18 Marvelous Things to Do This March in New York State
Get ready for a month of celebration in New York State! The Empire State comes to vibrant and diverse life with everything from Winter Pride to Women’s History Month!
Commemorate the advent of Spring, honor Women’s History Month by exploring the state’s rich history of the Women’s Rights Movement, and join the revelry of the Irish diaspora with St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals from New York City to Buffalo. And, of course, celebrate Pride in the Adirondacks, indulge in mouth-watering maple products, and experience the ongoing excitement of winter sports. But with Spring just around the corner, you’ll also be poised to luxuriate in a choice of flower shows, sip craft beverages, and more!
Commemorate Women’s History Month
New York State has deep roots to the Women’s Rights Movement, with Seneca Falls being the birthplace of Women’s Suffrage. Explore this rich history and celebrate the achievements of women at various sites from the National Women’s Hall of Fame to the Susan B. Anthony Museum and House and the Women’s Rights National Historic Park.
On Long Island, Connetquot River State Park Preserve is honoring Mary Blaire, one of Disney’s top animators of classic films, and spotlighting the achievements of women in space exploration while Nissequogue River State Park showcases advancements made possible by Women in Science. Explore the long arc of women’s history with Urban Park Ranger-led tours, gallery exhibitions, concerts, and art programs in parks across New York City.
In the Capital-Saratoga region, the Schenectady County Historical Society presents “Always be a Lady: The Pioneering Career of Dr. Elizabeth Gillette”, a look at the Schenectady resident who was only the second woman to practice medicine in the city and who, over the course of her long career, would defy not just the professional but the political boundaries of her gender. Hunter Mountain is celebrating with an unforgettable weekend on the slopes with Women in Powder (March 15-16).
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (Multiple Regions)
Irish eyes will be smiling across New York State as St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a bevy of parades and festivals. On March 15, Rochester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off with the Runnin’ of the Green, a five-mile foot race along the Genesee River.
On March 17, the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes over Fifth Avenue for New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade while Buffalo’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws crowds to enjoy the procession of Irish dancers, bands, and more. Rockland County, home to the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York State, will celebrate Irish heritage with food, fun, and festivities on March 23.
There are also parades taking place in Albany, Syracuse, Montgomery, Montauk, Mahopac, and Mamaroneck. Watertown goes all out with its weekend-long North Country Goes Green Irish Festival, complete with parade, pageant, beard contest, Shamrock Run, and more! Various locations and dates; free admission.
Rehearsal for Murder (Capital-Saratoga) – March 1-2 & 6-9
Theater lovers can enjoy a budget-friendly evening out as the Confetti Stage proudly presents “Rehearsal for Murder,” a play by DD Brooke, under the direction of Vincent Lounello with performances taking place at the Albany Masonic Temple. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as this thrilling murder mystery follows a heartbroken playwright’s quest to uncover the truth behind his fiancée’s mysterious death. Albany; $15 general admission; $10 students with ID; $8 per person for groups of 8 or more.
Orchid Fest (Greater Niagara) – March 1-2
Prepare for the arrival of spring with a vibrant celebration of the diverse and beautiful world of orchids. Featuring showcases by vendors and orchid experts, this enchanting event at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens lets you experience the beauty and elegance of orchids through hundreds of stunning varieties, including award-winning orchids and special displays reimagined like never before.
It’s a must-visit for orchid enthusiasts and nature lovers alike! Buffalo; $18 adults, $16 seniors 62+ and students 13+, $9.50 children 3-12, free admission children 2 and under and botanical garden members, but must have ticket.
IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships (Adirondacks) – March 6-9 and 15-16
Thrill to exciting winter sports action as the IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships return to Mt. Van Hoevenberg in the storied Olympic Village of Lake Placid. Enjoy the excitement, refreshments, and fanfare as some of the world’s best bobsled and skeleton athletes race down the track at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour! Lake Placid; 1-day general admission price: $20 ages 13-64, $15 seniors 65+ and juniors 7-12, children 6 and under free; 1-day premium admission price: $95 all ages.
Adirondack Winter Pride (Adirondacks) – March 7-9
Get ready to celebrate PRIDE in one of America’s quintessential winter retreats, the enchanting wonderland of Lake Placid! At the inaugural Adirondack Winter Pride Weekend, members of the LGBTQI+ community, their families, and allies will gather for three days of winter excitement, joyous festivities, delectable dining, and the ultimate Après ski experience. The weekend kicks off with a grand Welcome Celebration at the new Miracle Plaza in the Olympic Center. During your stay, ski down the impressive slopes of Whiteface Mountain, embark on serene cross-country ski adventures, and glide across the iconic Olympic Oval. On Saturday, enjoy music, dancing, and pure exhilaration at the Après Ski Party at Whiteface. Lake Placid; registration is $129 per person. It is available online only and will close on Wednesday, March 5.
Mardi Gras Weekend and Winter Carnival at Holiday Valley (Chautauqua-Allegheny) – March 8-9
Head on over to the storybook village of Ellicottville to celebrate one of their most iconic events – Mardi Gras weekend! There will be plenty of live entertainment and fun activities for all, including snow sculptures, a colorful parade, and the Winter Carnival at Holiday Valley, which features costumes, Mardi Gras beads, snow sculptures, an outdoor bar made of snow, and much more! Ellicottville; free admission.
Sip n’ Stroll (Greater Niagara) – March 15
Sip on some delicious drinks and stroll through the charming streets of Albion during this fun-filled evening of drinks, music, and good company. You’ll experience Albion’s finest flavors as you sip on a variety of beverages from local vendors while taking a leisurely stroll through the town, enjoying the sights and sounds of the evening. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this memorable event is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the community. Albion; $25 online $30 at the door.
