Every State’s Best Events This March

2023 March Events Worth Traveling For
March is the month of Spring Break, St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness, so we are never short of fun things to look forward to when it rolls around each year. In many parts of the country, March signifies the start of spring and the multitude of festivals around the country celebrating flower blooms this year is a testament to the fact that March is seen as a turning point in the calendar. Overall, the best festivals in March in the USA have a little bit of everything, including get-togethers dedicated to the maple syrup harvest, film festivals, foodie celebrations, art shows, snow-based events and more St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals than you can shake a green stick at. Click on the slideshow to see how many of the best March events are happening by you or where you’re heading for Spring Break.

Alabama
Head down to the coast for two days of fine arts (watercolor, clay, glass, oils, jewelry, photography and more) at the Orange Beach Festival of Art (March 11-12). The second half of the month sees the return of the Mobile Azalea Trail Festival—an event that shows off the city’s beautiful annual azalea bloom—on March 15-31, the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival (March 17-19) and the state’s favorite St. Paddy’s Day party take place at Callaghan’s Irish Social Club in Mobile.

Alaska
There will be a carnival atmosphere in Anchorage the weekend of March 4-5 as the world-famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race kicks off on March 4 while the famed Fur Rondy Festival (runs through March 5) comes to a crescendo. During the final weekend of the festival, events include the much-loved Blanket Tosses, the Running of the Reindeer, the Blizzard Bash concert and more. Also in Anchorage, the Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships will run through March 17 at the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds, but you will be able to admire the work of some of the world’s most talented ice carvers all the way through March 31—weather dependent, of course.

Arizona
Spring Training is back at 10 stadiums throughout the Phoenix Metro area and the entire month will be filled with Cactus League games between 15 teams. The city will also play host to the M3F Music Festival (March 3-4) the 65th Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market—Arizona’s largest American Indian art fair—on March 4-5 and the Aloha Festival dedicated to South Pacific culture on March 11-12. In Tucson, the Festival of Books will take place at the University of Arizona on March 4-5 and the 54th Annual Fourth Avenue Street Fair (think artists, food and entertainment) will take place on March 24-26.

Arkansas
Start your month off in the state capital for the annual “race for every pace”: The Little Rock Marathon (March 4-5). Rest assured, even if you aren’t racing in one of the many events, the city will be buzzing during race weekend. Elsewhere, northern Arkansas will host the annual Mountain View Bluegrass Festival (March 9-11) and Hot Springs will paint the town green during the wacky & wild World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a party which will feature Grand Marshall Justin Moore, live music from the Village People and scores more festive happenings.

California
Start your month off right at the North Lake Tahoe SNOWFEST (March 2-12), which will feature 10 days of happenings dedicated to having a good time and celebrating the High Sierra lifestyle. Or, you could head to the coast for the 52nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales (March 4-5), which will toast the annual return of the California gray whales. Elsewhere, the Rolling Loud Music Festivals hits Los Angeles on March 3-5, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival kicks off on March 10 and The BNP Paribas Open (March 6-19) will once again see some of the best tennis players in the world compete in Indian Wells near Palm Springs.

Colorado
In the Mile High City, the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival (March 9-12) will once again shine a light on Asian film and Denver Restaurant Week will give diners something to smile about at various venues throughout town (March 3-12). Elsewhere, the 40th Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival (March 10-12) will offer visitors the chance to see graceful sandhill cranes during their annual migration and the 75th Annual Leadville Ski Joring event (March 4-5) will see folks on skis being pulled by horses through an obstacle course full of rings, gates and jumps—much to the delight of the crowds.

Connecticut
Start your month by rooting on the athletes at the Special Olympics Connecticut 2023 Winter Games at the Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middlefield. Other happenings this month include Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band performing at Mohegan Sun Arena on March 12 and Maple Weekend—two days of saluting the state’s maple syrup industry which includes sugarhouses opening their doors and offering sweet samples—on March 18-19. Last but not least, on select dates all month long, you’ll be able to see “mermaids” swimming at Mystic Aquarium during their Mermaids at Mystic event.

Delaware
Wilmington is the spot to be early in the month as the Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place March 1-5 and those same dates will see the return of Wilmington Beer Week. Head to Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton on March 4 for a celebration of all things Delaware during a party dedicated to “302 Day” (302 is Delaware’s area code). Then, look no further than Catherine Rooney’s in Wilmington for the perfect pint of Guinness this month, as the bar will once again host one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on the East Coast (events and specials run March 4-18).

