International Women's Day 2026: Celebrate Iconic Women in Music, Comedy & Theatre
Posted on Sunday 8th March 2026 at 11:00
Written by
Sarah Moore
International Women's Day 2026: Celebrate Iconic Women in Music, Comedy & Theatre
Every year on 8th March, communities around the world come together for International Women's Day: a day set aside to celebrate the achievements of women, recognise their impact on society, and reflect on the worldwide challenges that women face today.
Here at Gigantic Tickets this International Women's Day, we're championing and amplifying the voices of women in entertainment. Whether it's women in music, comedy or theatre, we're here to point you in the direction of something great. Continue reading our guide to find out more.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Women artists touring the UK in 2026
- Major arena shows and intimate venue gigs
- Rising stars and established icons
- Where to find tickets for upcoming shows
Concert Tickets for Big Names & International Artists
CMAT
When: Friday 17th & Saturday 18th July 2026 (The Piece Hall, Halifax & Scarborough Open Air Theatre)
Award-winning Irish country-pop musician is "making music for the girls and the gays", and will be back on tour in the UK this summer, visiting stunning outdoor venues.
Jessie J
LIVE AFTER RACING
When: Saturday 15th August 2026 (Newbury Racecourse)
BRIT Award-winner and self-proclaimed feminist Jessie J isn't "standing down for any ego or suit". The "Price Tag" singer will be performing a special show Live After Evening Racing at Newbury Racecourse in August.
Cat Burns
When: Friday 10th - Sunday 19th April 2026 (multiple UK dates)
Cat Burns uses her platform to amplify Black, queer and neurodivergent perspectives. The How To Be Human UK tour with special guest Nxdia heads to venues in April 2026.
Spiritbox
25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
When: Monday 14th - Saturday 18th September 2026 (multiple UK dates)
Spiritbox are a Canadian hard-hitting progressive metal band, fronted by powerhouse Courtney LaPlante. They'll be bringing the noise to UK arenas on the Tsunami Sea UK Tour, alongside special guests Jinjer and Dying Wish.
Ethel Cain
When: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th June 2026 (Cardiff Castle & The Piece Hall, Halifax)
Ethel Cain is an acclaimed indie-rock musician whose work draws on her experience of being a queer, autistic woman. The Willoughby Tucker Forever Tour will see her visit the picturesque Cardiff Castle and The Piece Hall.
Kate Nash
When: Thursday 19th March 2026 (Roundhouse, London)
Vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights and patron of the Music Venue Trust, Kate Nash is an enduring force in the UK music industry. See her perform live at London's iconic Roundhouse with support from Bimini.
Theatre & Comedy Shows to support on International Women's Day
Aisling Bea
When: Thursday 9th April 2026 (The Octagon Centre, Sheffield)
See the hilarious BAFTA & British Comedy Award-winning Irish stand-up, as seen on Taskmaster & 8 Out of 10 Cats, in Sheffield.
I'm Every Woman - The Chaka Khan Musical!
When: Saturday 21st - Wednesday 25th March 2026 (Hackney Empire, London)
Witness the incredible life, story and music of Chaka Khan, starring Alexandra Burke as Chaka Khan herself!
Ilana Glazer
When: Sunday 5th July 2026 (Union Chapel, London)
Comedian, actor, advocate, and creator best known for co-creating and co-starring in series BROAD CITY.
Sandi Toksvig
When: Monday 4th May 2026 (New London Theatre)
One-night-only with national treasure, writer, broadcaster, activist & Sunday Times bestselling novelist.
Titanique
When: Tuesday 10th March - Sunday 30th August 2026 (Criterion Theatre, London)
Centred around Celine Dion, this is a one-of-a-kind musical voyage bursting with nostalgia and heart.
Festivals With Female Headliners in 2026
Bearded Theory
When: Thursday 21st - Sunday 24th May 2026 (Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent)
Shirley Manson of Garbage and Skin of Skunk Anansie will light up the Bearded Theory stage this May.
Dot to Dot
When: Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th May 2026 (Various Nottingham & Bristol Venues)
NewDad and Lambrini Girls top the bill at the multi-venue festival in Bristol and Nottingham this year.
Replay Festival
When: Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th August 2026 (South Inch Park, Perth)
Saturday night at Replay Festival is headlined by Natalie Imbruglia in this celebration of the 80s, 90s and 00s.
Shrewsbury Folk Festival
When: Thursday 27th - Monday 31st August 2026 (West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury)
Americana legend Lucinda Williams headlines this celebration of all things folk in the West Midlands.
Want to discover more concerts, shows & experiences perfect for International Women's Day 2026?
More Concerts, Shows & Experiences to Book
Concerts
- Jessie Ware - Tuesday 7th April 2026 (O2 Academy Oxford)
- Becky Hill - Saturday 22nd August 2026 (Colchester Castle)
- Amy MacDonald - Friday 12th - Thursday 18th June 2026 (Guildhall Square, Southampton & The Piece Hall, Halifax)
- Lucy Spraggan - Thursday 30th April - Saturday 23rd May 2026 (multiple UK dates)
- Aldous Harding - Sunday 31st May - Monday 8th June 2026 (multiple UK dates)
- Elles Bailey - Saturday 21st - Friday 27th March 2026 (multiple UK dates)
- Suzanne Vega - Tuesday 23rd June - Thursday 30th July 2026 (multiple UK dates)
- Vanessa Paradis - Thursday 1st October 2026 (KOKO, London)
- Corinne Bailey Rae - Tuesday 27th October 2026 (Royal Albert Hall, London)
- Sigrid - Saturday 14th & Monday 16th March 2026 (O2 Academy Bristol & O2 Academy Birmingham)
Theatre & Comedy
- Jen Brister - Friday 16th October 2026 (Steamworks, Sheffield)
- Stef Dag - Thursday 23rd April 2026 (Top Secret Comedy Club - Kingsway, London)
- Maisie Adam - Tuesday 9th March 2027 (Octagon Centre, Sheffield)
- Inter Alia - Thursday 19th March - Saturday 20th June 2026 (Wyndham's Theatre, London)
- Teeth 'N' Smiles - Friday 13th March - Saturday 6th June 2026 (Duke of York's Theatre, London)
Why International Women's Day Matters in Live Events & Entertainment
International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across every industry, and the world of live entertainment is no exception. From groundbreaking musicians and stand-out comedians to visionary playwrights and performers, female artists continue to shape the cultural landscape in powerful ways. Highlighting their work helps to recognise the creativity, resilience and influence they bring to stages around the world, while also challenging the historical underrepresentation women have faced in many areas of the arts. By amplifying these voices, we not only celebrate their contributions but also encourage a more diverse and inclusive live entertainment industry.
Shining a spotlight on women artists also inspires the next generation of performers, writers and creators. Seeing women succeed in live music, comedy and theatre shows young audiences and aspiring artists that there is space for their voices, perspectives and stories. It reminds us that diversity in line-ups, casts and creative teams leads to richer experiences for audiences and more dynamic cultural conversations.
International Women’s Day provides a meaningful moment to champion these artists, support their work and continue pushing for equality across live entertainment.
Show your support for women entertainers, artists, and musicians on International Women's Day. Browse upcoming concerts, shows and live experiences across the UK.
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