Chennai's cultural calendar for the week of March 6 to 12, 2026, includes exhibitions, workshops, and celebrations marking International Women's Day. Highlights range from handicraft sales and photography displays to car rallies and floral arrangements. These events showcase the city's vibrant arts scene and community initiatives.
The week begins on March 6 with several engaging activities across Chennai. At VR Chennai in Anna Nagar, Kalaa Utsav presents an exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafts curated by Bhaskar Raju. Visitors can explore items like Odisha’s Dhokra jewellery, Sandur’s tribal embroidery, organic Pen Kalamkaris, and Moonj baskets from Uttar Pradesh. The event runs until March 15, from 10 am to 10 pm daily.
Also on March 6, in Thousand Lights at Lalit Kala Akademi, Lenscape Kerala offers a free photography exhibition curated by Uma Nair. It features 100 images by 10 photographers, depicting Kerala's landscapes, wildlife, and cultures, open until March 7 from 11 am to 7 pm.
The Chennai Pen Show, hosted by Endless Stationery at Fika in Adyar, kicks off the same day and continues until March 8. This third edition includes over 50 exhibitors and 150 brands of pens, inks, and papers, with opportunities to meet pen makers, from 10 am to 7 pm.
On March 8, International Women's Day brings multiple events. The IndianOil Duchess All Women Car Rally in Mylapore celebrates 25 years of empowerment. This 50km rally with themed clues starts at 8 am from The Savera hotel, costs INR 2,000, and ends with a lunch.
In Adyar, Madras Matters at Backyard from 1 pm to 8 pm features talks and performances on Chennai's evolving cultural identity, involving artists, storytellers, and curators.
Alwarpet hosts Create & Celebrate, a floral workshop by Sobé Decor and Floradelic at 4 pm to 6 pm for INR 1,999, teaching techniques for table centerpieces that participants take home.
Early on March 8, the Women’s Day Walkathon 2K26 at Beach Road starts at 5:30 am from Napier Bridge. This free event for breast cancer awareness and a drug-free society includes Zumba, health check-ups, breakfast, and gives t-shirts, medals, and certificates to participants.
Additionally, the Disney-Pixar film Hoppers opens in theaters on March 6, directed by Daniel Chong with voices by Jon Hamm and Meryl Streep, following a young woman's adventures via robotic animals.