Celebrate Women’s History Month this March

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions, achievements, and resilience of women throughout history. In and near Lincoln Square, institutions like the New York Public Library, the New York Philharmonic, the Central Park Conservancy, and the New York Historical are hosting a variety of events to honor women in music, leadership, history, and beyond. Here’s a guide to some of the must-attend events this March.

The New York Philharmonic (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) is joining the celebration. The Young People’s Concert: The Future Is Female will recognize women who create and perform orchestral music on March 8. Before the concert, kids will have the opportunity to try out instruments, meet musicians, and craft with teaching artists. Then, on March 20, a panel discussion titled “How Have Innovative Women Challenged Orchestral and Jazz Norms?” will examine works by composer/bandleader Mary Lou Williams, harpists Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby, and electronic music pioneer Clara Rockmore, among others. This conversation will take place at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (524 W 59th Street between 10th and 11th Avenue) and include Ashley Jackson and Dorit Chrysler as panelists.

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts (40 Lincoln Center Plaza) presents a lineup of engaging events. On March 6, cellist Juliana Soltis and pianist Emile Blondel will perform works by overlooked American women composers like Mary Howe and Helen Crane. On March 20, the “What’s Happening? Women in Leadership” program will screen International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a documentary on the groundbreaking multi-racial, all-women jazz band of the 1940s. Closing the month on March 31, author and historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper will present her book Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, celebrating over 300 female musical theater writers, with guest performers bringing their songs to life. Visitors can also explore Rhythm Is My Business: Women Who Shaped Jazz, an exhibition on view through June 13, highlighting the contributions of female jazz artists.

Beyond Lincoln Square, the New York Public Library (NYPL) offers an array of in-person and virtual programs and resources. The Annual Women’s Jazz Festival at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (515 Malcolm X Boulevard between 135th Street and Malcolm X Blvd) will celebrate female jazz artists through electrifying performances by Somi (March 10), Sarah Elizabeth Charles (March 17), and Camille Thurman (March 24, presented by Carnegie Hall Citywide). Meanwhile, the library’s online offerings include the three-part webinar series Women’s Voices in Finance on Wednesdays at noon in March. You can also discover free events and programs across the NYPL system for adults, teens, and kids, along with online resources, reading recommendations, and archival materials through its Women’s History Month spotlight.

Honor Women’s History Month by exploring the lasting impact of women on Central Park, where their contributions are woven into the park’s history. The Central Park Conservancy invites visitors to join the Larger Than Life: Women of Central Park Tour, a 90-minute guided walk on March 2, 8, 15, and 23, starting at the West 59th Street Kiosk at 6th Avenue. This mobility-friendly tour highlights trailblazing women, from a Black model immortalized in the park to a sculptor who created a monument to a Latin American hero. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the Women’s History Walk is a one-mile self-guided tour featuring sculptures, playgrounds, landscapes, and recreational facilities shaped by women.

Goddard Riverside’s Community Arts program is hosting the 10th Women’s History Artist Month (W.H.A.M.) Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture. Kicking off on March 1, the Courage Fashion Show will highlight Black women designers, entrepreneurs, and models, followed by a live concert by Amira B. After the show, attendees can purchase affordable products directly from the designers. From March 6 to April 24, the Creatures of the Caribbean Gallery Exhibition will feature solar prints by environmentalist and artist Cathy Traykovski, with a limited-time opportunity to purchase prints. The exhibition begins with a Meet & Greet Reception on March 6, offering live music. On March 14, the All Ages Maker’s Night invites guests to explore arts and crafts stations, including drawing, collage, clay, jewelry-making, and face-painting. Don’t miss Eva’s Cooking Demonstration on March 29, where you'll learn to prepare a simple, healthy Dominican meal. All events will take place at The Bernie Wohl Center, located at 647 Columbus Avenue (between West 91st and West 92nd Streets).

The New York Historical hosts thought-provoking events, including Courtroom, Classroom, and Culture: Women’s Lives as Battlegrounds on March 2. This event explores how women’s rights have sparked debates on power and politics. On March 3, the Curator’s Gallery Tour: Real Clothes, Real Lives will showcase garments from the Smith College Historic Clothing Collection, illustrating how fashion reflects the evolving roles of women across race and class. For more women’s history events, check out the New York Historical’s upcoming programs.

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the past and inspire the future. Whether you attend a concert, a panel discussion, or a walking tour, these events provide a meaningful way to celebrate the contributions of women across industries and generations. For even more events, check out the Spotlight on: Women's Hisory Month webpage from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Don’t miss the chance to participate in this powerful month of recognition and empowerment!

Photo Credit: Still from International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Directed by Greta Schiller and Andrea Weiss