Celebrating Women On March 7: Willard Beach Gathering

For the sixth year in a row, thousands of women (and those who support them) will gather at Willard Beach in South Portland, and stand hand in hand to celebrate 'International Women's Day."

Untitled design - 1

It's an event called the 'Annual Women's Wave,' and it's not only happening in Maine, but across the globe, according to organizers.

"The largest and coldest International Women's Day celebration in the nation will welcome thousands of participants from across the country to link arms and walk into the icy Atlantic Ocean together in a powerful act of unity, courage, and community. The 2026 edition aims to stretch dippers across all 2,100 feet of Willard Beach and be the biggest ever. "

International Women's Day falls on a Sunday this year, and there are a number of events scheduled on the days leading up to that actual day in the Portland area. The Women's Wave will happen on Saturday, March 7th, unless it snows, and then they will hold it on Sunday, March 8th.

Get our free mobile app

The Maine event is being put together by a Portland-based community group called 'Two Maine Mermaids.'

Untitled design - 1

According to one website, the "Two Maine Mermaids" community came about as a way to turn a sense of fear and hopelessness into empowerment and joy, centered around women.

"Two Maine Mermaids was created in the dark, fearful days of the pandemic – a deliberate response to fear, danger, and divisiveness. In the midst of those dark times, we oriented towards a practice to do hard things with JOY, NATURE & COMMUNITY, and in that container, the magic of the Two Maine Mermaids community was born.

From divisiveness we called in NATURE. From fear, we called in JOY. From danger we called in COMMUNITY."

Participants are asked to register for the event (for planning and safety reasons) at this link: https://www.twomainemermaids.com/event-details/2026-womens-wave

Folks will gather at Willard Beach on Saturday at noon. The dip itself will take place at 12:30 PM.

Maine's 10 Largest Women-Owned Businesses

Gallery Credit: Lori Voornas

Look: Maine Touring History of Many of the Most Influential Women of Rock

Here's a look at many of the greatest women in rock 'n roll and their touring history in Maine. The data was collected from setlist.fm, a site dedicated to preserving live music history.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Did You Know These Giant Businesses are Owned by Women?

Let's be honest, the future is female and Maine woman are killing it right now in businesses. Check out the list of the top woman-owned businesses in Maine.