What to do in London for International Women's Day 2026?

Okay, can we talk about how International Women's Day has absolutely evolved? It's not just about posting an empowering quote on Instagram anymore (though we love a good quote). It's about actually getting out there, celebrating the incredible women in your life, and doing something that makes you feel powerful, creative, and unapologetically yourself.

London in 2026 has amazing ways to mark International Women's Day, and we're here for all of it. Planning a day out with your girl gang? Treating your mum or sister to something special? Going solo to meet some brilliant new women? we've got you covered with the absolute best activities to make March 8th one to remember.

Let us walk you through our top picks, starting with the one that's genuinely stolen our hearts this year (duh!).

First Stop, Get Cheeky at Art Play

Right, so if there's ONE thing you do this year, it's International Women's Day at Art Pla. We think we've nailed it with International Women's Day celebrations, and we're not trying to be dramatic when we say this might be the most empowering, fun, and hilariously brilliant way to spend the day.

Here's what they've got on offer: sip and paint sessions where you can create your own empowering masterpiece, AND ... wait for it ... pottery sessions where you can make anything you want, including... BOOB POTS. Ceramic planters shaped like boobs. I told you it was brilliant.

Let's start with the boob pots because honestly, this is pure genius. There's something so wonderfully rebellious and empowering about sitting in a room full of women, whilst you're sculpting ceramic breasts with wine in hand, laughing about how one's ended up looking more like a pair of mountains while another's gone full abstract. It's body positivity meets creativity meets "we're done apologizing for having bodies, thank you very much."

And can we talk about how perfect these are as planters? Imagine coming home with your very own handmade boob pot, popping a succulent in it, and displaying it proudly on your shelf. It's a conversation starter, a piece of art, a celebration of femininity, and a reminder that you spent International Women's Day doing something bold and unapologetic. Plus, every time you water your plant, you'll remember that brilliant afternoon with your friends where you all laughed until your faces hurt.

The pottery sessions are led by instructors who genuinely get it. They're not just teaching you technique (though you will learn how to work with clay properly), they're creating this atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable, confident, and free to make their pottery as realistic or as abstract as they want. No judgement, all encouragement, and honestly some of the best conversations I've ever had have happened while molding clay into questionable shapes.

The sip and paint option is equally brilliant. You'll be guided through creating an empowering piece of art – think bold colors, strong imagery, maybe some inspiring words incorporated into the design. The whole vibe is about expressing yourself, channeling your inner goddess, and leaving with artwork that actually means something to you.

What people absolutely love about Art Play's approach to International Women's Day is that it's not performative or preachy. It's not sitting in a lecture hall listening to speeches (though those have their place). It's about actually DOING something creative, celebrating femininity in all its forms, and building genuine connections with other women while you're at it. The energy in these sessions is incredible – everyone's supporting each other, complimenting each other's work, sharing stories, and just genuinely enjoying being in a space that's all about women uplifting women.

The wine (or tea, or prosecco, or whatever your poison) flows freely, which definitely helps with the creative confidence. There's something about having a glass in hand that makes you braver with your artistic choices. That bold purple you weren't sure about? Suddenly it's perfect. Those wonky proportions on your boob pot? Actually, they add character. The wine isn't the point, but it definitely enhances the whole experience.

Art Play's locations are super accessible too – they've got spots across London, so wherever you're coming from, you can find a session that works for you. The pricing is really reasonable considering you're getting instruction, all materials, drinks, and a finished piece to take home. Most sessions run for about 2-3 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to really get into it without feeling rushed.

Booking is dead easy through their website and you can see all the available sessions, times, and locations. My advice? Book early because these sessions fill up FAST. Women across London have cottoned on to how brilliant this is, and spots go quickly. Get your girl gang together, book your spaces, and prepare for one of the best International Women's Day celebrations you've ever had.

The best part? You're not just celebrating women in some abstract way. You're actually spending time with women, supporting women-friendly businesses, creating art, building memories, and leaving with something tangible that reminds you of the experience. That's what International Women's Day should be about – genuine connection, creativity, and celebrating ourselves without apology.

Trust me on this one – whether you go for the cheeky boob pots or the empowering paintings, Art Play should be your first stop for International Women's Day 2026.

Next up, March with Thousands at the Women's March London

Okay, so after you've flexed your creative muscles in the morning or afternoon, you might want to join something bigger – and the Women's March London is exactly that. Every year on International Women's Day, thousands of women (and allies) take to the streets of London to march for women's rights, equality, and all the issues that still need addressing in 2026.

