Next Sunday will mark the 109th International Women’s Day since the Suffragettes dedicated the day to focus on the celebration and equality of women. Although the fight for gender equality is still being waged, we can still look to March 8 as a day to honour the incredible strong, creative, and inspiring women in our lives.
There are a number of ways to celebrate International Women’s Day, but for us, a good celebration and delicious food and drinks go hand-in-hand, so we’ve assembled some of the most interesting culinary events taking place across the country that highlight the female chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, brewers, and producers who make our country’s culinary scene so special.
Here are ten interesting ways to celebrate International Women’s Day across Canada.
Women, Wine & Food (Winnipeg, MB)
The fourth annual Women, Wine and Food fundraiser takes place on Saturday, March 7 at the Manitoba Museum. Led by organizer and chef-owner of Bluestone Cottage, Kelly Cattani, the canape station-style fundraiser will feature an array of culinary creations from more than 20 of Winnipeg’s top female chefs, paired with wine and beer tastings from local wineries and breweries.
Tickets range from $100 to $300. Proceeds go toward supporting Winnipeg’s Women Health Clinic. Chef Cattani is hoping to meet or surpass the $40,000 raised at last year’s fundraiser.
Each For Equal by The Paisley Notebook (Okanagan Falls, B.C.)
Aman Dosanj and The Paisley Notebook are celebrating their fourth annual International Women’s Day event alongside Andrea Callan (Red Fox Club at Indiginous World Winery), Christine Sandford (Biera, Edmonton), Kelsey Johnson (Cafe Linnea, Edmonton), and local chef Dana Ewart.
Each course in the five-course dinner will feature one of the participating chefs' interpretation of the theme, Each for Equal. Wine pairings for each course have been provided by some of the top winemakers and wineries in the region.
Tickets are priced at $165 per person. All of the event’s profits will go toward Foundry Penticton and Kelowna, South Okanagan Women in Need Society, and Slow Food Canada.
International Women’s Day Brunch at Burdock & Co (Vancouver, B.C.)
Burdock & Co chef Andrea Carlson is hosting an International Women’s Day brunch to champion gender equality and empowerment. The brunch menu will feature the acclaimed cookbook author’s signature farm-to-table fare with offerings such as chickpea tagine with squash and dates, bacon frittata with smoked cheddar, and eggs Benny in lemon hollandaise.
Burdock & Co’s International Women’s Day brunch is priced at $54 per person, with seatings at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Women in Food & Wine (Beaumont, AB)
Beaumont institution Chartier is hosting an incredible four-course dinner aimed at celebrating and highlighting women in food and wine. Chef Tamara Solon will be pairing the courses with five different wines from Chateau Laulerie’s Marine Dubard, all while showcasing female-led farmers and artisans.
International Women’s Day Dinner at Donna Mac (Calgary, AB)
Donna Mac owner Amy Turner has assembled a powerhouse team of some of the top female chefs in Calgary to celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8. Erin Pickering (Empire Provisions), Katelin Bland (Bridgette Bar and Lulu Bar), Liana Robberecht (Winsport Canada) Leatitia Chrapchynski (North Feasts), Jessica Pelland (charbar) and Becca MacLeod (Pigeonhole) will be creating a stunning six-course dinner with wine pairings from sommeliers Karen Kho and Jordan Sudderman.
Afternoon Brunch and Chill (Yellowknife, YT)
Good food, creative workshops, and chill vibes are the themes for the International Women’s Day brunch at Yellowknife’s Copperhouse. Guests will be treated to a delicious brunch, followed by a painting session with Kerri’s Kreations and a crystal earring-making session with Mermaid and Moon.
Tickets cost $70 per person. Guests will get to take their creations home along with a swag bag full of information, coupons, and samples from local female business owners.
Mom’s Night Out (Ottawa, ON)
My Little Lamb and Dope Moms Of Ottawa are honouring all the moms out there this International Women’s Day with a night of food, drinks, and dancing. The event includes an open bar, an oyster station, a sushi bar, charcuterie boards, cold canapes, hot hors d'oeuvres, and more.
Tickets cost $100 per person. All proceeds and donations will go toward supporting Harmony House Ottawa Women’s Shelter.
Nutrien Ensemble (Saskatoon, SK)
LB Distillers, Hearth Restaurant, Calories, Odd Couple, and The Barn at Wind’s Edge are teaming up to provide cocktails, gourmet tapas, and desserts for Nutrien Ensemble's International Women’s Day fundraiser, hosted by Dress For Success Saskatoon. The event will also feature entertainment from stylist and brand consultant Kate Matthews along with Dress for Success Saskatoon clothing partners.
The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies (Toronto, ON)
Toronto’s Society of Beer Drinking Ladies is teaming up with Ontario brewmaster, Mary Beth Keefe at her family’s brewpub, Granite Brewery. In addition to launching a new one-off Vermont-style IPA with Granite, guests will be treated to the musical stylings of DJ Jane Blaze, a $5-snack menu, and an artisan market featuring The Baker’s Bar, Sparkplug Coffee, Bloomis Body Products, and Corktown Soap.
Tickets cost $20 per person. $10 from each ticket will go toward women’s shelter and support organization, Sistering.
Collaboration Brew Day (Edmonton, AB)
The Edmonton Pink Boots Society are heading to Yellowhead Brewery to celebrate International Women’s Day with a brewing session led by head brewer Lisa Davis. Guests will learn how to brew a kettle sour saison, followed by games and drinks in the Yellowhead taproom.
Admission to the Collaboration Brew Day is free.
