The month of March pays special attention to the accomplishments and stories of womxn throughout historyâespecially those that have gone unaccounted for in mainstream curricula. While you can (and should) celebrate womxn all the time, Women's History Month brings some extra-great opportunities to do so across genres, including the annual gender equity panel Be Bold Seattle, the history exhibit Agents of Change: 20 Remarkable Jewish Women of Washington State, and Northwest Women Stars of Food & Wine. For even more options, visit our complete Women's History Month calendar, including the sub-section for International Women's Day (Fri March 8), or check out our list of women-owned restaurants in Seattle.
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MARCH 1-2
MUSICBelltown Bash
Belltown will get taken over by some of the most talented womxn in PNW music and beyond during this two-night, all ages music festival. The first night features Adra Boo (a member of "New Wave noir" band Hotels), pop-rocker Bad Saint, soulful punks Bear Axe, dream-wave five-piece Razor Clam, and dream-pop band Lemolo, plus Salt Lick, Something Witchy, Erin, Heather Edgley, and the Morning After. Come on the second night for sets by dreamy, fuzzy indie-rock quartet Biblioteka, indie-folk project Byland, indie pop-rockers Coach Phillips, jazzy R&B artist Cherry Thomas, and '80s-beckoning indie-rockers Early Warnings, and Uva Solah (of Portland-based favorites Y La Bamba), plus additional sets from Fretland, Hoshin, Kelli Schaefer, La Fonda, Little Hero, Scarlet Parke, Stephanie Mae, Super Sparkle, Temple Canyon, and Vannah Oh & The Any's.
MARCH 2 & 30
FILMWhat the Femme?
Jen Yu in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The creepily conformist hausfraus of The Stepford Wives. The scary mama of Babadook. Turn a critical eye to the portrayals of women in sci-fi, fantasy, and horror in this "extension" (or tentacular offshoot) of SIFF's outré "WTF" programming. This month's classes, conducted with Colleen O'Holleran, deal with "Mothers in Horror" and "Warrior Women in Fantasy & Science Fiction." It's recommended you watch some of the programmed films beforehand.
MARCH 3
FILMWonder: Women of Fantasy and Sci-Fiâ'Serenity'
From some of the people who brought you Shriek!, the women in horror class, comes Wonder, a recurring class on women in sci-fi and fantasy. Watch Serenity and stay afterward for a discussion on gender equality in fictional universes.
MARCH 6
READINGS & TALKSBe Bold Seattle
International Women's Day has been celebrated for 108 yearsâwhich, considering women have been around since the dawn of humankind, is not very longâand the fight for gender justice and parity still has a long way to go. In fact, the World Economic Forumâs 2017 Global Gender Report estimates we have two more centuries to go until all genders are treated equally. At this annual event, hear from influential speakers as they talk about how to accelerate that process. Panelists include athlete and adventurer Melissa Arnot Reid, MoxiWorks Accountant Mavis Chi, Head of Seattle Girls School Brenda Leak, Genneve CEO Jill Angelo, King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht, and activist Lisa Shannon.
MARCH 7
COMMUNITYInternational Women's Day at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
At this International Women's Day event hosted by Washington Global Health Alliance and Every Woman Treaty, learn how violence against women and girls poses a threat to improving health equity around the world. In addition to hearing from speakers like Bindiya Patel (Senior Director at PATH), Dr. Pamela Collins (Professor and Director of Global Mental Health at the University of Washington), and Dr. Eleanor Ann Nwadinobi (President-Elect of the Medical Women International Association), you'll get to explore interactive exhibits that highlight inspiring health- and science-focused women's rights movements and activists.
March Forum: Impactful Women of King County
In honor of Women's History Month, join the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County for a panel discussion with elected officials, activists, and professional women who are creating and influencing policy in traditionally male-dominated fields. Guests include Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, American Muslim Empowerment Network Executive Director Aneelah Afzali, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, The Evergrey Executive Director Monica Guzman, and Crosscut's Melissa Santos.
