Want to celebrate International Women’s Day in Sydney this year but have no idea where to start? We’ve put together a list of different events that champion female voices and recognise the power of womanhood.
There are lots of incredible talks happening this week, with speakers including sporting stars, pioneers within the creative industry and culinary experts. Go to a free art workshop in Darling Square Library, or bring your Gran to high tea at Sir Stamford Hotel. Our list is sure to provide plenty of inspiration for celebrating all the amazing women in your life this IWD.
1. All About Women at the Sydney Opera House
Taking place annually during the weekend of International Women’s Day, All About Women at the Sydney Opera House features a wide range of talks from incredible speakers, covering topics such as domestic violence, motherhood, menopause, skincare, and the music industry. Powerhouse actress and director Rachel House, who you might recognise from Heartbreak High and Moana, is giving a talk about the importance of Māori storytelling. There is also a ‘Feminist Roast’, which was one of the most popular events in 2024. If you’re unable to attend in person, watch your desired talk on livestream from $15.
Other significant venues like Parliament House are also hosting events to honor women, including receptions for veterans and discussions on women’s leadership and empowerment.
When: March 8-9
Where: Sydney Opera House
Price: Tickets start at around $35, with livestream tickets $15 (there is also a livestream festival pass available for $70)
Find out more here
2. Sydney International Women’s Day March
Want to speak up for gender equality and show your support on International Women’s Day? Join the IWD March on Saturday the 8th, starting at Town Hall at 1. Be inspired by the show of solidarity and listen to some important female voices as you march to Hyde Park. Everyone is welcome, so bring friends and family along to this important event.
When: Saturday March 8, 1pm
Where: Starting at Town Hall
Price: Free
Check out the official Facebook page here
3. The Hive Bar’s Annual International Women’s Day Event
The Hive Bar’s yearly International Women’s Day fundraising event is a great way to raise money for an amazing cause whilst also having a boogie! The Hive Bar have invited Queen Bee, a female and non-binary vinyl DJ collective, to play the event, which will focus on promoting women’s empowerment and leadership. The event will also include drink specials, a raffle and a very special IWD beer on tap from Reckless Brewing Co. All proceeds from the raffle will be going to the Women and Girls’ Emergency Centre in Redfern and cash donations are appreciated too.
When: Saturday March 8, 2pm
Where: The Hive Bar, Erskineville
Price: Free
To find out more, click here
4. Feminist Roast
Following its huge success last year – it was the most popular event of the Sydney Opera House’s All About Women festival – the Feminist Roast is back for a second round. It plays on the classic comedic roast format to tell feminism to “pick herself up by her bootstraps and get on with her (revolutionary) job”. Michelle Brasier, Nakkiah Lui, Lucinda ‘Froomes’ Price and Grace Tame form the panel of quick witted and sharp tongued contestants, moderated by Steph Tisdell. This is for lovers of silliness, sarcasm and satire.
When: March 8 at 8pm
Where: Concert Hall at Sydney Opera House
Price: $35
5. The Pairing of Power: Women Revolutionising Food & Wine at the Sydney Opera House
After last year’s sold out success, this popular event is back, promising amazing wine and carefully- curated canapés from Australian chef, Danielle Alvarez. Celebrate the female winemakers who are transforming the industry. You will be able to sip on 15 different wines, all while enjoying exquisite views of the harbour and the vibrant music of live female DJs. A portion of proceeds will be going to the Women in Revolution initiative, so dress up, bring your girls along and support female innovation in the wine and culinary industries.
When: Saturday 8 March, 2pm-5pm or 6pm-9pm
Where: Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms
Price: $99
To find out more, click here
6. Future Women International Women’s Day First Nations Lunch
Future Women invite you to their amazing IWD event, which focuses on amplifying the voices of First Nations leaders and change-makers. The day is about listening and reflecting, as you celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of First Nations people. The event includes a sit-down lunch and talks from incredible speakers. This is a great opportunity to spend IWD supporting First Nations women, forging connections and strengthening relationships. This event sells out every year (with over 400 attendees in 2024) so be sure to get your tickets soon!
