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. An Evening with Mary Todd Lincoln at the Dayton Woman's Club
Celebrate at the Dayton Woman's Club on March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. as Teena Baldridge, President of the Lincoln Club and a Lifetime Member of the National Association of Lincoln Presenters, brings Mary Todd Lincoln to life in a memorable performance and lecture that is sure to captivate the audience. The cost for the event is $10 per person (beverages and light snacks included), and advance ticket purchase is required.
2. Woman of Impact FUNdraiser at the Brightside
Get RED-y for a night of empowerment and fun at the Brightside Music & Event Venue on March 11, 6-8 p.m.! The Woman of Impact FUNdraiser, hosted by Kelly Gibson in support of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign, promises an inspiring evening for the whole family. Walk the red carpet, dance to heart-pumping beats, and meet special guest Miss Ohio, a Top 5 finalist in the recent Miss America competition. Enjoy healthy snacks by Chef Reginald, refreshing treats from Choice Juice Boxx and explore wellness vendors while learning life-saving skills at the CPR education station. Every donation supports heart health initiatives - $25 general admission.
3. Catch Danae Hays LIVE
Get ready to laugh out loud as Danae Hays brings her hilarious First Time Tour to Dayton at the Victoria Theatre on March 15! This Alabama-born, Nashville-based comedian, actress, and content creator is making waves with her unforgettable southern characters, viral parody songs, and sharp wit. With over 3.6 million followers and nearly 2 billion views, Danae's fresh, fearless comedy is taking the world by storm.
Don’t miss your chance to see this rising star, whose hit single "Rode Hard" climbed the Billboard charts. From sold-out comedy tours to roles alongside Hollywood legends, Danae Hays is a must-see act that'll leave you laughing long after the curtain falls! Grab 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 6 - Honoring Women's History Month @ Trotwood Branch from 4-5 p.m.
March 6 - Chill and Paint: Honoring Georgia O'Keeffe @ Wilmington-Stroop Branch from 6-7 p.m.
March 8 - International Women's Day Celebration @ Main Branch from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
March 8 - Women's History Month: A League of Their Own @ Southeast Branch from 2-4 p.m.
March 15 - Women's History Month: On the Basis of Sex @ Southeast Branch from 5-4 p.m.
March 20 - This Women's Work @ Kettering-Moraine Branch from 6-7 p.m.
March 21 - Unlock Your Story @ Northmont Branch from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
March 22 - Family Storytime - Women's History Month @ Huber Heights Branch from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
March 27 - Who's That Lady @ Northwest Branch from 6-7 p.m.
March 29 - Women's History Month: He Named Me Malala @ Southeast Branch from 2-4 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 are 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.
