By Lookout Staff

March 2, 2026 -- Santa Monica is celebrating Women's History Month in March with a series of events that include an indigenous jazz ensemble and a candid discussion with the women who have served as mayor.

Starting Monday, the Main Library will begin distributing a "Take & Make Kit for Kids" that includes "supplies to create and personalize a family tree to highlight women in your life."

The kit -- for ages 4 and up -- will be available all month at the Main Library Youth Services desk and at all branch locations, while supplies last.

On Sunday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m., the Julia Keefe Indigenous Jazz Ensemble will perform at BroadStage at the Santa Monica College (SMC) Performing Arts Center at 11th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard.

A "powerhouse group of Native and Indigenous jazz musicians from across Indian Country," the group is led by Julia Keefe, "an emerging trailblazer in jazz and a pioneering composer, arranger, conductor, and vocalist," event organizers said.

The ensemble honors the "often-overlooked contributions of Indigenous jazz artists to this one true American art form."

Also on Sunday, March 8, Pacific Park's iconic Ferris Wheel on the Pier will celebrate Women’s History Month with a special lighting on International Women’s Day.

The solar-powered wheel will "feature purple, green and white lighting, the colors of International Women’s Day that signify justice, dignity, and hope," organizers said.

The Ferris wheel lights can be seen from dusk -- around 6 to 7 p.m. -- until 11:35 p.m. each evening live or online at pacpark.com/live.

The celebrations conclude Saturday, March 28, with "Making Herstory at City Hall: A Candid Conversation with Santa Monica's Women Mayors" from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Main Library.

The panel of mayors is composed of current Mayor Caroline Torosis and former mayors Gleam Davis, Judy Abdo, Lana Negrete and Pam O’Connor.

he mayors will "share their personal stories, offer advice for women looking to succeed in local politics, and answer audience questions."

Since 1987, the month of March has been federally recognized as Women's History Month, with all Americans encouraged to observe the month, and acknowledge and honor the achievements of women.