Florida
Daytona Beach’s 82nd Annual Bike Week will take place on March 3-12 (think rides, swap meets, live music and revelry), the Florida Strawberry Festival will bring a fun fair atmosphere to the crowds in Plant City (March 2-12) and down in the Keys, Marathon will hold its annual Seafood Festival on March 11-12. Music lovers will want to head to Miami later in the month as the city hosts the iconic Calle Ocho Music Festival on March 12 and the ULTRA electronic dance music festival on March 24-26.

Georgia
Visit Valdosta for the 23rd Annual Azalea Festival on March 11-12, where you will be able to enjoy a tasty food court, arts & crafts, entertainment and much more. Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival (March 17-26) will once celebrate all things pink as the city embraces the annual bloom of its over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees and parties with parades, concerts, bed races, wiener dog races and much more. St. Paddy’s Day lovers will want to ensure they are in Savannah, as the city truly embraces the holiday, with events ranging from the “greening” of the Forsyth Park Fountain on March 10 and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17.

Hawai’i
The 28th Anniversary Kona Brewers Festival will take place on March 11 on the Big Island and will once again bring together some of the best beers brewed in Hawai’i with great mainland beers and island cuisine. On Oahu, The Honolulu Festival (March 10-12) will once again celebrate “Pacific Harmony” through events centered around promoting understanding and cooperation between residents of Hawai’i and the Pacific Rim. Back on the Big Island, the special sound of the steel guitar will be celebrated at the Kona Steel Guitar Festival on March 23-25.

Idaho
It’s all about music this month in Idaho, as the Treefort Music Festival will return to downtown Boise on March 22-26 with a lineup loaded with indie talents like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Leikeli47, Surf Cruise, Cautious Clay, Margo Price, Dinosaur Jr. and scores more. In Coeur d’Alene, the annual Coeur d’Alene Blues Festival will kick off on March 31.

Illinois
Peoria will play host to the 2023 U.S. Figure Skating U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships on March 1-4 and the start of the month is also the time for the Irish Film Festival in Chicago (March 3-5), an event that sees fine films from the Emerald Isle showcased. You’ll be able to keep the “green” fun going through March 11, which will be the day the Chicago River gets dyed green and the city’s official St. Patrick’s Day parade. On March 17 itself, the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Chicago is the event you can’t miss.

Indiana
Sports fans will want to head to Indianapolis at the start of the month for the annual NFL Scouting Combine (March 2-5), an event that will fill the city with some off-season football fever. The International Anime Music Festival comes to Indianapolis on March 7 and The Circle City welcomes New Edition in concert on March 24 on their Legacy Tour with Keith Sweat and Guy.

Iowa
Head to downtown Decorah for the Oneota Film Festival on March 2-5, where you’ll be able to view thought-provoking and entertaining movies from around the world. That same weekend sees the Deer Classic take place in Des Moines (March 3-5), an outdoor lovers event featuring everything from the latest archery equipment to hunting and fishing outfitters. Last but not least, the All Iowa Auto Show will roll into Des Moines on March 10-12, bringing with its automobile displays and fun driving diversions.

Kansas
Take a short trip around the globe at the International Food & Culture Fair on the campus of Pittsburg State University on March 4, where there will be samples of fare from around the world and riveting stage performances. Lawrence will see the Kansas Craft Brewers Expo takes place on March 4—featuring some of the best breweries in the state—and the cool college town will also hold its 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17.

Kentucky
Louisville Restaurant Week will run through March 5, offering diners the chance to sample sensational menus at venues across town. The Gathering of the Eagles bald eagle watching gathering in Calvert City will run through March 12 while the Louisville Zoo’s much-loved Wild Lights lantern festival is back on March 10 (runs through May 21). This year, you can expect even more impressive handcrafted, silk-covered lanterns than in the past—all with an “Around the World” theme (think lanterns that resemble the Sydney Opera House, Great Sphinx of Giza, Leaning Tower of Piza and much more).

Louisiana
In the Big Easy, March is a great month for literary lovers as the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University takes place on March 9 in addition to the Saints + Sinner Literary Festival (March 24-26) and the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival (March 22-26). When it comes to partying, there’s nowhere better to be on St. Patrick’s Day than New Orleans’ Irish Channel neighborhood, as they will once again host their beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Elsewhere, the town of Amite will hold its annual Amite Oyster Festival on March 17-19 and the Louisiana Crawfish Festival takes over Chalmette on March 23-26.

Maine
It may only be in its third year, but Carnaval ME (March 8-12) is well on its way to becoming the star of late winter in Maine. Taking place in Portland’s Old Port area, the festival features ice sculptures, bonfires, live music, selfie stations and even a “Bites & Brews” Igloo. For a taste of something sweet, head out to one of the participating sugarhouses during the 40th Annual Maine Maple Sunday on March 26, an event that sees syrup producers offering samples and demonstrations on how the pancake nectar of the gods is made.

