded readers and musicians. Today, zines continue to promote community-building and creativity, especially among young women. These Zine Workshops will be led by comic artist Evan Keeling and last 2-3 hours. All supplies will be provided, just bring yourself and some creativity! The early workshop is suggested for kids and families, the later one for tens and adults. Reserve a spot for each member of your party. And sign up soon, as spaces are limited!
Musical Explorations
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Select dates in March
Admission: Free
Join the museum during Women’s History Month for a series of concerts by five exceptional women in an exploration of music, scholarship, and mastery. Hear works by female composers from the 17th century to the present performed on harp, violin, guitar, and piano by some of today’s most talented and innovative musicians. One is highlighted below, and you can see the rest of the schedule here.
The Future is Female Piano Concert
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: March 8, 12-2pm & 2:45-4:45pm
Admission: Free
On International Women’s Day, pop in at the National Gallery of Art to enjoy music by pianist Sarah Cahill, described as “a sterling pianist and an intrepid illuminator of the classical avant-garde” by The New York Times. The Future is Female features more than seventy compositions by women around the globe, from the Baroque to the present day. Cahill will perform music from the project spanning from the 1600s to 2022 by composers including Élisabeth-Claude Jacquet de La Guerre, Regina Harris Baiocchi, Margaret Bonds, Teresa Carreño, Fanny Mendelssohn, Hélène de Montgeroult, Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, Clara Schumann, Arlene Sierra, Mary D Watkins, Theresa Wong, and many more.
(S)heroes
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: March 9, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
National Gallery Nights, after hours events at the museum, are returning with a salute to women. During this one, you can dance to tunes by iconic women musicians, experience experimental pop-up performances, explore works by women artists, get a preview of the future Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, and make art inspired by Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South. A variety of beverages, special-edition gelato flavors, and snacks will also be available for purchase. And extra points for dressing as your favorite shero! (This one sounds like more of an adult event, but teens could probably attend, too.)
BGR!Fest
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 9-12
Admission: Vary by activity
This multi-day, live, immersive experience celebrates and recognizes the exceptional cultural contributions of Black women artists, thought leaders, and creatives. The festival’s headlining feature is the Black Girls Rock Concert boasting a lineup of Black women artists Alice Smith, Estelle, and Jade Novah. There will also be a more live performances, a late-night music and DJ series, and a film screening. Find more details along with the full schedule of events on the website.
Jagged Little Pill
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: March 14-26
Tickets: $55-105 (look for discount)
See a show based on the music of a fierce female musician (not to mention a book by a woman writer and producer, Diablo Cody)! Alanis Morisette’s songs are the score to this Broadway musical that encompasses joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE. It’s recommended for ages 14+ — be sure to read plot details if you’re bringing kids.
Female Inventors
Where: Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library | Congress Heights, DC
When: March 15, 4-5pm
Admission: Free
Take kids to the library to learn the stories of women who changed our way of life through their inventions. We’ve all heard of Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, but very few female inventors are household names.
Sunday Cinema: A Month for Women
Where: Juanita E. Thornton Library | Sherpherd Park, DC
When: March 19, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Head to the library for a showing “Moana.” The theme of the movie is an important one for kids and adults alike — it’s never too late to find your true self and follow your heart. Moana sets out on an epic journey to find Maui, a legendary demigod, who can help her save her people. Along the way, she discovers her true identity and learns to follow her heart.
We Who Believe: Black Feminist DC
Where: MLK Memorial Library | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Opens March 30 through September 2024
Admission: Free
The National Women’s History Museum has existed online for years, but at the end of March, its first-ever physical exhibit will be launched at the MLK Memorial Library. We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC traces Black feminism in Washington, DC from the turn of the 20th century through the civil rights and Black Power movements to today. The exhibit examines the voices and stories of more than a dozen trailblazing women, from the early Black feminism of the “Jane Crow” era to the future of Black feminism. Learn more about the Women’s History Museum here and see more about the MLK Library here.
Girl Bosses
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free (but plan to spend — and support!)
A fun activity this month: Shopping! (And some eating, too!) This is a great time to make a point to patronize women-owned businesses around DC, and there are many awesome, beloved places to do that. This Washingtonian article from last year highlights a bunch. I’d also add Labyrinth Games and Puzzles, Steadfast Supply (an amazing selection of giftable goods), the best family photographer in the area, and an incredible interior designer if you’re in need of a home spruce up.
Do you know of any activities or events that celebrate women that you don’t see listed here? Feel free to share in the comments!
