From International Women’s Day celebrations to alternative comedy nights and short-film festivals, there’s loads going on in Hackney and Islington throughout March.

It feels like spring, doesn’t it? I know that’s tempting fate and paving the way for a Beast from the East 2.0 for which I will squarely be responsible, but still: it does feel like spring.

As an unseasonably warm February makes way for March, we’ve picked out five interesting events happening close to home.

Women in Beer

“We’re celebrating beer,” say the Five Points Brewery, “accessible to everyone and enjoyed by all.” Join them at the Pembury Tavern on March 7, where the company is hosting a Women in Beer panel series to celebrate some of the brightest female minds in the industry and launch a new pale ale: Straight Up. There will be talks from females making their mark in the beer world – including Sophie De Ronde (Head Brewer at Burnt Mill Brewery) and Rachel Sutherland (Assistant Professor in Brewing at Heriot-Watt University). Proceeds go to the Rosa charity.

Women in Beer panel talks at Pembury Tavern, March 7, 6pm-10pm. Tickets are £5 and include a free pint. More details here.

AMP London

The legendary Annie Mac is fronting “four days of music discovery and discussion” at the end of this month. AMP London will feature 40 live acts, at 14 venues, with two days of talks for good measure. Annie has curated the line-up herself and the event will see a broad range of upcoming artists and bands perform at venues like Moth Club, Oslo, XOYO and Oval Space. Saturday’s closing party – which will raise money for Art Against Knives – will bring a line-up of extra special guests to Hackney Empire.

AMP London, March 27-30, various venues around Hackney. More details here.

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Combine breathtaking short films with the stunning surrounds of Union Chapel and you’re on to a winner. Taking place between March 12 and 23, the Compton Terrace venue welcomes the Banff Mountain Film Festival on its World Tour. There are films about fearless adventurers, adrenaline-packed action sports and thoughtful pieces that celebrate the best of mountain culture. Some dates are already sold out, so get your skates (or skis…) on if you want in.

Banff Mountain Film Festival: World Tour is at Union Chapel between March 12 and 23. More details here.

Hackney Comedy Experience

The latest edition of the Hackney Comedy Experience sees Milton Jones – a staple of Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo – take the headline slot. Back at EartH in Dalston, this regular new event promises jokes from some of the biggest names currently on the alternative comedy circuit. Milton’s appearance will come after sets from John Robins, Phil Wang, Desiree Burch and John Kearns.

Hackney Comedy Experience at EartH, March 14, from 8pm. Tickets are £17. More details here.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz

We’re to expect anything from Wham to Whitney, Tina Turner to Tinie Tempah as the raucous Sounds Familiar Music Quiz returns to Essex Road on March 6. With 100 tracks across eight rounds, rally up a team of mates and answer questions about party tunes – in between singing in to inflatable microphones and dancing on the tables. This is a brilliantly fun quiz night where it doesn’t matter if you don’t know the answers.

Sounds Familiar Music Quiz at Old Queen’s Head, March 6, tickets from £12. More details here.