Maryland
Annapolis Restaurant Week starts off the month with five nights of delights at the city’s eateries (March 1-5) while on the coast, the Ocean City Film Festival will show off the best in local and international film on March 2-5. The Open Gate Guinness Brewery in Baltimore will kick off four weekends of Irish-themed celebrations on March 2 while Trevor Noah will bring his comedy to Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre on March 9-11. Last but not least the Old Line State will once again celebrate Maryland Day on March 25 with a myriad of fun events all over the state that commemorates its founding.

Massachusetts
It’s no secret that Boston is one of the nation’s best places to be around St. Patrick’s Day, and once again local band Dropkick Murphys will play four nights in a row to celebrate the occasion (March 16-19) while the city’s much-loved parade will roll through South Boston two days after the holiday itself (March 19). Also in March, the 27th Annual Regional High School Art Show kicks off on March 5 and the Boston Underground Film Festival returns to town to screen fine experimental and envelope-pushing films (March 23-27).

Michigan
The much-loved Butterflies are Blooming event—the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation—will return to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids on March 1, featuring thousands of tropical butterflies flying freely in the park’s conservatory. In Detroit, Restaurant Week will continue through March 3 while down in St. Joseph, the popular March Mannequins event will fill the storefronts downtown on March 10.

Minnesota
The Ice Castles event—a stunning array of fantastical structures made of icicles—will run in New Brighton through March 5, while Schell’s Brewery in Ulm will once again host its annual Bockfest festival (think warming bock beer, sausages and live music) on March 5. When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, both St. Paul and Minneapolis will host a stellar parade on March 17 and later on in the month, the Women in Science event will return to the Bakken Museum in Minneapolis (March 25).

Mississippi
Biloxi will get a head start on the St. Patrick’s Day fun as the town will host its annual parade on March 11 while in Jackson, the locally-loved Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival will take to the streets on March 25. You can expect the usual array of ood and craft vendors, children’s carnival, parade, music and fun in Gulfport when the Unity Festival returns to town on March 18 and Oxford is the place to be for literature lovers for the 29th Annual Oxford Conference for the Book on March 29-31.

Missouri
March basketball madness starts early in Kansas City, as both the Men’s & Women’s Big XII Championship Tournaments will take place from March 8-12 in the city. In St. Louis, St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated with parades downtown on March 11 and in the Dogtown neighborhood on March 17, the latter being many a local’s favorite. Head down to Branson for the 16th Annual Elvis Festival (top-notch impersonators and more) on March 24-26 and bounce back to Kansas City at the end of the month for the KC Film Fest International on March 26-29.

Montana
Great Falls will once again become the capital of the Western Art world during its annual Western Art Week (March 15-19) and Butte will be the place to be on March 17 as this small town with a large Irish population will throw a big party to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Later in the month, admire the annual spring migration of tundra geese and snow geese at the Wild Wings Choteau event in Choteau (March 24-26).

Nebraska
Movie lovers will want to make sure they are in Omaha for the Omaha Film Festival (March 7-12), where attendees will be able to enjoy a range of independent films—much of them not available otherwise in the region. Omaha will also play host to the Spring Festival: An Arts & Crafts Affair (expect wares from some of the nation’s best artists and crafters) on March 20-22 and in Lincoln, the National Antique Tractor Pullers Association Championship will take place on March 25-27.

Nevada
The Pennzoil 400 will once again take to the track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 5), capping an adrenaline-filled Spring NASCAR Weekend (March 3-5), an event that will also include two other exciting races. Or, you could start your month at the Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend (March 1-5), where attendees will enjoy a weekend full of rodeo events and fun for the whole family. On the Strip in Las Vegas, the month will include shows from Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert while off the Strip, the Punk Rock Museum will celebrate its long-awaited opening on March 10.

New Hampshire
Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway will be the setting for the Hannes Schneider Meister Cup (March 11), a unique ski competition that anchors an entire weekend of fun activities like ice carving, a vintage ski wear show and assorted hijinx. The Granite State is renowned for its maple syrup and once again March will see the return of Maple Weekend (March 18-19) at the state’s wonderful sugarhouses. Manchester will hold its popular St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 26 during a day of celebration of Irish culture.

