In honor of Women’s History Month, we’ve rounded up some local cultural and entertainment options to help you learn more about female entrepreneurs, artists, and educators who have made indelible impacts on our culture and society.
Visit a Female-Focused Art Museum
The newly renovated National Museum of Women in the Arts is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to championing women through the arts. NMWA houses more than 5,500 pieces created by more than 1,000 artists, as well as rotating special exhibitions showcasing historic and contemporary artwork. National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Attend a Star-Studded Gala
This year’s Women Making History Awards Gala at the National Women’s History Museum is infused with star power. Hosted by actress Meryl Streep and CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell, the event will be at The Anthem on March 20. Honorees include Spanx founder Sara Blakely and Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” Tickets include a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and live entertainment. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $750
Get Your Laugh on at a Comedy Show
Celebrate women in the arts through laughter at The Kennedy Center’s RIOT! Funny Women Stand Up, slated for March 5 and featuring an all-woman lineup. This year’s comedians have yet to be announced, but previous sold-out shows included Cristela Alonzo, Natasha Leggero, Bridget Everett, and Margaret Cho. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $33.35
Learn About Trailblazing Black Activists
Back in 1904, with only $1.50 to her name, educator Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, now Bethune-Cookman University. Learn more about Bethune’s life, as well as other Black women who fought for social justice, at Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women’s Activism, which features dozens of artifacts, a film, interactive exhibits, and an 8-foot-tall sculpture of Bethune. National Museum of African American History and Culture: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC, free
Enjoy Rousing Celtic Music and Dance
Grab your girlfriends and head to George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on March 15 for traditional Irish tunes and original arrangements paired with high-energy step dancing. The Grammy-nominated all-female ensemble Cherish the Ladies is celebrating its 40th anniversary of live and lively Celtic performances. Center for the Arts at George Mason University: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $33–$55
Feature image by Elyse Cosgrove/Asico Photo
This story originally ran in our March Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
