March is Women's History Month, and there's no better place to celebrate than Dayton, Ohio! Known for its rich history of innovation and resilience, Dayton has been shaped by countless inspiring women—past and present—who’ve left their mark on the city and beyond. This month offers the perfect opportunity to honor their legacies through engaging events, educational exhibits, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring local museums, supporting women-owned businesses, or attending special events, Dayton is full of ways to celebrate the women who continue to inspire us all.
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Events
1. Dolley Madison: The Lady Who Saved Washington! at the Dayton Woman's Club
Celebrate at the Dayton Woman's Club on March 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. as Jessica Michna, renowned historical interpreter, brings Dolley Madison to life in a memorable performance and lecture that is sure to captivate the audience. The cost for the event is $15 per person with an additional $15 for meals (Includes your choice of sandwich, soup or salad, dessert & drink). Registration is required.
2. GirlTalk Social with Beauty Boost at the Brightside
Get ready for a night of good vibes and empowerment at the Brightside Music & Event Venue on March 11, 6:30-8 p.m.! You'll meet awesome women in your city during this low-pressure "friend speed dating" session, followed by a Friend Bingo and empowering speaker presentation. The event wraps up at 8:30 p.m., leaving you with new connections that are long-lasting. Admission is $25 or FREE with membership.
3. Let Ohio Women Vote: Documentary & Discussion with Dayton Live
In celebration of International Women's Day, Dayton Live is hosting a FREE screening of the ThinkTV documentary Let Ohio Women Vote, at the Victoria Theatre on March 8 at 1 p.m.! Following the screening is a panel discussion featuring Rachel Sussman (producer of the Tony Award®-winning musical SUFFS), Charles F. Kettering Foundation senior fellow Maureen O'Connor (retired Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court and former Lieutenant Governor), and Ann Rotolante (documentary filmmaker).
This film tells the story of the long fight for women's suffrage in Ohio, which explores the unexpected alliances and connections to national events. Guests will also be invited to explore the "Ohio Women Vote: 100 Years of Change" exhibit created by Ohio History Connection.
Reserve your tickets today!
4. Programs at your local Dayton Metro Library
Throughout March, library branches across Montgomery County will host a variety of activities, from thought-provoking discussions to creative workshops. These activities honor the rich history and contributions of women. Check out some of what's happening:
March 3 - Intersecting Interests - Teen Diverse Media Club @ Main Branch from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
March 5 - Expression Sesh: Girl Power Karaoke @ West Carrollton Branch from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
March 7 - Family Storytime - Women's History Month @ Huber Heights Branch from 10:30-11:00 a.m.
March 12 - Invent Like a Girl @ Electra C Doren Branch from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
March 16 - Reel Talk: Showing & discussion of Hidden Figures @ Electra C Doren Branch from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
March 19 - Women Who Changed the Game: March Madness Edition @ Electra C Doren Branch from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
March 24 - Wonderful Women of the Miami Valley @ West Branch from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
March 26 - How Money Works for Women @ Vandalia Branch from 6:30-7:30 a.m.
March 28 - EmpowHER @ Main Branch from 12:00-3:00 p.m.
To find an event of interest to you, be sure to check out their website and don't forget to get a library card. 😉
Dining & Shopping
Dayton is proud to support a vibrant community of women-owned businesses. From unique boutiques and artisanal shops to cozy cafés and award-winning restaurants, women entrepreneurs are making their mark across the Gem City. If you’re looking to support these trailblazing business owners, check out the Women-Owned Businesses in Montgomery County blog for a diverse list of local shops and services.
Craving something delicious? Explore the Wonderful Women-Owned Restaurants in Dayton blog to discover dining spots that serve up everything from gourmet dishes to comfort food favorites. By supporting these businesses, you’re not only enjoying exceptional products and experiences but also helping to foster a thriving, inclusive economy right here in Dayton.