New Jersey
Start your month off by dreaming of warmer days during the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show (March 1-5) or by doing some shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts at the 25th annual Cranbury Craft Show (March 4-5). Foodies will want to flock to Jersey City for Restaurant Week (March 4-18)—where some of the finest establishments in this ethnically diverse city will show off their sensational skills—and make their way down to Hoboken for the Mac & Cheese Fest (on March 25) which will take the form of a “crawl” where attendees will be able to sample several different takes on the ultimate comfort food.

New Mexico
If you’re in need of a late winter warm-up, then look no further than the National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show at Sandia Casino in Albuquerque on March 3-5, where you will get the chance to shop and sample sizzling sauces, seasonings and much more. That same weekend sees the return of Cowboy Days to Las Cruces, an event that showcases New Mexico’s ranching traditions through living history activities, tasty food and demonstrations. Las Cruces will host its annual Art Fair during the weekend of March 25-26 and Santa Fe will play host to its monthly Art Walk on March 31.

New York
The New York International Children’s Film Festival—easily one of the Big Apple’s best family events—returns to town March 3-19 and you only have until March 5 to make it up to Albany to take in the Courage: The Black New York Struggle for Quality Education exhibit at the New York State Museum. The Big Apple will host the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17 and its Museum of the Moving Image will pay respect to great films that were overlooked come awards season with their screening series called “Snubbed: Great Movies, No Nominations” (runs through March 12). Lastly, the final day of the month sees the kick-off of the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships in Lake Placid.

North Carolina
Once again, Greensboro will play host to the Women’s ACC Basketball Tournament (March 1-5) and the Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament (March 7-11). Raleigh’s North Carolina Museum of Art will host its Art in Bloom event on March 15-19, once again showing off the incredible talent of floral designers. On the last weekend of the month, scrumptious plates will be served up on the coast at the annual Taste of the Beach event on the Outer Banks (March 24-26).

North Dakota
The first weekend of the month sees the 58th Annual Red River Valley Sportsmen’s Boat, Camping & Vacation Show take place in Fargo (March 2-5) and in Grand Forks on that weekend, they will once again be celebrating cultures from around the world at the 61st Annual Feast of Nations (March 4). Fargo is the place to be later in the month as the Fargo Film Festival (March 21-25) will once again treat audiences to great films at the city’s signature art deco theater.

Ohio
The state capital Columbus will once again be the destination for thousands of athletes from around the world at Arnold Fest (March 2-5), a one-of-a-kind sporting event created by Arnold Schwarzenneger that sees athletes compete in over 70 sports. That same weekend sees beer lovers in Cincinnati roll out the red carpet for spring and bock beer during the 31st Annual Sonder Brewing Bockfest (March 3-5). Elsewhere, Wilmington will host the Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival (March 16) and the town of Dublin will throw the Buckeye State’s best St. Patrick’s Day party during its celebration that begins on March 11.

Oklahoma
Start your month off at the Backwoods Expo—Oklahoma’s largest hunting & fishing exposition—on March 3-5 or by taking in some great films at either the Simply Indie Film Fest in Edmond (March 2-4) or the OKCine Latino Film Festival in Oklahoma City (March 4-5). OKC will also play host to the Stockyards City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11.

Oregon
Start Women’s History Month off with a stop at the She-Brew Festival (March 5), which will showcase the Pacific Northwest’s best female-brewed beers and ciders while the town of Milwuakie will host the Winter Music Festival on March 11. On the coast, North Bend will be the place to be for the unique South Coast Clambake Music Festival (March 10-12)—an event featuring a wide range of music styles—and March 28 will be the start of the Spring Whale Watch, where volunteers will be on hand to help people spot whales.

Pennsylvania
For those looking to skip ahead to spring, look no further than the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (March 4-12), the nation’s largest event of its kind where attendees will be able to walk through vibrant flower gardens and learn all about horticulture. Harrisburg will once again hold its Ice & Fire Festival on March 4, where visitors will be able to admire over 50 ice sculptures, fire pits, an ice slide and much more. East Passyunk Avenue in Philadelphia’s much-anticipated Restaurant Week will return through March 10, once again showing off the best that this foodie street has to offer.

Rhode Island
Take a tasty stroll down Newport’s historic Thames Street on one of the Newport Winter Foodies Strolls, which will run on Friday & Saturday evenings through the end of the month. The coastal city will also host a lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11 while Providence holds its St. Paddy’s parade on March 18.

South Carolina
One of the country’s most respected food cities, Charleston will celebrate its skills once again during the Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March 1-5), which will feature fantastic bites from across the spectrum of culinary styles and high-end entertainment from Southern Hip Hop legends Nappy Roots. Other notable events include the Black Expo in Charleston (March 11), The Shag Dancing National Championships in Myrtle Beach (March 9-11) and the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival on March 19-25.