MARCH 7-10
HISTORYAgents of Change: 20 Remarkable Jewish Women of Washington State
Once you start looking, you'll realize that Jewish women have had a huge and positive influence on the cultural and civic life of Washington State. You might recognize the names of some of the women honored at this exhibition: librarian Nancy Pearl, philanthropist Becky Benaroya, and Sleater-Kinney rocker and writer Carrie Brownstein. But there are many more, and they've helped shape every field from sports to politics. Find out how at this pop-up museum show. The Free First Thursday opening is a good time to stop by.
MARCH 7-APRIL 20
VISUAL ARTMotherland: 2019 CoCA Members Show
Artist and former City Arts section editor Amanda Manitach curates this "salon-style" exhibition by Center on Contemporary Art (CoCA) members, which continues the gallery's focus on women artists and women's issues.
MARCH 8
FILM'Captain Marvel' Opening
Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson, is granted superheroic powers by the extraterrestrial Kree mercenary force and becomes the Earth's best hope when two alien races embroil humans in their war. In pop culture terms, this is a significant movie: Captain Marvel used to be depicted as a man, and this will be the first time a woman will be the sole protagonist of a Marvel Studios film. Larson has faced harassment for her connection with the project and her speaking out for more diversity in entertainment. The movie was subjected to an attempt at a Rotten Tomato review bomb: trolls on the site attempted to crash its "want to see" score. This seems very unlikely to have any effect on attendance on this highly anticipated blockbuster. If you want to celebrate Women's Month by kicking back and taking in some big-budget thrills, here's an opportunity to do so that won't set off your internal Bechdel Test alarm.
Brave Girl Rising
This co-production by the nonprofits Girl Rising and International Rescue Committee testifies to the power of one girl. Despite her difficult life in the Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya, Nasro is determined to get an education. The film is written by poet laureate Warsan Shire and voiced by Tessa Thompson and David Oyelowo. Stay on afterward for a panel talk with the CEO of Girl Rising and the director of the International Rescue Committee.
G. Willow Wilson: The Bird King
G. Willow Wilson, whose comic book series Ms. Marvel won the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story, will read from her latest novel, The Bird King, about a concubine in the royal court of Granada and her friend Hassan, the palace mapmaker.
MARCH 9
COMMUNITYWomen's History Wiki Edit-a-Thon
Like all marginalized groups, women's history has been misrepresented and, in many cases, altogether erased from mainstream historical resources. This Women's History Month tradition invites you to help set things straight by editing everyone's favorite online fact-finder: Wikipedia. First-hand reference materials will be on hand, as well as seasoned "Wikipedians." Tickets include museum and snack access.
Fierce as F*ck: Womxn Are Tired of Your Sh*t
The badass womxn, femmes, nonbinary folks, and people of color in this variety show will perform music, poetry, spoken word, burlesque, dance, and other art forms that reject the same things: the patriarchy, cis-white feminism, and silencing politics.
High Voltage Women: Breaking Barriers at Seattle City Light
Starting in the 1970s, Radical Women Seattle founder Clara Fraser and other electrical tradeswomen working for Seattle City Light fought for affirmative action and against workplace harassment. Ellie Belew's High Voltage Women explores the ways in which these women and their allies worked to "change the culture of management abuse" and discrimination. Meet the author and Radical Women's Megan Cornish at this talk.Â
MARCH 9-APRIL 27
COMEDYBechdel Test
In a better world than this, female characters in films would talk about whatever the fuck they pleaseâsay, horses, cramps, or ongoing global disasters at the hands of a small-fingered megalomaniac. But all too often in this world, female characters, when they talk to each other at all, discuss one thing and one thing only: men. Thereâs even a term for itâthe Bechdel Test, named for the cartoonist Alison Bechdel, who, in a 1985 comic strip, featured a character explaining that she goes to a movie only if it has at least two women who talk to each other about something other than a man. Inspired by the Bechdel Test, Jet City Improv re-creates films that fail the test, but with a Bechdel-approved twist. You name the movie; they make it pass. KATIE HERZOG
MARCH 14
READINGS & TALKSAmber Tamblyn: Coming of Age in a Time of Rage and Revolution
In her new memoir, Era of Ignition: Coming of Age in a Time of Rage and Revolution, Amber Tamblyn traces the recent history of her own artistic and political development, beginning with the struggles she faced as a female filmmaker in the early aughts, and finishing with her decision to cofound Time's Up, an anti-harassment movement. In addition to being a fine actor and filmmaker, Tamblyn is also a good novelist and poet. She writes with the passion of an activist and the skill of a rhetorician, and not without a healthy dose of humor. Her writing talents and intelligence should keep this Town Hall event lively and challenging, especially for those who don't get why people are so mad about gender discrimination and racial inequities. RICH SMITH
MARCH 18
FOOD & DRINKWomen Making History
For March, Molly Moon's ice cream flavors will all be inspired by powerful women who inspire owner Molly Moon NeitzelâPatty Murray, worker's rights advocate and activist Saru Jayaraman, Plum Restaurants chef/owner Makini Howell, and Molly's mom. At this event, Molly Moon's will scoop these special flavors, and Riveter founder and CEO Amy Nelson will speak to Molly, Saru, Makini, and Patty for a conversation about the progress women have made in politics, business and the restaurant industry and what's next for 2019, capped off with a champagne toast dedicated to women.