There's something genuinely powerful about being in a crowd of thousands, all there for the same reason. The energy is electric, the signs are creative (and often hilarious), and you feel part of something much bigger than yourself. It's a reminder that you're not alone in caring about these issues, that there are thousands of other women who've also shown up, ready to make their voices heard.

The march typically starts around midday and winds through Central London, usually ending with speeches and performances in a central location like Trafalgar Square or Parliament Square. You'll see women of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences coming together. There'll be grandmothers marching alongside their granddaughters, groups of friends with matching t-shirts, solo marchers carrying powerful messages, families with kids learning about activism young.

What I love about the Women's March is that it covers such a broad range of issues – reproductive rights, pay equality, violence against women, representation in politics and business, climate justice (because let's face it, climate change disproportionately affects women), LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice. It's intersectional, it's inclusive, and it recognises that women's rights aren't a monolith – different women face different challenges, and we need to fight for all of them.

The signs people make are honestly half the fun. You'll see everything from serious, powerful statements to absolutely hilarious puns and pop culture references. Some of the best signs I've seen at previous marches include feminist takes on song lyrics, clever wordplay, and artwork that would genuinely be at home in a gallery. People put serious effort into their march signs, and it shows.

If you've never been to a march or protest before, International Women's Day is a brilliant one to start with. The atmosphere is generally positive and empowering rather than angry (though there's absolutely room for righteous anger about the issues we're marching for). People are friendly, supportive, and happy to chat. You'll probably make some new friends, swap Instagram handles with people whose signs made you laugh, and feel genuinely connected to a community of people who care about the same things you do.

Practical tips for the march: wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking for a few hours. Dress in layers because March in London can be unpredictable – it might be sunny, it might rain, it'll probably do both. Bring water and maybe some snacks. Charge your phone because you'll want to take photos and videos. If you're making a sign, make it sturdy enough to last the whole march.

You don't need to register or sign up – just show up at the starting point at the designated time. Check the official Women's March London social media accounts closer to the date for exact details on route, timing, and meeting points. They usually announce everything a week or so before the march.

The beauty of this option is that it's completely free (though various organizations will be collecting donations for women's charities if you're able to contribute), it's accessible to everyone, and it's a way to actually DO something for women's rights rather than just posting about it online. You're physically showing up, adding your voice to the collective call for change, and being part of something historic.

Plus, the sense of solidarity you feel marching alongside thousands of other women is genuinely moving. When everyone starts chanting together, when you look around and see this sea of people who all believe that women deserve better – it gives you hope. It reminds you that change is possible because look how many people are willing to fight for it.

Finally, Treat Yourself at a Women-Owned Business

Right, so after all that creativity and activism, you deserve to treat yourself. And what better way to end International Women's Day than by supporting women-owned businesses across London? The city is absolutely packed with incredible businesses run by brilliant women, and spending your money there is a form of activism in itself.

Let's start with food because honestly, after marching and creating art, you're going to be hungry. London has some phenomenal women-owned restaurants and cafes. Head to Honey & Co in Fitzrovia, owned by husband-and-wife team Sarit Packer and Itamar Srulovich (with Sarit being the culinary genius behind the Middle Eastern menu). The food is absolutely incredible, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you'll leave feeling like you've been fed by someone's lovely grandmother who happens to be an amazing chef.

Or check out Margot in Covent Garden, founded by Paulo De Tarso but with a strong focus on celebrating women in the industry. Actually, you know what? Let me give you some more diverse options because London's women-owned food scene is vast and varied.

Caravan in King's Cross was co-founded by Laura Harper-Hinton and has become an institution for brilliant brunches and coffee. The food is inspired by their travels, the coffee is exceptional, and the whole vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Perfect for a post-march refuel with your crew.

If you're after something more upscale, Margot Henderson's Rochelle Canteen is a Shoreditch gem that's been quietly brilliant for years. The food is seasonal, simple, and absolutely delicious. It's the kind of place where you can taste the quality of the ingredients and the skill in the cooking without any fussy pretension.

For something sweet, head to Violet Bakery in Hackney, founded by Claire Ptak (who made Harry and Meghan's wedding cake, no big deal). The cakes, pastries, and baked goods are incredible, and there's something really lovely about supporting a woman who's built her business from scratch and become one of London's most celebrated bakers.

But let's not stop at food. London's got brilliant women-owned businesses across every sector. Need some retail therapy? Head to Wolf & Badger, which stocks hundreds of independent designers, many of them women. You'll find everything from jewelry to homeware to clothing, all from small brands and makers.