“Conversations In Chi” with Jane Ira Bloom and Kazzrie Jaxen (Catskills) – March 15
Soprano Saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom and Pianist Kazzrie Jaxen, who are also practitioners of Tai Chi and Qigong, perform together for the first time in an exciting, spontaneous exploration of the present moment.
Embracing the energy of the full moon and lunar eclipse, they’ll venture into the infinite beauty of the Chi Field, creating music which celebrates the joy and freedom of improvisation. Narrowsburg; free admission.
Westchester Spring Home Show (Hudson Valley) – March 15-16
Take your spring cleaning to the next level by giving your home a freshened-up look. The Westchester Spring Home Show, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, serves up an amazing variety of products and services to help you with all your home project needs. From light fixtures to kitchen backsplashes to window fixings to the hottest new paint colors, get inspired at the area’s longest running regional home show. White Plains; General Admission $10, Seniors $8, 12 & under free admission.
Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Event (Thousand Islands-Seaway) – March 21-22
Get the total entertainment experience during Howl at the Moon – the Dueling Pianos Show! The excitement gets started as soon as the band hits the stage, rocking an outstanding dueling pianos show featuring all kinds of music, from dance hits, party anthems, country, and even oldies. You request it and they play it! In conjunction with the event, host 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel will have discounted room rates, and proceeds from Howl at the Moon will go to the Clayton Fireworks. Clayton; tickets start at $55.20; please contact the hotel directly for room reservations at (315) 686-1100.
NYS Maple Weekend (Multiple Regions) – March 22-23, March 29-30
Take part in a beloved Empire State tradition and enjoy agritourism at its best as maple farms across the state open their sugarhouses and welcome you to experience the world of pure New York maple syrup, from tapping the trees to enjoying it on a piping hot stack of pancakes. Some maple producers will be demonstrating the making of mouth-watering products, such as maple cream and maple cotton candy, and most will be offering free samples.
Many participating farms, like Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Company in Central New York, will have additional activities like guided tours, wagon rides, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet! Kettle Ridge Farm in the Finger Lakes also has igloos for rent, and a delightful menu of pancakes, maple donuts, and maple-whipped iced coffee.
Bristol Mountain Spring Carnival (Finger Lakes) – March 22-23
Say goodbye to winter as Bristol Mountain sends off ski season in style with their annual spring carnival. Cheer on skiers and snowboarders as they race down the hill to see if they can make it across the 50-foot pond in the popular Slush Cup event. Costumes and spectators are encouraged – a lift ticket or season pass is required to participate, but it’s free to watch! The festivities include an Easter egg hunt, snow tubing, free demos, and mouthwatering food! Canandaigua; free admission; some activities require registration, a lift ticket or season pass.
Binghamton On Tap (Central New York) – March 23
Good times are brewing in Binghamton! Taking place at Visions Veterans Arena, Binghamton on Tap boasts a terrific variety of craft beers, ciders, and seltzers from the city and beyond. VIP ticket holders will get an extra hour of sampling, limited brews, sampling glass, and a souvenir item. General admission ticket holders will get three hours of sampling and a souvenir glass. There will also be live music, great vendors, and delicious food available for purchase. Binghamton; general admission $61.45, VIP ticket $85.05, designated driver tickets $10 (available at the door and in advance).
Mid-Hudson Reptile Expo (Hudson Valley) – March 23
Calling all herpetophiles! Get ready for a fascinating reptile-centric day at the MJN – Majed J. Nesheiwat Convention Center in Poughkeepsie! This extraordinary event will feature over 150 vendor tables showcasing a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and supplies. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the world of reptiles. Poughkeepsie; $12 for adults (13+), $6 for children (7-12), free for children 6 and under.
The Great Upstate Boat Show (Adirondacks) – March 28-30
Set sail for Summer and shop top boat brands at the Great Upstate Boat Show, the largest boat sales event between New York City and Montreal. The show features over 60 top boat brands from more than 20 dealers and over 1,500 new and used boats available for purchase. Explore the more than 175 boats on display and speak with some of the leading boat dealers in the region to find the vessel of your dreams, from pontoon boats and ski boats to trailers and boat lifts. Whether you’re looking to trade in your current boat or are a first-time boat buyer, this is the place to be! Queensbury; $15.
Capital Region Flower and Garden Expo (Capital-Saratoga) – March 28-30
Spring is in the air, and the Capital Region Flower and Garden Expo is one of the first signs of the season. Enjoy amazing floral creations and stunning garden displays, attend seminars and demonstrations, and browse over 200 flower, garden, and outdoor living themed retail exhibits at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The marketplace is a must-visit for fresh cut flowers, succulents, bulbs, houseplants, airplants, seeds, tropicals, and all your gardening needs, plus apparel, pottery, handmade crafts, and jewelry. The event also features an indoor farmer’s market, New York State wine, cider, and spirit tastings, and food trucks! Troy; Tickets start at $14, children under 10 are free with paid adult.
Macy’s Flower Show (New York City)
Celebrate spring in New York City with thousands of plants, flowers, and trees at the annual Macy’s Flower Show in Herald Square! A larger-than-life garden with whimsical floral arrangements and multi-sensory displays celebrates the season of renewal, transforming the main floor, balcony, and windows of the world-famous Macy’s flagship store. New York City; free admission.
Explore more ideas for seasonal travel to New York State here.
