International Women's Day

Celebrate and march: The International Women’s Day events in Los Angeles you can’t miss

We take a look at some of the many activities behind held in L.A. on Saturday, to mark International Women’s Day 2025.

María José López | Europa Press

British journalist and translator who joined Diario AS in 2013. Focuses on soccer – chiefly the Premier League, LaLiga, the Champions League, the Liga MX and MLS. On occasion, also covers American sports, general news and entertainment. Fascinated by the language of sport – particularly the under-appreciated art of translating cliché-speak.

Update: Mar 7th, 2025 18:52 EST

A march in downtown Los Angeles is among the many events taking place in the city this weekend, to mark International Women’s Day.

What is International Women’s Day?

First held in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place around the world every March 8.

According to the official Women’s Day website, the event seeks to: “celebrate women’s achievements through recognizing and appreciating the contributions of women in various fields, highlighting their influence and successes throughout history and in the present day.”

Organizers add that IWD aims to “raise awareness of gender inequality”, “mobilize action for equality” and “foster solidarity among people of all genders.”

What is the 2025 IWD theme?

This year, the IWD’s official website says, the theme of Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”.

“At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum,” organizers say. “Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.”

The United Nations, which has officially recognized IWD since 1975, has also unveiled its own theme for 2025: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

“This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind,” the U.N. says. “Central to this vision is empowering the next generation - youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls - as catalysts for lasting change.”

"#Genderequality can never be achieved if everyone sits on the sidelines. We need to take action to make it happen. While there has been progress, it has been slow," says Melanie Garber, who created this #AccelerateAction #lettering #design for #IWD2025 👉🏼 https://t.co/11bVJTXxjS pic.twitter.com/zkk7avRaeM
— Women's Day (@womensday) March 7, 2025

So what’s on in L.A. on International Women’s Day 2025?

Rally and March in downtown L.A.

Scheduled for 10:00 a.m. PT on Saturday, there will be an International Women’s Day rally in central L.A. Starting in Pershing Square, the event will see participants march to City Hall.

“Since taking office, the Trump Administration has unleashed a war against women,” the march’s website says, adding: “More than ever, we must continue to resist, persist, and demand change. March with us. Rally with us. Stand with us.”

“Celebration & Showcase”

In the evening, the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood will be hosting an “IWD Celebration & Showcase”, for which tickets can be bought on the venue’s website. Described as an event that will involve “songs, stories, laughter and comfort”, it will include stand-up routines and several musical performances.

According to its description on the IWD website, the “Celebration & Showcase” will be “spotlighting several women-run/focused charities” and “supporting candidates and leaders of today and tomorrow”. The event is scheduled to run from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. PT.

What are some of the other IWD activities in L.A.?

Elsewhere this weekend, IWD celebrations in and around L.A. will include the International Women’s Day Community Surf, whose organizers promise “an incredible afternoon of seasterhood”, and the Women’s History Month Market, which features female-owned small businesses.

“Celebrate amazing women entrepreneurs at our Women’s History Month Market,” says the Socal Etsy Guild, the body behind the market. “Come shop, support, and empower!”

Throughout the weekend, meanwhile, the MashUp Contemporary Dance Company is holding its ninth International Women’s Day Dance Festival. The company says the festival will involve “performances, classes, discussions, and more as we celebrate and uplift the female identifying and non-binary voices of our dance community”.

You can get more information about the IWD Dance Festival on the MashUp website. You’ll also find a list of more L.A. events on the IWD site and at Eventbrite.