MARCH 24
FOOD & DRINKNorthwest Women Stars of Food & Wine
This annual reception gathers tastemaking women chefs, winemakers, and sommeliers of the Pacific Northwest (and their fans) in the Columbia Tower for a night of bites and drinks. The lineup this year includes Monica Dimas, chef and owner of Neon Taco, Westman's Bagel and Coffee, and Little Neon Taco; chef and âhummus mavenâ Kristi Brown, owner of That Brown Girl Cooks!; chef Nicole Matson of How to Cook a Wolf; Tana Mielke, chef and owner of Omega Ouzeri; Emme Ribeiro Collins, chef and owner of Alcove Dining Room, and many others. Besides food, there are also exclusive tastings from sommeliers, plus wine, beer, cider, spirits, and a sparkling wine bar. The event raises funds for the SOS Clinic, a free urgent care clinic in Walla Walla serving uninsured migrant workers. JULIANNE BELL
Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is touring the country in support of her memoir, Becoming, which focuses on different aspects of her life, like being a mother, her time in the White House, her role as a public-health figure, and âhow she found her voice.â I bought this book for my mom for Christmasâshe refers to the former first lady as her âbest friendâ and she snatched up tickets to this event (which had to be pushed back because of Snowpocalypse 2019) as soon as they became available. Thereâs no doubt that Michelle will drop cute facts about her relationship with Barack, tell a few candid details about what itâs like to be at the top, and wear something completely and utterly stunning. JASMYNE KEIMIG
MARCH 27
COMMUNITYVoices of Democracy
Celebrate the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King Countyâand Women's History Monthâwith an evening of food, cocktails, and conversation featuring special guest Sally Jewell, former CEO of REI and the 51st United States Secretary of the Interior. The evening will also include the Making Democracy Work Awards, awarded to individuals and organizations who have "raised their voices to promote democracy in King County."
Drunk Herstory Three
Nine women working in the craft beer industry will down pints from their respective breweries and regale the audience with tipsy tales of historical heroines. Proceeds will benefit Planned Parenthood (last year's event raised over $10,000).
Stoked Spoke Adventure Series
Tessa Hulls is a visual artist, comic, writer, and adventurer who has biked solo all over the planet, rolling over approximately 14,000 miles of paved road and donkey trail at 12 miles per hour. No matter where she went on her long rides, she always heard the same thing from passersby: "You know, a woman can't travel alone." This constant refrain provoked Hulls to add another line to her resume: feminist historian with a focus on little-known turn-of-the-20th-century adventurers. After digging up tons of primary source material about female-identified bikers of yore, she's now out on a lecture tour to show that she can travel alone, thank you very much. And what's more: she's following in a long but undersung tradition of women adventurers who used a two-wheeler to fight for their rights. RICH SMITH
THROUGH MARCH 31
VISUAL ARTWomen's Work
This 10-person show curated by Priscilla Dobler invites you to re-evaluate "womenâs domestic labor and craft." The contributors and their work exemplify the diverse cultures of our region: indigenous artists Asia Tail and Paige Pettibon, Dominican Republic-born Carmen Lizardo, and many others.
