Listen up, ladies—it’s a big year for us. Not only is it currently Women’s History Month, but it’s also the year of celebrating our centennial of women’s suffrage rights in the United States. Such an incredible feat accomplished by magnificent women—such as Philadelphia leaders Lucretia Mott and Sarah Pugh—fighting not only for themselves but for future generations. This year, don’t waste another moment forgetting the labor of past (and present) iconic female figures, and instead, take a GNO in celebration. Enjoy set-aside time with your girls at these women-centered events happening in and around the Philadelphia area.
Le Reve Rittenhouse Day Spa
March 1 - 31
If events aren’t your thing and you’d prefer to spend your Women’s History Month celebration in relaxation mode, get your girls over Le Reve. An exquisite experience just in time for spring awaits you at the oasis with four different spa packages, including Swedish massages, private saunas, chocolates and a 60-minute illuminating facial. Forget about couples massages—it’s self-care central for the ladies, just in time for a GNO, or, should we say, a Girls’ Night In. From $360, 215.701.6272, 255 S. 17th St., lereverittenhousespa.com
Kimmel Center Presents Operatic Showcase
March 5 - 7
Iconic soprano Angel Blue is coming to the city with conductor Marin Alsop, bringing Philadelphians a female powerhouse collaboration to the operatic stage. Bring your girl gang to see performances from Gabriela Frank’s Escaramuza, Jessie Montgomery’s Coincident Dances and segments from the American classic tale of Porgy and Bess. Clear your weekend calendar for this stunning performance, and treat yourself for a night at Verizon Hall. Times vary, tickets from $53, 215.893.1999, 300 S. Broad St., kimmelcenter.org
Pennsylvania Ballet Presents La Bayadère
March 5 - 15
In 1963, Barbara Weisberger opened the Pennsylvania Ballet, a regional group that throughout the years became one of the most notable dance companies in the nation. Celebrate Weisberger’s legacy in the field and see the dancers perform 19th-century ballet La Bayadère. Its extended 11-day run gives you no excuse to not take the night off and witness this PA Ballet masterpiece. Times vary, tickets from $35, 215.893.1999, 240 S. Broad St., paballet.org
East Passyunk Avenue Restaurant Week
Feb 24 - March 6
Restaurant week at one of Food & Wine magazine’s top Ten Foodie Streets in America? Yes, please. This 12-day event makes for the perfect ladies getaway and celebration on East Passyunk Avenue. Feast on delicious cuisine from some of the highest-rated eateries in the area such as Italian favorites La Virtue and Noir. And don’t worry, they have every style of food you could possibly desire—from modern American food at River Twice to modern Filipino-inspired dishes at Perla. And here’s the cherry on top: You can also stop in and support local female business owners such as Bonnie at Vanilya Bakery or Chef Tova du Plessis at Essen Bakery. Times vary, tickets from $15, eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com
Underground Donut Tour
March 6 - 8
Okay, ladies, we’ve done it. We’ve found the most delightful way to spend a weekend morning, whether it be with your kids, your man or your girls. Announcing Philadelphia’s first-ever Donut Tour, a two-hour event spent visiting popular hotspots such as Federal Donuts and Beiler’s Donuts. To say the adult world is overwhelming is quite the understatement, so take this day to let yourself breathe, bring out your inner childlike sweet tooth, and devour something sugary. Insider’s tip—make sure to try Dottie’s Donut vegan options, specifically the lemon poppyseed. 11 a.m., tickets from $30, 540 South St., tripadvisor.com
Good Times: Brunch + Day Party
March 7
Two words: bottomless mimosas. Are you hooked yet? Though we got to admit it’s a bit cliche, brunch has always been the iconic female luxury. And here is your chance to experience it all. Here’s your itinerary: Start with brunch at 12 p.m., and then continue celebrating into the Day Party, where there will be dancing, drinks and brunch provided by the Mirage Lounge. A day consisting of friends and feasting, and an opportunity for VIP tickets is a good day spent in our book. 12- 8 p.m., tickets from $10, 301.941.7836, 119 South St., eventbrite.com
2nd Annual Gatsby Gala Aboard the Moshulu
March 7
Here’s the thing. It’s 2020. It’s Women’s History Month, and we need an event that can do it all. Thankfully, the Moshulu has us covered. What better way to celebrate the 1920s era than at a Great Gatsby-themed gala? It’s a GNO set in the roaring twenties, complete with glamorous fashion and dancing. We highly recommend going all out with Moshulu’s Ultra VIP tickets and enjoy hors d’oeuvres, access to the open bar and early admission. 9 p.m. - 3 a.m., tickets at $45, VIP $55, 401 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, moshulu.com
International Women’s Day Celebration
March 8
March 8 marks the official International Women’s Day. With the goals to gather, support and celebrate women, the 2nd Annual International Women’s Day Celebration hosted at Drexel Network sets out to accomplish just those things with panel discussions, wellness raffles, refreshments and—of course—the opportunity to network with women in your area. Bring your beloved group of ladies out for this inspiring Sunday afternoon. 3 - 7 p.m., tickets from $20, 3600 Market St., eventbrite.com
