Over a century ago, from an understated family home in Manchester, the Women’s Social and Political Union was born. Lead by Emmeline Pankhurst, from Moss Side, the Suffragettes went on to change the future of women’s rights all over the world. Now in 2026, pioneering women continue to propel the city forward.
Here are the best ways to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 in Manchester…
Try Neighbourhood’s new brew ‘Girly Hops’ at Norah Store
Pop down to an Ancoats shopping event to try a limited edition beer brewed for International Women’s Day 2026 in collaboration with Neighbourhood Brew Co and Norah Store. In aid of Women On Tap’s IWCBD campaign; an initiative ensuring all women feel welcome, safe and have equal opportunities in beer. ‘Girly Hops’ is 5% modern DDH pale ale built on extra pale malt, light cara, spelt and oats for a plush, rounded body with gentle hazy hue. Expect a plush, pillowy mouthfeel carries a gentle sweetness, finishing with a soft, pithy bitterness of mango skin.
Do some lunchtime networking with Boodles at Sexy Fish
Head to Sexy Fish for an afternoon of lunch and networking to mark International Women’s Day, focussing on journeys of entrepreneurship, collaboration and growth. Hosted by journalist Rebecca Cope of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The Telegraph, with a selection of sensational panellists from across the fashion and lifestyle industries. Guests will be treated to a champagne reception, followed by a panel discussion and networking lunch, featuring a signature Sexy Fish spread.
See an exhibition of female contemporary artists at Treehouse Hotel
Treehouse Hotel Manchester has teamed up with London’s Gallery Les Bois for a special International Women’s Day exhibition spotlighting five contemporary female artists. Expect powerful, expressive works that celebrate identity, creativity and community, forming part of the city’s wider programme honouring women in art and culture this March. No booking necessary, just pop in.
IWD X World Book Day family fun at the Pankhurst Museum
Marking International Women’s Day and World Book Day in one go, this special drop-in event brings together creative writing workshops, hands-on crafting, and stories of suffragette authors who used literature as activism. With museum access included and activities for all ages, it’s a superb way to spend an inspiring afternoon getting creative.
Watch a panel talk and shop small businesses at Side Street
Third Place and Side Street are teaming up for International Women’s Day with an insightful panel talk featuring Manchester women who’ve built their own businesses from the ground up. Expect discussions about confidence, setbacks and starting out followed by a Q&A, then enjoy a women-led pop-up market, welcome drinks and a goody bag, plus plenty of time to meet and mingle.
Help Nibble raise funds for their new women-led venture
Cosy NQ haunt Nibble are putting on a coffee morning to raise funds for their next project: a Nibbles on wheels. Just turn up, enjoy sweet treats and brews, and donate what you can to the crowdfunder. It’s all about getting their inclusive, community-focused offering out and about across Manchester.
Enjoy a Sunday session with live music at House of Social
House of Social’s Sunday Live session returns to mark International Women’s Day, featuring Roukaya B – a genre-blurring vocalist and lyricist, known for her introspective storytelling and a fiercely independent approach. With a background in audio engineering, she’s “hands-on in every layer of her music, using her voice as an instrument to explore identity, vulnerability, and rebellion”, making her the perfect pick to celebrate this special day with a focus on inspirational women.
Grab a morning Açaí bowl with MURCI
This International Women’s Day, MURCI is hosting a community-centred coffee morning with Açaí and The Tribe, uniting two female-founded brands in the process. Guests will be welcomed with complimentary açaí bowls for the first 100 attendees and free tracksuits for the first 10, alongside exclusive in-store offers and thoughtful networking. Whatever your Sunday morning wellness routine looks like, this is one way to make it a bit more special.
See how young people can break into the music industry at Aviva Studios
A little bit later on in Women’s History Month, The Cat’s Mother Network and Factory Academy are hosting a panel discussion and networking event exploring careers ‘beyond the mic’ from management to tech. Connecting opportunities between London and Manchester, this discussion will cover the skills needed to build sustainable careers within the music industry. This event is created to support 18-25 year olds who identify as women and/or non-binary. Free tickets, but pre-booking required
Read more:
Parklife returns for 2026 with Calvin Harris and Skepta
Ai Weiwei leads Factory International’s spring 2026 programme
Two Greater Manchester restaurants have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2026