When: Friday March 7 from 11:30am to 1:30pm
Where: Four Seasons Hotel
Price: $200
To get your tickets or find out more, click here
7. Business Chicks Breakfast
Are you looking to expand your network and meet other high-achieving and ambitious women? Business Chicks is an amazing organisation that focuses on connecting and empowering women in business. The Business Chicks Breakfast will feature talks from globally-recognised speaker Winitha Bonney Oam, entertainer Brihony Dawson (who made history as the first non-binary presenter to front a major TV show in Australia in 2022) and creative entrepreneur and all-round superstar, Azure Antoinette.
When: Tuesday March 11, 8am-10:30am
Where: Sheraton Grand, Hyde Park
Price: General Admission: $195 members | $225 non-members | $1950 table (10)
To get your tickets or find out more, click here
8. UTS International Women’s Day 2025
UTS are championing an amazing keynote speaker this year, as they bring in soccer legend, Lydia Williams. Lydia was the first Aboriginal goalkeeper for Australia’s Matildas and is a two-time Olympian. Lydia will speak on her inspiring career and journey, including the monumental Matilda’s strike for improved pay and her ongoing commitment to advocating for women in sport.
There will also be a notable panel of female UTS trailblazers, including Dr Leila Khanjaninejad, a lecturer in Creative Intelligence and Innovation and Professor Karen O’Connell from UTS Law, who has been working on gender equality and sex discrimination issues for twenty years. Amy Persson, who is the interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Social Justice and Inclusion) at UTS, will be the MC and Moderator. The best part about this event is that it will be live-streamed, so if you’re unable to attend, you can tune in online!
When: Wednesday 5 March from 10am-11:30am
Where: UTS Grand Hall, Ultimo
Price: Free
To get your tickets or find out more, click here
9. Tea & Triumph: International Women’s Day High Tea
Bring together the women in your life and celebrate International Women’s Day in style. Sir Stamford in Circular Quay are offering an elegant high tea experience at their Highlander Whisky Bar. This is the perfect event to bring your family along to, and celebrate mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and friends as you indulge in delicious treats and celebrate womanhood.
When: March 7-9 at 11am-1pm or 1pm-3pm
Where: Highlander Whisky Bar, Sir Stamford
Price: $129 per person
To find out more, click here
10. Lilian Fowler: Art Workshop and Talk
In this free talk and workshop, City Historian Laila Ellmoos will discuss the groundbreaking career of Lilian Fowler, who is best known for being Australia’s first female mayor, as well as NSW’s first elected female alderman for Newtown Council. The talk will explore Fowler’s dedication to bettering the lives of Sydney’s inner-suburb residents and will feature a number of photographs, news clippings and artefacts relating to her life, which were donated to the City of Sydney in 2024. The talk will be followed by an art workshop where you will be encouraged to let your creativity flow through collaging inspired by Lilian’s legacy.
When: Wednesday March 5, from 11am to 12pm
Where: Darling Square Library
Price: Free
To find out more, click here
11. The Intelligence of Painting
Although not an official International Women’s Day event, The Intelligence of Painting showcases the work of 14 Australian women artists, offering a meaningful way to support female artists during IWD. Curated by Suzanne Cotter and Manya Sellers, the exhibition brings together recent MCA Collection acquisitions and new paintings from various artists, including Karen Black, Jelena Telecki, Nyapanyapa Yunupingu and Maria Madeira. The exhibition honours MCA’s promise to be a platform for living artists, showcasing some of the best contemporary work in Australia.
When: Until 20 July 2025
Where: MCA, Macgregor Gallery: Level 1
Price: $20 (General admission covers this exhibition)
To find out more, click here
READ MORE: Things to do in Sydney in March 2025
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