Vienna is preparing for a vibrant International Women’s Day on March 8th, with a diverse array of events planned across the city. From political demonstrations to culinary celebrations and artistic workshops, the day offers opportunities for both reflection on women’s rights and joyful recognition of female empowerment. This year’s “Wien, wie sie will” (Vienna, as she wants it) initiative, encompassing over 200 free events throughout the week leading up to March 8th, underscores a growing momentum for gender equality in the Austrian capital.
One of the highlights is the second annual “Female & Flavorful” cocktail party at the Hammond Bar. From 3 PM to 11 PM, eight prominent female bartenders from across Austria will grab turns behind the bar, each presenting two signature cocktails they’ve created. The event will also feature live music from Ines Popp, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations supporting women in need. This event builds on a tradition started over 15 years ago by Konny Wunder, aiming to increase visibility for women in the often male-dominated bar scene.
A Day of Action and Advocacy
For those seeking to engage with the political side of International Women’s Day, a demonstration organized by “Take Back the Streets” is scheduled to begin at Sigmund-Freud-Park at 1:12 PM on March 8th. The march will proceed to Yppenplatz, where a final rally will take place at 4 PM. This demonstration provides a platform for voicing concerns and advocating for continued progress towards gender equality.
Cultural Experiences and Artistic Expression
The Vienna City Hall will host a multifaceted program starting at 3 PM on March 8th, featuring guided tours, musical performances, discussions, art installations, and childcare services. The day will culminate in a club night exclusively for women, with free admission. Several of Vienna’s cultural institutions are also offering special programming. The Austrian National Library will provide free guided tours from 10 AM to 6 PM, focusing on the contributions of women throughout history. The Albertina museum will host guided tours at 11 AM, 4 PM, and 4:30 PM, highlighting the works and impact of female artists, with a small entry fee of 6 euros.
The Wien Museum is also offering a series of themed tours, including “Women: Private and Public” on March 5th, and “Women in Viennese History – A Search for Traces” on March 1st, and 4th. On March 8th, visitors can participate in a “Tactile Tour: Women’s Power around 1900” and explore “Great Female Artists in Vienna.” The Natural History Museum Vienna will also host themed tours and events, including a discussion titled “Man as Hunter, Woman as Gatherer?” on March 4th and a poetic breakfast titled “On Their Tracks” on March 8th.
Unique Workshops and Creative Outlets
For those seeking a more hands-on experience, a pottery workshop offers a unique opportunity to create “Häferl” (mugs) shaped like breasts, with a price of 65 euros per person and a complimentary “Punschkrapferl” (a traditional Austrian pastry). The MAK Museum will host a life drawing session where participants can both draw and model for each other, fostering a safe space for self-expression and body positivity. Registration is required via email at [email protected].
Events for Discussion and Entertainment
Literary enthusiasts can attend the sixth installment of the MQ Female Empowerment Book Club on March 7th, featuring Lilian Klebow and Teresa Vogl discussing the theme of “Empathy as Resistance.” The event will include a discussion of literary works followed by a meet-and-greet with refreshments. Registration is available here. The iconic Café Landtmann will temporarily rebrand as “Café Stadtfrau” for the week, hosting eleven events focused on women’s issues, including a barista workshop and discussions on gender-equitable health.
The Markterei Markthalle will also celebrate female leadership in the culinary and food industries throughout March, with weekly themes such as “Women in Catering,” “Women in Craft,” “Women in Business,” and “Women in Hospitality.” For those seeking a more energetic celebration, the Titanic Club will host the “Brat Women’s Day Special,” a party exclusively for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, promising “pop and sweat” rather than speeches.
The FLINTA-Fightclub will present a “Fetzerei am feministischen Kampftag” (a riotous celebration on the feminist day of struggle) at the Arena Wien on March 8th, combining wrestling with musical performances by RawCat and Miss BunPun. Finally, the Feminist Week at local cinemas will showcase a diverse program of films and discussions, offering a platform for challenging and optimistic perspectives.
As Vienna prepares to mark International Women’s Day, the breadth of events demonstrates a growing commitment to celebrating female achievement and advocating for continued progress towards gender equality. The “Wien, wie sie will” initiative and the diverse range of activities offer something for everyone, fostering a spirit of empowerment and solidarity throughout the city. The next key date to watch is the continuation of the events planned throughout the “Frauenwoche” (Women’s Week), running until March 8th, with a full schedule available online.
What events will you be attending this International Women’s Day? Share your plans and thoughts in the comments below.
