Updated for 2024
Women’s History Month is celebrated in March. It is a time to reflect on, acknowledge, and celebrate the many contributions women have made to society. Here in Southern California, there are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month. Whether you’re staying close to home, are looking to try a new restaurant, or want to see a new museum exhibit, we’ve got the list for you.
Celebrate Women’s History 2024 by Visiting These Places in Los Angeles
Biddy Mason Memorial Park
333 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
Biddy Mason Memorial Park is a tribute to Bridget “Biddy” Mason, a woman born into slavery in 1818 and moved to California with the household that owned her. Because California was a free, non-slave state, Mason fought for her freedom in court and won. She settled in Los Angeles, became a property owner, a nurse and midwife, and a philanthropist. This mini-park features a timeline of Biddy Mason’s life as well.
Shakira, Shakira: The GRAMMY Museum Experience
GRAMMY Museum
800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015
The GRAMMY Museum invites families to view Shakira, Shakira: The GRAMMY Museum Experience, an exhibition celebrating the astounding career of multi-GRAMMY Award-winning and Latin GRAMMY Award-winning Shakira. Shakira, Shakira “explores the artist’s musical evolution” as a “singer, songwriter, producer, dancer, visual artist, philanthropist, and global icon.” The exhibit includes interactive elements as well as artifacts including instruments, outfits, songwriting notebook, and much more. This exhibit is on display until Spring 2024. Ticket information is available online. (The Museum is closed each Tuesday.)
Museum Store: International Women’s Day
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802
On Sunday, March 10th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, MOLAA is featuring Latina artisans in honor of International Women’s Day. Featured artisans include Erika Flores and Doreen Villanueva. And remember, admission to MOLAA is always free on Sundays. Ticket information is available online.
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA 90069
Maybe you’ve driven by the Pacific Design Center, and your kids have commented on the brightly colored buildings. But do you know the story behind one of the architects involved with the project? Norma Merrick Sklarek became the “first Black woman licensed as an architect in California,” and has been called the “Rosa Parks of architecture.” Check the website for more information about other buildings Ms. Sklarek designed.
Pillar Campaign
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Next time you’re at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, be sure to take your time and check out the Pillars that are a part of the Museum’s Pillar Campaign (co-chaired by Laura Dern and Kimberly Steward). There are six Pillars you definitely need to see, each one honoring a woman in film — Hattie McDaniel, Buffy St. Marie, Rita Moreno, Alice Guy-Blaché, Miyoki Umeshi, and Sophia Loren.
Painting in the River of Angels: Judy Baca and the Great Wall
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
“For the first time in her practice, Judy Baca transforms a museum into a studio.” Ms. Baca and artists from the Social and Public Art Resouce Center “expand The Great Wall of Los Angeles into the 21st century, painting two sections of the mural at LACMA.” After the paintings are completed at LACMA, they will be added to The Great Wall. Details and ticket information are available online.
Downtown LA Ride Guides – Women’s History Month
Starts and ends at Union Station
800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA
Families can take advantage of Metro Bikes and explore a 4.9-mile loop through Downtown Los Angeles for an up-close exploration of spaces perfect for learning about Women’s History Month. “This route connects important spaces for women throughout Downtown LA, from women-designed architecture to spaces of change for women’s rights.” For example, one location is Los Angeles Plaza Park where families can learn about Maria De Lopez, a teacher and Suffragette. Details are available online.
To Shop:
Regarding Her: Women’s History Month Festival
Multiple Locations
Families are invited to join in a “celebration of empowerment and resilience as women-owned food and beverage small businesses unite to host a festival in honor of Women’s History Month.” A number of special events — including collaborations, pop-ups, and performances — are planned for March. Check the website for all the details.
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904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
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MADE by DWC
Downtown Women’s Center
438 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
MADE by DWC is a “purpose driven social enterprise created by The Downtown Women’s Center to empower women in Los Angeles to break the cycle of chronic homelessness through employment.” Items include candles, hand-poured soaps, coffee, and more.
