March 8th, International Women's Day

8 March marks International Women's Rights Day, established by the United Nations to reflect on both the economic, political and social achievements of women and the discrimination that still exists in the world today.

It is another opportunity to celebrate this special day with family and friends, immersed in the city of Bologna, a place rich in music, theatre, culture and social commitment.

Take advantage of the many things the city has to offer, including events, experiences and free admission, to make the most of this day

Themed events

Take part in one of the events dedicated to this day:

• TUTTE LE DONNE - guided tour, Certosa di Bologna, Monumental Cemetery | Saturday 7 March, 2:00 pm
  The inscriptions of the silent city often remember women as wives, consorts, brides, sisters. But there are memories that recall their contribution to society: a walk with Roberto Martorelli in the Monumental Cemetery, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  
• Pianta la tua matita - Area Ortiva Paleotto | Sunday 8 March, 10:00 a.m.
  Initiative o.rganised by the association Area ortiva Paleotto Aps, on the occasion of International Women's Day. An aperitif open to all to remember the social, economic and political achievements of women, as well as the discrimination and violence they still suffer. All women will be given a plantable pencil.
  
• LE DISOBBEDIENTI - Certosa di Bologna, Monumental Cemetery | Sunday 8 March, 10:30 a.m.
  The disobedient are the ladies of art, women of miraculous talent who have long been relegated to a secondary role, who have managed to escape the tight grip of patriarchy and who have shaped a history of painting and art that cannot and must not be overshadowed. 

• Omaggio alle donne bolognesi - Palazzo Pepoli | Sunday 8 March, 3:00 p.m. 
  Guided tour of the Museum of the History of Bologna to discover the biographies of courageous women from Bologna who were pioneers in various fields: history, art, science and business.

• Evviva le donne! - guided tour, San Giovanni in Persiceto | Sunday 8 March, 3:30 p.m. 
  The walk through the “Rose Garden”, the Canal of San Giovanni in Persiceto and Vicolo Baciadonne leads to the historic monumental cemetery to learn about some women who distinguished themselves for their work.

• Le disobbedienti - Animated Stories, Sala Falcone Borsellino | Sunday 8 March, 8.30pm
  The event aims to give a voice to those “women artists” and “extraordinary talents” that history has often tried to forget. The focus is on the long nineteenth century, a time when women were systematically excluded from formal education and art workshops. The show celebrates the courage of those who were able to challenge the rules and structures of patriarchy to claim their place in art history.

Music events and concerts

Celebrate this day accompanied by the perfect musical atmosphere:

• Donna, Donna, Donna (Woman, Woman, Woman) - Le Torri Club, Budrio | Saturday 7 March, 9:00 pm
  The trio Le Scians brings to the stage a vibrant musical tribute dedicated to women who, with their strength, determination and positivity, have been able to achieve great and important goals.

• 8M | Concert for International Women's Day – Teatro Auditorium Manzoni | Sunday 8 March, 11:00 a.m.
  The Teatro Comunale di Bologna celebrates International Women's Day on 8 March with a programme dedicated to women.
• La Regina dell’arco – Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica (Music Museum and Library) | Sunday 8 March, 5:30 p.m.
  This concert pays tribute to a great performer and composer who is still not sufficiently appreciated: Maddalena Lombardini Syrmen, virtuoso of Europe.

• Metamorfosi bestiali – Teatro del Baraccano | Sunday 8 March, 9:00 p.m. 
  A concert combining music and lyrics to celebrate Women's Day through the theme of magical transformation and fantasy creatures.

• Come luci nel buio - Two choirs for International Women's Day, Centro Polifunzionale Populonia | Tuesday 10 March, 8:30 p.m. 
  To mark 8 March - International Women's Day, the Savena district, in collaboration with the choirs Voices in Colour and Coro di Periferia, is organising an evening of music, words and songs.

For those who want to get carried away by music and dancing, here are two unmissable events:

• Jason Derulo – Unipol Arena, Casalecchio di Reno | Friday 6 March, 9pm
• Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber – Unipol Arena, Casalecchio di Reno | Sunday 8 March, 9pm

Museums and historic buildings - free admission and special discounts

Don't miss the opportunity to explore these extraordinary cultural sites for free. Participating institutions and facilities in the city and metropolitan area of Bologna are offering discounts and special rates to celebrate National Women's Day.

Find out more on the official website of the Ministry of Culture.

Family experiences

• Burattini a Bologna: show "W la Pulidora" - Palazzo Pepoli | Sunday 8 March, 4pm and 5.30pm
• La danza delle clessidre - treasure hunt in Certosa - Certosa di Bologna, Monumental Cemetery | Sunday 8 March, 10.30am
• "Portami al Museo": Through your eyes -Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (National Gallery) | Sunday, 8 March, 5:00 p.m.
• A Corpo Libero (Scenes of a body), show - Teatro Testoni Ragazzi | Sunday, 8 March, 9:45 a.m.

For a bit of adrenaline

Discover an extraordinary experience and let yourself be swept away by a rush of adrenaline:

• WOW Women Motor 2026 - Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Racetrack | Sunday, 8 March
  Free activities on the track, workshops with companies such as Ducati, Ferrari and Lamborghini, driving simulators and road safety: registration is now open for experiences at the event dedicated to female empowerment in motorsport and STEM disciplines.
• Rent a City Bike
  With the arrival of fine weather, what could be better than cycling along the avenues and visiting all your favourite places?

Women at the Theatre

What better way to celebrate this important day than with an evening at the theatre?

• Freevola – ZolAuditorium, Zola Predosa | Friday 6 March, 9:00 pm
• “Basta un filo di rossetto” – Teatro Comunale San Giovanni in Persiceto | Friday 6 March, 9:00 pm
• Medea e Clitennestra – Auditorium di Calderino, Monte San Pietro | Saturday 7 March, 8.30 p.m.
• Anna Karenina – Teatro Dehon | Sunday 8 March, 4 p.m.
• Liberata – ITC Teatro, San Lazzaro | Sunday 8 March, 5 p.m.