7 Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day in Vancouver 2023

Wednesday, March 8th is International Women’s Day, and there are a variety of women-centred events taking place all over the city. Comedy, fitness, music and cocktails are a few of the ways you can celebrate this year. Here is a list of 7 things you can do to honour the day in Vancouver.

1. Donate to a Local Women’s Organization

There are a variety of non-profits in Vancouver that you can support by donating to them directly. A few organizations that support women are the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (they provide support for women and children in the DTES), Atira Women’s Resource Society (they seek to support and end violence against women), Justice for Girls Outreach Society (they promote the health and well-being of young girls in relation to homelessness, poverty and violence) and Battered Women’s Support Services (they help provide support for survivors of violence and abuse).

2. Workout for Women’s Day

This is the fifth year that Vancouver-based movement studios and instructors are coming together to celebrate IWD. Join from March 3-8 to work out and to raise funds for charities like Everywoman’s Health Centre, Pacific Immigrant Resources Society, Avalon Recovery Society and Women’s Shelters Canada.

When: March 3 to 8
Where: Various venues around the city
Cost: By donation
More info: strongertogethervancouver.com

3. Do Yoga With Puppies

Puppies make everything better. Yoga and dogs combine in Pupsyoga, which takes place on March 8th at 5:30pm or 7:00pm. Remember to bring your own mat and get ready for a lot of cuteness and stretching… and maybe the best $45 you’ll ever spend in your life.

When: March 8, 5:30pm and 7:30pm
Where: 180 E Pender St.
Cost: $45
More info: pupsyogavancouver.com

4. Laugh It Off With Comedy in the Forecast

International Women’s Day is a serious matter, but there’s always room for a good laugh. Especially when the comedian lineup includes Niki Mohrdar, Julie Kim, Helen Schneiderman, Sophia Johnson, KC Novak, Kelsey Hamilton and Gina Harms. This is taking place March 2nd from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.

When: March 8, 7:30pm
Where: Forecast Coffee
Cost: From $17
More info: eventbrite.ca

5. Jazz It Up With Sister Jazz Orchestra

An all-women concert is an amazing way to celebrate Women’s day. Sister Jazz Orchestra will be directed by Christian Morrison, and will also feature award-winning trombonist Audrey Ochoa.

When: March 10, 7:30pm
Where: The BlueShore @ CapU
Cost: $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $10 for youth
More info: sisterjazzorchestra.com

6. Campari Boulevardier Party x International Women’s Day

Vancouver Cocktail Week is hosting a special event for International Women’s Day at The Chickadee Room in Juke.  Drink some tasty cocktails and eat some fried chicken (provided by Juke)—proceeds support the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre.

When: March 7, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Chickadee Room
Cost: $18
More info: eventbrite.ca

7. Vancouver International Women in Film Festival

This five-day event will be VIWFF’s 18th annual celebration, and will include screenings, receptions and filmmaker panels. There will also be a special Women’s Day advocacy panel on March 8, featuring important leaders in diversity and inclusion efforts. The Festival will include features from across the globe: 37 films from 14 different countries, with over half of them from Canadian filmmakers (9 from B.C.).

When: March 7 to 11
Where: VIFF Centre – Vancity Theatre & Studio Theatre
Cost: $5-$15 for single tickets and $40-$160 for passes
More Info: womeninfilm.ca