You never know what to expect when you’re visiting New York City in March. Some years, March is simply an extension of winter, filled with snowstorms and the need to bundle up.
In other years, March is the definitive start of spring, when the weather starts to heat up enough that you just might get away with packing your winter coat up for the year. But no matter what type of March you get, you can always guarantee that it’s a month filled with fun events, from St. Patrick’s Day festivities to celebrations of art forms of all kinds.
Planning a trip to NYC in March? We’ve put together a list of the best things to do in March in New York City, whether you’re a sports fan, fashion guru, aspiring Broadway star, or art lover. Pick your favorite March event in NYC, and you’re bound to have an amazing time on your early spring vacation!
Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Things to Do in New York City in March
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The 15 Best Things to do in New York City in March
1. See a New Broadway Show
If you’re visiting New York City in March, you have a litany of new Broadway shows to choose from. Nicholas Sparks fan? Check out the opening of the musical adaptation of “The Notebook” coming to Broadway in March.
But it’s not the only adaptation heading to the big stage. Also arriving in March is a musical version of “Water for Elephants.” Meanwhile, classic rock fans will want to head to the Nederlander Theatre for a rock opera created from The Who’s original concept album.
2. Join the Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the World
If you’re visiting NYC in March for St. Patrick’s Day, the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a can’t-miss event. Millions of spectators come to watch the parade march up Fifth Avenue when the holiday arrives each year. With nearly 150,000 people marching in the parade each year, this celebration is the biggest one of its kind in the world.
3. See Stunning Blooms at the Orchid Show
Taking place at the New York Botanical Garden between mid-February and late April, the Orchid Show is one of the best things to do in NYC in spring. This beloved NYC institution takes on a unique theme each year, with past themes focusing on the dichotomy between flora and fashion. Come see diverse orchid species amid stunning displays and interactive features that let you walk the orchid runway.
On select nights, the botanical garden hosts Orchid Nights, where you can enjoy the displays under the moonlight and with a signature cocktail in hand.
4. See the Macy’s Flower Show
The Orchid Show isn’t the only floral-inspired showcase happening in NYC in March. Spring also typically marks the return of Macy’s Flower Show. Over in Macy’s Herald Square, you’ll find magnificent and colorful showcases of all different types of flowers throughout the store for two weeks. Stepping inside this floral wonderland is one of the best free things to do in March in New York City.
5. Take the Kids to the New York International Children’s Film Festival
The New York International Children’s Film Festival is one of the best things to do in NYC in March if you’re traveling with little ones. This film festival was founded on the belief that cinema can help children better understand themselves and others.
It also firmly believes that “movies for kids” don’t just mean one type of film. From animated stories from cultures around the world to documentaries that introduce children to new ideas, the movies at this festival are diverse and make little ones think differently about the world around them.
6. Look for the Cherry Blossoms
Mid-to-late March is most often when the cherry blossoms will begin to bloom in New York City, painting the city’s many parks and green spaces a delightful pink. If you’re visiting NYC in March, looking for the cherry blossoms is a must-do, but you don’t have to look too hard. You’ll find these colorful trees in Central Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and many more places.
7. Cheer on Your Team at the Big East Tournament
College sports fan? The Big East Tournament, which has called Madison Square Garden home since 1983, is one of the best events in NYC in March.
This championship tournament brings together the best in the Big East Conference of men’s basketball, allowing you to watch the greatest players battle it out to see who’s heading to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship, aka March Madness.
8. Take in the Incredible Art of Asia Week New York
March in NYC means the return of Asia Week New York, which is much more than just one event. During this celebration of Asian art, you’ll find art showcases, special events, auctions, and talks from international artists, curators, and other experts throughout many of NYC’s top museums, cultural institutions, and auction houses.
9. Go to the New York Flamenco Festival
Another beautiful cultural festival in NYC in March is the New York Flamenco Festival, a two-week celebration filled with music and dance. See some of the greatest flamenco dancers in the world perform breathtaking shows and immerse yourself in the rich history of this style of dance.
10. Catch the Vienna Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall
The Vienna Philharmonic is once again coming back to Carnegie Hall this March, bringing with them outstanding performances of classical music. This orchestra, which has been around since 1842, is considered one of the best in the world, making their Carnegie Hall return one of the can’t-miss things to do in NYC in March.
11. Learn about the Real History of the Irish Mob
Hidden New York Tours offers one of the most unique things to do in NYC in March, with a tour that only comes around when March arrives. Their “From the Gophers to the Westies: the Irish Mob of Hell’s Kitchen” shows you a side of Irish history in New York that you’ve seen in movies but now have the opportunity to learn the truth about.
12. Pick Up a Masterpiece at the Affordable Art Fair
Who says being a patron of the arts has to be expensive? Each March, the Affordable Art Fair returns to the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, where you’ll find thousands of pieces of contemporary artwork from local and international talents alike.
If you’ve always wanted to take home a masterpiece of your own but don’t have much to spend, this art fair is just what you’ve been looking for. Artworks start at just $100.
13. Tour Below the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
For more Irish history to explore around St. Patrick’s Day, you can take a one-of-a-kind tour under the historic Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. Underneath what was once the cathedral of the Archdiocese of New York, you’ll find the only Catholic catacombs in NYC.
Your knowledgeable guide on the Catacombs by Candlelight tour will lead you on an exclusive journey to off-limits areas and unearth the remarkable secrets found inside.
14. Support Women-Owned Businesses
Whether you’re visiting NYC in spring or another time of year, there’s really never a bad time to support the many women-owned businesses of the city. But with March being Women’s History Month, it’s a particularly great time to show up for the women who are paving the way for NYC’s future.
Whether you’re picking up a book from Sister’s Uptown Bookstore, dining at The Butcher’s Daughter, or catching a flick at Stuart Cinema & Cafe, there are so many unique women-owned businesses to support.
15. Enjoy the End of Winter Rooftop Dining Season
Spring is just beginning to arrive in March in NYC, which means it’s time to enjoy the end of the winter festivities. While rooftop dining still offers amazing views come warmer weather seasons, we just can’t help loving the festive igloo dining that comes in winter, like the type of dining found at 230 Fifth Rooftop, which has igloos all the way through May!
There you have it! The 15 best things to do in NYC in March. What’s your favorite?
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