Philadelphia Flower Show
February 29 - March 8
Grace Kelly is this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show honoree, and what a perfect heroine for the celebration of Women’s History Month. Kelly, a classic Hollywood film star, retired from acting at only twenty-six to marry Prince Rainier III and fulfill her new duties as the Princess of Monaco. Born and raised in Philadelphia in 1929, charming Kelly stands as the face of this year’s Flower Show, the world’s largest indoor floral exhibition. Not only is this the ultimate destination spot for a Girls’ Day Out, but you can treat yourself as if you were the new Princess of Monaco. Butterflies, brunch, the opportunity to fashion your own horticultural masterpiece—this year’s program involves DIY succulents— wine tasting, tours and those are just to name a few. Sold yet? Get tickets for the Preview Party Gala and you’ll see just what we mean. Times vary, tickets from $17, Flowers After Hours $75, 215.988.8800, 1101 Arch St., theflowershow.com
Liberty 1915: One Cartoon, Many Stories
March 11
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” If you recognize that quote, then you have been introduced to the work of Dr. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and professor specifically focused on the topics of women’s history. With the centennial of women gaining their right to vote this August, it is more important than ever to learn more about the fight that came before us and gave us the freedoms we enjoy today. Bring your girls with you to the Brandywine River Museum of Art and hear Dr. Ulrich as she joins Vision 2020’s Women 100, a National Celebration of American Women, discussing liberty, race and gender in the history of woman suffrage. 6 p.m., tickets from $15, 610.388.2700, 1 Hoffmans Mill Road, Chadds Ford, brandywine.org
Kristin Chenoweth in Concert For The Girls
March 13
It’s all in the title, ladies. Powerhouse Kristin Chenoweth is coming to Philadelphia presenting her new album For The Girls. After performing on Broadway for an 8-week concert engagement last November, Chenoweth is back to tour her most recent record. With her Emmy and Tony-award-winning soprano voice, she promises the most memorable GNO, with new songs featuring the voices of talented female artists such as Ariana Grande, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Jennifer Hudson. When you get the chance to see the Wicked and Pushing Daisies star, you can’t pass it up. 8 p.m., tickets from $49, 215.893.1999, 300 S. Broad St., kimmelcenter.org
Whipped Bakeshop’s Cake Tasting Event
March 14
There’s a lot of possibilities for a Saturday afternoon, but we believe that Zoe Lukas of Whipped Bakeshop has every other option beat. The art school graduate and bakery connoisseur opened up her own bakery in Fishtown in 2008 with her husband, and now she’s treating customers to a tasting event. Guests can sample four cakes with icing pairings, signature Whipped flavors and even French-Pressed coffee. Enough said. We’ll be there, Zoe. 3 - 4:30 p.m., tickets from $40, 215.893.1999, 636 Belgrade St., whippedbakeshop.com
Kimmel Center Presents When Women Ruled The World
March 18
Have you ever wondered what it might have been like to live in ancient Egypt? To be a woman during the time of infamous figures such as Cleopatra, Neferusobek and Nefertiti? Kara Cooney has, and she is coming to Philly as a part of the Kimmel Center’s National Geographic Live Speaker Series for her lecture, “When Women Ruled the World.” Though the stories of these idols tend to be left untold in history books, Cooney will have you fascinated by these powerful and influential females. 7:30 p.m., tickets from $24.50, 215.893.1999, 250 S. Broad St., kimmelcenter.org
The Women’s Film Festival
March 20 – 29
It all started with a bathroom chat in Philadelphia. Now, it’s a full-blown annual event recognizing and celebrating women in film and television. When Phuong Nguyen and Layne Marie Williams talked that one day in 2014, they had no idea it would turn into The Women’s Film Festival of Philadelphia, the only event of the area that specifically celebrates women in these areas. The nine-day festival offers screenings and networking opportunities, as well as simply a gathering space for fellow women to celebrate the art that has been created. thewomensfilmfestival.org
Longwood Gardens Presents Orchid Extravaganza
Through March 22
Pink orchids have long been a symbol of femininity, grace and joy, so what better way to celebrate women then to visit Longwood Gardens’ Orchid Extravaganza? One of the two largest flowering plant families, orchids have been a staple not only in nature but in day-to-day life such as food, perfumery and spices—even vanilla comes from an orchid plant. Bring your loved ones to an unforgettable day at Longwood, experiencing the fragrant and colorful orchid blossoms as well as the coming of springtime. Times vary, tickets from $25, 610.388.1000, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org
Photography by: Omar Lopez
