How to Celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 in Newcastle
Our round-up of some of the ways to celebrate this year's International Women's Day
The very first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held back in 1911, and since then has championed women’s achievements, raised awareness, mobilized action, fundraised for women-focused charities, and fostered solidarity between people of all genders.
The very first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held back in 1911, and since then has championed women’s achievements, raised awareness, mobilized action, fundraised for women-focused charities, and fostered solidarity between people of all genders.
For its 115th year, the theme is ‘Give to Gain’, emphasising the power of reciprocity and support in contributing to women’s advancement.
So if you’re wondering how you can help embody this year’s theme, or just looking for ways to commemorate the day, then you’ve come to the right place! Here’s our top picks of how to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 in Newcastle.
Votes for Women: The Power of Protest Walking Tour @ Newcastle City Centre
Take a stroll through central Newcastle with Adventours and a special IWD edition of their popular Votes for Women: The Power of Protest tour. Meeting at Grey’s Monument, this 90-minute walking tour brings the British suffrage movement to life, focusing on one of its most influential leaders Emmeline Pankhurst and highlighting powerful stories from Newcastle’s own suffrage history.
Saturday 7th March, £15 plus booking fee (adults) / £5 plus booking fee (under 16s)
For the Girls: International Women’s Day Brunch Party @ Pilgrim
Gather up the girls and get your tickets booked for Pilgrim’s women-only IWD Brunch Party. Designed to be a relaxing yet uplifting experience, there’ll be tasty nibbles, free mini massages, live performances by female creatives and a DJ-led soundtrack of soulful, feel-good sounds – plus the chance to mingle and connect with other amazing women from across Newcastle!
Sunday 8th March, From £10
Discovery Nights: Wonder Women @ Discovery Museum
The latest edition of Discovery Museum’s popular after-hours event Discovery Nights gets an International Women’s Day twist this March with Wonder Women. Honouring remarkable women from the North East, guests will be the first to see the museum’s exciting new acquisition – Brenda Blethyn’s Vera costume – and enjoy a short reading and Q&A with Vera creator Ann Cleeves. There’ll be talks, crafts and live music from local singer-songwriter Kirsty Hall and all-female drumming band The Bangshees too.
Friday 6th March, £10 plus booking fee
Iron Ladies Film Screening @ Newcastle City Library
Liverpool-based documentary-maker Daniel Draper’s latest film Iron Ladies is getting a free screening at Newcastle City Library this March. Celebrating the working-class women who became the backbone of the 1984-85 Miners’ Stroke, it’s a must-see film described by The Guardian as “fascinating” and “inspiring.”
Thursday 5th March, Free but places must be reserved
Desiree Burch: The Golden Wrath @ The Stand
American comedian Desiree Burch is delivering a laugh-packed hour at Newcastle comedy club The Stand in the run-up to International Women’s Day with her new show The Golden Wrath. Exploring the perimenopause and female mid-life crisis in all its glory, it’s stand-up that the lasses in the audience will love.
Thursday 5th March, From £19
Tyne to Stand Up 4: Keeping Standing Up! @ Tyne Theatre & Opera House
There’s more comedy on the cards at Tyne Theatre with the fourth edition of stand-up gala Tyne to Stand Up. Newcastle-born actress and comedian Sammy Dobson hosts the night, with a line-up of top female comedy talent including Elaine Robertson and Anja Atkinson and proceeds going to support the amazing work of Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland.
Sunday 8th March, From £8.50
In Conversation with Huffty McHugh @ Newcastle University
Join North East community leader Huffty McHugh at Newcastle University this March for an International Women’s Day-themed edition of its free Public Insights lectures. Enjoy a though-provoking discussion with Huffty – who’s dedicated over 40 years of her life helping people in need at Newcastle’s West End Women and Girls Centre – that explores the inequalities women face, challenges stereotypes and emphasises the importance of representation.
Tuesday 10th March, Free but pre-booking is required
Marshall Gilmour Webbs @ The Common Room
Enjoy an evening of female-centric music at The Common Room on International Women’s Day with a set from Marshall Gilmour Webbs. Known for their soaring vocals, heavenly harmonies and eclectic instrumentation, expect a mix of original music and covers from the female foursome.
Sunday 8th March, £15
Women Behind Bars: Life in Newcastle Prison, 1828-1925 @ Newcastle Cathedral
Delve into the hidden histories of women in Newcastle Prison with this new exhibition at Newcastle Cathedral. Exploring what it was like to be a woman behind bars in 19th century Newcastle, the insightful exhibition brings to light the stories of girls and women affected by poverty and addiction and the suffragettes who challenged the patriarchal boundaries of the era, revealing the stark realities of crime and punishment in an unequal society.
Thursday 5th March – Monday 27th April, Free
Girl Power Drunch @ Purple Peacock
Want to dance the night away with your pals? Purple Peacock’s hosting an extra special Drunch the day before International Women’s Day that you’ll want to book ASAP! Their high-energy, all-singing and all-dancing extravaganza features girl power anthems from the likes of Beyonce, Britney and the Spice Girls alongside bottomless drinks and a delicious Drunch menu. Let’s go girls!
Saturday 7th March, £49.95
That’s just a small selection of events taking place across in Newcastle for International Women's Day 2026 that explore or celebrate womanhood in various exciting ways – through comedy and art, through conversation and fellowship. Why not get involved this year and remember to ‘Give to Gain’?
Main Image: Silhouette of Four People Against Sun Background / Photo by Dennis Magati via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels Licence
Want to be in the know about everything that’s happening in Newcastle city centre? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.