South Dakota
The annual Black Hills Winter Festival returns to Hill City on March 5, bringing with it an igloo bar, live music, s’mores and plenty of other fun things to do. Elsewhere, Rapid City will play host to the Mountain West Whiskey Festival on March 4 and Schmeckfest—a festival dedicated to the traditions of the area’s immigrants of German heritage—takes place in Freeman on March 24-25.

Tennessee
Sports fans will want to make a beeline for Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for the Men’s SEC Basketball Tournament, which will take place on March 8-12. Elsewhere, Memphis will hold Black Restaurant Week on March 5-11, Rock City—the venerable tourist attraction near Chattanooga—will turn into Shamrock City from March 11-19 (think green waterfalls, Irish food and bagpipers) and Knoxville will hold its family-friendly Shamrock Fest on March 19.

Texas
Two of the biggest events of the year in Texas take place this month: South by Southwest and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. South by Southwest takes place on March 10-19 and the world-famous conference & arts festival will once again showcase hundreds of musical acts in addition to offering insights into tech, film, comedy culture and the minds of forward-thinking thought leaders. The Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show will run through March 19 and it will feature thrilling rodeo competitions, a parade, a barbecue contest, carnival rides, concerts from A-list names like Machine Gun Kelly, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Bun B, The Chainsmokers, Luke Bryan and bushels more.

Utah
The national-famous Festival of Colors returns to Spanish Fork on March 25-26, where revelers can be immersed in interactive dance, DJs, live Mantra Bands, yoga and a warm & welcoming atmosphere in addition to kaleidoscopic explosions of colorful powder. Elsewhere, the Skinny Tire Festival cycling event will take place in Moab on March 11-14 and the Bulbs and Blooms event is set to return to Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City on March 15.

Vermont
The Vermont Flower Show (March 3-5) will get March off to a great start, filling the Champlain Valley Expo with a vibrant 15,000-square-foot themed landscaped display, vendors, educational seminars, and local artists. That same weekend will see the Ice Bar return to Hotel Vermont in Burlington for two nights of cocktails served from bars made of ice in a frosty setting complete with ice sculptures.

Virginia
You have until March 5 to make your way to Richmond in order to learn about wine from the Old Dominion, Argentina and Napa—in addition to enjoying some sensational food—at the Virginia Wine Expo. Later in the month, The 29th annual Virginia Festival of the Book will feature its usual engaging roster of discussions and presentations and the Bristol Bluegrass Spring Fest will kick off on March 31.

Washington
Emerald City Comic Con will kick off the month with four days of pop culture, comic book and gaming fun featuring guests like Mark Ruffalo, David Tennant, Ashley Eckstein and Rhys Darby (March 2-5). Festal—the ongoing festival at Seattle Center that celebrates global cultures—will celebrate Irish culture on March 11-12 and French-speaking cultures on March 19 while the Moisture comedy & variety festival returns to Seattle on March 23, once again featuring brilliant performances across a diverse range of disciplines.

West Virginia
There’s no better way to kick off March than by heading to Charleston for Celtic Calling (March 1-5). The festival will once again get you primed and ready for St. Paddy’s Day with Celtic dancing, music, feats of athleticism and education about Celtic culture. Or, if you’re an outdoor lover, head to Morgantown on March 4-5 for the 21st Annual WV Fishing, Hunting & Outdoor Sports Show. If you’re still in the mood for more St. Patrick’s Day fun, head to the small town of Ireland for their Irish Spring Festival (March 12 & 16-20) to take part in some road bowling, harp playing, “snake” chasing and many other fun events.

Wisconsin
If you’re in the mood for a hot dog in the great outdoors, then make for the World’s Longest Weenie Roast in Cable, where there will be snowmobile runs, ice drags, music and the world’s longest line of hot dog cookers over one fire. There will be hundreds of quilted items on display at the Waukesha County Exposition Center on March 10-11 at the annual Quilting Stars show, a must-do for quilting lovers. Finish off your month with a stop by Glenna Farms in Amery for free pancakes (free pancakes!), free “sap to syrup” tours and more during MapleFest 2023. ‍

Wyoming
Cheyenne will hold its monthly Art Walk on March 3 and the city’s best homebrewers will do battle at the WBF Brew Battle: A Homebrew Competition on March 11. The 42nd Annual Western Spirit Art Show and Sale will kick off on that same day in Cheyenne (March 11) and it will once again be a juried event featuring hundreds of works of Western art. Last but not least, the Rendezvous Spring Festival returns to Jackon Hole on March 31 featuring musical performances from the likes of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, The Revivalists, Elle King, Futurebirds and many more.