International Women's Day 2026: A Celebration of Female Excellence in London
International Women's Day 2026 will take place on Sunday, March 8, with a diverse array of events scheduled across London. These gatherings aim to celebrate female narratives and protest against persistent inequalities that women face globally. While numerous events will be announced in the coming months, five standout experiences are already available for early booking, offering unique opportunities for inspiration and activism.
Five Must-Attend International Women's Day 2026 Events
Lunch with Mary Portas: On Wednesday, March 4, The Barbary in Notting Hill will host a fundraising lunch featuring author and activist Mary Portas. The event supports The King's Trust's Change a Girl's Life initiative. Comedian Viv Groskop will interview Portas, focusing on the theme "An Open Letter To My Younger Self," providing professional wisdom for future generations. Portas will discuss her multifaceted career as a businesswoman, broadcaster, and public personality. Starting at 12 pm, ticketholders will enjoy a welcome drink and lunch, with a minimum £20 donation encouraged.
Listen to Five Female Chefs: Adriana Cavita, Ayesha Kalaji, Keshia Sakarah, Maria Bradford, and Sabrina Gidda—five renowned chefs from international kitchens—will collaborate for a one-off lunch. Each chef will create a course inspired by their upbringing or a place they value. Following the meal, entrepreneur Justine Murphy will host a Q+A session. All proceeds will benefit the Refuge charity, which supports women and children. Tickets are priced at £120 per person.
Dine with Sporting Legends: Scott's Richmond is organizing a series of dinners tied to International Women's Day, featuring Olympic athlete Sally Gunnell. On Tuesday, March 4, a three-course lunch will be followed by a Q+A where Gunnell will discuss motivation, mindset, and women's resilience and well-being. Head chef Tom Fraser will design the menu. Tickets cost £75 per person and are available via Scott's website.
Learn About Powerful Female Artists: The Affordable Art Fair will host an International Women's Day exhibit as part of its Battersea spring fair from March 4 to 8. The exhibition will showcase works by 22 female artists, exploring themes of female relationships, womanhood, and togetherness. The fair will feature over 900 artists and 115 galleries at Battersea Park. Tickets are approximately £31 and can be purchased through the website.
Listen to Female Entrepreneurs: AllBright's Step Forward Summit on March 6 will bring together entrepreneurial women shaping the future of wealth, entrepreneurship, and health. Attendees include former English footballer Jill Scott MBE, writer Angela Scanlon, TV personality and author Amber Ross Gill, and journalist Anna Whitehouse. Discussions will cover women's health, financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, careers, and the realities facing working mothers. The event will be held at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, with tickets priced at £180 via Eventbrite.
Additional Event: Private Auction for a Cause
Go to a Private Auction: Art on a Postcard's exhibition will feature works commissioned by female artists for International Women's Day. Dozens of artists will present pieces exploring intersections of tradition, memory, and legacy, including images of "laughing wayward women," portrayals of queer love, and works by a partially sighted painter who relies on touch. All funds raised will support The Hepatitis C Trust in aiding women affected by the criminal justice system, who face stigma and structural inequality. The Private View is free to attend at The Bomb Factory Holborn, 103 Kingsway, London WC2B 6QX, on March 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm, or tickets can be purchased online.
These events highlight the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and celebrate women's achievements in various fields. As International Women's Day 2026 approaches, more events are expected to be announced, further enriching London's cultural landscape with opportunities for engagement and advocacy.
