March in New York City is a time of transition as winter melts into spring, and the city begins to warm up with exciting events, festivals, and cultural celebrations. From St. Patrick’s Day parades to the arrival of spring blossoms, March offers a diverse array of activities. Here’s your ultimate guide to the top events happening in New York City in March.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Date: March 17
- Location: Fifth Avenue, from 44th Street to 79th Street
- Description: The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, celebrating Irish culture and heritage. The parade features marching bands, bagpipers, dancers, and floats, with participants from various Irish organizations. The parade runs along Fifth Avenue, starting at 44th Street and continuing up to 79th Street, passing iconic landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s one of the city’s most festive events and a great way to experience Irish pride in NYC.
The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden
- Dates: Late February through April
- Location: New York Botanical Garden, Bronx
- Description: The annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a stunning display of thousands of orchids in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Held inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the exhibition transforms the space into a tropical oasis with intricate floral arrangements and breathtaking orchid displays. The show typically features a unique theme each year, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the early arrival of spring while enjoying one of NYC’s most beautiful gardens.
Women’s History Month Events
- Dates: Throughout March
- Location: Various locations across NYC
- Description: March is Women’s History Month, and New York City hosts a variety of events to celebrate the contributions of women to history, culture, and society. Events include panel discussions, art exhibitions, and performances honoring women’s achievements. Notable venues include the New-York Historical Society, which often features special exhibitions, and the Women’s Jazz Festival at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which showcases female jazz musicians. Other museums and cultural institutions across the city also host related programming.
NYC Winter Wine & Food Festival
- Date: Early March
- Location: Altman Building, Chelsea, Manhattan
- Description: The NYC Winter Wine & Food Festival is a popular event for foodies and wine lovers, featuring tastings from some of the city’s best restaurants and wineries. Attendees can sample a wide variety of wines, from bold reds to crisp whites, while enjoying gourmet food pairings. The festival also includes cooking demonstrations and live entertainment, making it a fun and indulgent way to spend an evening in the city.
Armory Show
- Dates: Early March
- Location: Javits Center, 429 11th Avenue
- Description: The Armory Show is one of New York City’s premier art fairs, attracting galleries and collectors from around the world. The show features contemporary and modern art, with works ranging from paintings and sculptures to installations and mixed media. The Armory Show is a major event in the international art scene, and it provides a unique opportunity to view and purchase pieces from both emerging and established artists.
Asia Week New York
- Dates: Mid-March
- Location: Various galleries, auction houses, and museums across NYC
- Description: Asia Week New York is a citywide celebration of Asian art and culture, featuring exhibitions, auctions, lectures, and gallery tours. Museums and galleries across the city showcase a wide range of Asian art, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, and Southeast Asian works. Participating institutions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Asia Society, and numerous private galleries. It’s a great opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Asia through fine art, ceramics, textiles, and more.
St. Patrick’s Day Cruises
- Date: March 17
- Location: Hudson and East Rivers
- Description: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style by taking a St. Patrick’s Day cruise around Manhattan. These festive cruises offer stunning views of the city’s skyline and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty while passengers enjoy Irish music, food, and drinks. Some cruises include traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, and others feature live Irish bands or DJs for an upbeat party atmosphere.
New York International Children’s Film Festival
- Dates: Late February through mid-March
- Location: Various theaters in Manhattan
- Description: The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) is one of the largest children’s film festivals in North America, showcasing a wide range of family-friendly films from around the world. The festival features animated and live-action films, documentaries, and shorts, catering to audiences of all ages. NYICFF also hosts filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and special events, making it a great cultural experience for kids and families.
Macy’s Flower Show
- Dates: Late March through early April
- Location: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W 34th Street
- Description: The Macy’s Flower Show is an annual event that transforms Macy’s Herald Square into a floral wonderland. Each year, the store is filled with beautiful floral displays and themed gardens, featuring thousands of plants and flowers from around the world. The show takes over the main floor of Macy’s and offers a fragrant, colorful escape from the winter blues. It’s a free event, and a great way to welcome spring in New York City.
New York City Half Marathon
- Date: Mid-March
- Location: Starts in Brooklyn and finishes in Central Park
- Description: The United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is one of the city’s major running events, attracting thousands of runners from around the world. The race begins in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, and takes participants through iconic locations like Times Square and along the Hudson River, before finishing in Central Park. Spectators can line the course to cheer on the runners, creating a festive atmosphere along the route.
Fashion Week Brooklyn
- Dates: Mid-March
- Location: Various locations in Brooklyn
- Description: Fashion Week Brooklyn is an independent fashion showcase that highlights emerging and established designers from around the world. The event features runway shows, exhibitions, and pop-up shops, with a focus on sustainable and ethical fashion. It’s a great opportunity to discover new talent and get a glimpse of the latest trends in the fashion industry.
Green-Wood Cemetery Tours
- Dates: Throughout March
- Location: Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn
- Description: Green-Wood Cemetery is one of New York City’s most historic and beautiful cemeteries, and it offers guided walking tours throughout the year, including in March. These tours explore the cemetery’s famous residents, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Green-Wood is the final resting place of notable figures like artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and composer Leonard Bernstein, making the tours a fascinating blend of history, culture, and nature.
Queens World Film Festival
- Dates: Early to mid-March
- Location: Various venues in Queens
- Description: The Queens World Film Festival showcases independent films from around the world, with a special focus on diversity and inclusion. The festival features a wide range of films, including documentaries, narratives, shorts, and animated works. Screenings take place at venues across Queens, and the festival often includes panel discussions, filmmaker Q&As, and special events. It’s a great opportunity to discover new voices in cinema and explore the vibrant cultural scene in Queens.
Affordable Art Fair
- Dates: Mid-March
- Location: Metropolitan Pavilion, Chelsea
- Description: The Affordable Art Fair is an annual event that makes contemporary art accessible to a wider audience by offering works at more affordable price points. The fair features a range of pieces, including paintings, prints, sculptures, and photography, from both emerging and established artists. It’s a great opportunity to start or grow an art collection, with works priced from around $100 to $10,000.
Pi Day at MoMath
- Date: March 14 (3.14)
- Location: National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), 11 E 26th Street
- Description: Celebrate Pi Day at the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) with a day of fun math-related activities and events. MoMath hosts special programs, interactive exhibits, and contests to celebrate the mathematical constant Pi (3.14159…). It’s a great way for kids and adults alike to engage with math in a playful and educational setting.
Tips for Attending March Events in NYC
- Dress for Unpredictable Weather: March in NYC can be chilly, with the occasional snowstorm or warm spring day. Layering is key to staying comfortable, especially if you’re attending outdoor events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade or the NYC Half Marathon.
- Plan for Crowds: Popular events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Macy’s Flower Show can attract large crowds, so it’s best to arrive early or plan for extra time to find a good spot.
- Public Transportation: With many events happening across the city, using the subway or buses is often the easiest way to get around, especially with street closures for parades or festivals.
Conclusion
March in New York City offers a mix of cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re attending the lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade, exploring the vibrant Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, or watching a film at the Queens World Film Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the city transitions from winter to spring.