Women’s History Month Resources
Children’s Book World
10580 1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Children’s Book World, the well-known independent children’s bookstore, offers a “wide variety of books on display throughout our store commemorating the women leaders, artists, scientists, thinkers, and storytellers who have impacted all of our lives.” You can find some of the featured titles online.
Botanica Restaurant and Market
1620 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Before opening Botanica, co-owners Emily and Heather were food writers and editors. Established in 2017, Botanica is all about “nourishing hospitality,” and features an “obsessively farmers market-centric menu” as well as a focus on “multifaceted sustainability” and a “dedication to “respect, equality, inclusivity and healthfulness as core operating tenets.” They serve a Daytime Menu on Wednesday through Sunday 9:30 am to 2:30 pm and a Dinner Menu is offered Wednesday through Sunday 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. A Tinned Fish Happy Hour is offered Wednesday through Sunday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
HomeState
Multiple locations including
5611 N. Figueroa St. #1, Los Angeles, CA 90042
“HomeState is a Texas Kitchen in Southern California,” founded by Briana Valdez, daughter of first-generation Mexican American parents. Among other things, HomeState is known for their breakfast tacos. In 2015, HomeState “launched the Band Taco Program to bring together music and tacos in support of neighboring communities. Each taco is developed alongside the artist, original artwork is commissioned by a local graphic artist and proceeds are donated to local charities.”
Hotville Chicken
Various Locations
Hotville Chicken is a Black Woman-owned restaurant that has earned rave reviews! At Hotville Chicken, you’re in for a treat — Nashville-style hot chicken. “Hot chicken not only brings the heat, but also is cooked to perfection with secret spices that are passed down with care from generation-to-generation.” Check the website for details on the daily location of Hotville Chicken’s Food Truck.
Village Well Books & Coffee
9900 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA
Village Well Books & Coffee was founded by Jennifer Caspar during the pandemic. Since then, Village Well has become a popular, much-loved spot. They are a “community-focused and impact-driven bookstore-café” and regularly host a variety of special events and community programs. Details are available online.
To Learn About Online:
Women’s History Month – Online Resources
Check out the Women’s History Month resources available on The History Channel’s website. You’ll find lots of great information including the history behind Women’s History Month, inspiring quotes, learn about this year’s theme — Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion — and more.
Women’s History Month – LA County Library System
The Los Angeles County Public Library system celebrates Women’s History Month all throughout March. Check the website for more information (as it becomes available) regarding related activities and events, book lists, activity ideas, and more.
Women’s History Month – Online
“The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.” This online resource includes photographs, online exhibitions, videos, and more.
Celebrate Women’s History Month – LAPL Online
The Los Angeles Public Library System has a large number of resources available online to commemorate and celebrate Women’s History Month. You’ll find books (both fiction and nonfiction), photos, podcasts, and more. Also, be sure to check the website for more information about events happening at different branches.
National Women’s History Museum
The National Women’s History Museum offers a number of resources available to families. Explore online exhibitions, virtual story times, and much more.
Events Happening Around Los Angeles:
International Women’s Day Celebration
Plummer Park – Community Center
7277 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046
Families are invited to an International Women’s Day Celebration happening on Sunday, March 3rd from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This free program will feature musical and dance performances, a fashion show, writing contest awards presentation, and more. No RSVP is necessary.
Debbie Allen Presents HERstory: In Honor of Women’s History Month
Rhimes Performing Arts Center
1850 S. Manhattan Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Debbie Allen Presents HERstory, a month-long celebration for Women’s History Month. Grand opening weekend is Saturday, March 2nd and Sunday, March 3rd. This special event showcases a “rich collection across fine arts, film, music, dance, and fashion.” Check the website for details and ticket information.This is an all-ages event.
Wendy Kennar is a mother, writer, and former teacher who has lived her entire life in the same Los Angeles zip code. You can read more from Wendy at her website WendyKennar.com where she writes about books, boys, and bodies (living with an invisible disability).
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