Or visit Labour and Wait in Shoreditch, a shop selling functional everyday products that happen to be beautiful. It's run by Rachel Wythe-Moran and Simon Watkins, and walking in feels like stepping into a perfectly curated home goods museum.

For beauty and wellness, check out Tropic Skincare's store – founded by Susie Ma, it's all about natural, cruelty-free products. Or book yourself a treatment at Cowshed Spas, founded by Carole Bamford as part of her commitment to organic, sustainable luxury.

Bookworms should absolutely visit Burley Fisher Books in Haggerston, run by Katy Guest. It's a feminist bookshop focusing on books by and about women, with a particularly strong selection of diverse voices. You could easily lose a couple of hours browsing and leave with a stack of brilliant reads.

If you're into fitness, check out Frame, the boutique gym co-founded by Joan Murphy and Pip Black. They've revolutionised the London fitness scene with their fun, inclusive approach to working out. Book a class for International Women's Day and feel powerful in your body.

The point is, London is absolutely brimming with businesses founded, run, and led by women. Every pound you spend at these places is an investment in women's economic power, in female entrepreneurship, in businesses that often prioritise ethics, sustainability, and community in ways that larger corporations don't.

And honestly? The service and experience at women-owned businesses is often just better. There's often more attention to detail, more thought put into creating welcoming spaces, more genuine care about the customer experience. These aren't massive faceless corporations – these are businesses built by women who poured their hearts, expertise, and often their life savings into creating something meaningful.

Make it a challenge for International Women's Day – try to spend the entire day only at women-owned or women-led businesses. Your morning coffee from a woman-owned cafe, your lunch at a restaurant founded by a female chef, your afternoon shopping at woman-owned boutiques, your evening drinks at a bar run by women. It's entirely possible in London, and it's a brilliant way to put your money where your values are.

Making International Women's Day Actually Mean Something

Right bestie, here's the thing about International Women's Day – it's easy to post a nice graphic on social media, share an inspirational quote, and call it a day. But 2026 deserves better than performative feminism. We deserve to actually show up, celebrate real women, support women-owned businesses, and create genuine connections with the women around us.

That's why I love all three of these options. Art Play gives you that creative, empowering, community-building experience where you're actually DOING something with other women. The Women's March gets you out there physically advocating for change and being part of a movement. And supporting women-owned businesses puts your money behind your values and directly supports female entrepreneurs.

You could honestly do all three in one day if you're ambitious. Start with an early pottery or painting session at Art Play (some start as early as 10am), head to the Women's March around midday, and then spend your evening exploring women-owned restaurants and bars. That's a full, meaningful, genuinely celebratory International Women's Day.

Or spread them out – maybe Art Play on the Friday before if you're working on the Saturday, the march on the actual day, and then make the following week all about consciously supporting women-owned businesses in your daily life. The point is to actually engage, not just acknowledge the day exists.

What I love about these options is that they're all accessible, regardless of your budget or circumstances. Art Play sessions are affordable, the march is free, and supporting women-owned businesses can be as simple as choosing to get your coffee from a woman-owned cafe instead of Starbucks. You don't need loads of money or a whole friend group to participate – though both help and make it more fun.

And let's be real – International Women's Day in 2026 needs to be intersectional. We need to be celebrating ALL women – women of color, trans women, disabled women, working class women, immigrant women, LGBTQ+ women. The beauty of activities like these is that they bring together diverse groups of women united by common causes and interests. You'll meet women from all walks of life, all with different experiences and perspectives, all valuable and all deserving of celebration.

Your International Women's Day 2026 Game Plan

So here's my advice, bestie: don't let International Women's Day 2026 pass by with just a social media post. Book yourself into one of Art Play's brilliant sessions – honestly, the boob pots alone are worth it for the memories and the laughs. Check the Women's March London details and commit to showing up. Make a list of women-owned businesses you want to support and actually follow through.

And most importantly? Bring your friends, your sisters, your mum, your colleagues. Make it a group thing because celebrating women is always better when you're doing it WITH women. The conversations you'll have, the connections you'll make, the memories you'll create – that's what International Women's Day should be about.

March 8th, 2026 is going to be incredible in London. The city's going to be buzzing with women celebrating, creating, marching, and supporting each other. Don't miss out on being part of it.

Book your Art Play session now at before spaces fill up. Mark your calendar for the Women's March. Start researching women-owned businesses in your area. And get ready to have one of the best International Women's Day celebrations yet.

See you there, bestie – paintbrush in one hand, boob pot in the other, ready to celebrate everything it means to be a woman in 2026. 💪🎨✨