Attractions
1. Witness the Art of Women from Around the World at the Dayton Art Institute
If you're looking for a self-guided way to celebrate Women's History Month, consider exploring the remarkable works of women artists at the Dayton Art Institute. The museum’s collection features pieces from women who have made significant contributions to the art world across various eras and styles. From stunning paintings and intricate sculptures to thought-provoking contemporary works, each piece highlights the creativity, resilience, and innovation of women artists. These inspirational pieces often make up just a small percentage within many museum collections, however, DAI recognizes that imbalance and actively seeks to expand their holdings of art by women. Fortunately, the DAI does have many pieces by women artists in its collection, and these works add a collectively exceptional lens to art history and identity.
2. Take a Tour of the Dayton Woman's Club
For more than 100 years, the Dayton Woman's Club has helped to empower women and strengthen our Dayton community as a whole through historical preservation, public engagement, cultural activities, and educational programs. In the late 1840s, Robert W. Steele built a home at 225 North Ludlow Street. In 1916, the home was bought and The Woman's Clubhouse Company of Dayton, OH was incorporated. Now? Now you can tour the home every first Wednesday of the month where you can learn about this history of the building, as well as the founding women who were leaders in the community.
Looking for another way to enjoy the home? Join in for lunch every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Carryout for lunch is also available. If Wednesday just isn't the best day of the week for you, private lunches for groups of 20 or more can be scheduled any day of the week!
3. Visit the WASP Exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Step into history at the FREE National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™ with the newly refreshed and expanded "Breaking Ground: Women Airforce Service Pilots" exhibit. Located in the World War II Gallery, this permanent exhibit honors the trailblazing women who became the first female pilots in U.S. military history. Discover the inspiring stories of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) through original uniforms, rare photographs, and powerful video narratives.
Explore how these pioneering women flew over 60 million miles in more the 75 different aircraft, testing planes, training pilots, and ferrying aircraft across the country to support the war effort. Interactive elements, including a QR code map of duty stations, allow visitors to dive deeper into their incredible contributions. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., this free exhibit is a must-see tribute to the courage, skill, and perseverance of the women who changed the course of aviation history.
4. View the Final Resting Place of Notable Women Figures at Woodland Historic Cemetery & Arboretum
Take a meaningful journey through Dayton’s history at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, where the legacies of influential women are honored. Visit the final resting place of Virginia Kettering (1907–2003), a visionary philanthropist whose generosity transformed Dayton’s cultural landscape, supporting institutions like the Dayton Art Institute, Victoria Theatre, and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™. You can also pay tribute to beloved humorist Erma Bombeck (1927–1996), whose wit and wisdom made her a nationally syndicated writer and cherished voice in American households. As you walk through this historic site, you’ll connect with the stories of women who left an enduring impact on the Gem City and beyond.
Discover the legacy of Charlotte Reeve Conover (1855–1940), a pioneering author, lecturer, and historian who introduced Daytonians to their own history through her influential book Dayton, Ohio: An Intimate History. A passionate advocate for knowledge and literature, she wrote for Atlantic Monthly, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Harper’s while also mentoring fellow writers, including Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Also resting here is Katharine Kennedy Brown (1891–1986), a powerhouse in national and local politics. As vice-chairman of the Republican National Committee (1944–1952) and founder of the Ohio Federation of Republican Women’s Organizations, she shaped political discourse for over five decades. Beyond politics, she was a leader in Dayton’s cultural community, serving on the boards of the Dayton Art Institute and Wilberforce University.
As you walk through this historic site, you’ll connect with the stories of remarkable women who left an enduring impact on the Gem City and beyond.
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Women’s History Month is definitely a time to honor the incredible contributions of women who have not only shaped Dayton but also the world. Whether you’re attending powerful performances, exploring inspiring exhibits, supporting women-owned businesses, or simply reflecting on the legacies of Dayton’s most influential women, there are endless ways to celebrate in the Gem City. This March, immerse yourself in Dayton’s rich history of innovation, creativity, and resilience led by remarkable women—past and present. No matter how you choose to participate, every experience will leave you inspired by the stories of women who continue to make a lasting impact.
Be sure to get your FREE Destination Dayton Visitors Guide and download the FREE Destination Dayton App for more about things to see and do in Dayton. For more information about Destination Dayton and the services it offers, explore our website or call 800-221-8235.
