With the calendar flipping from February to March, the days are getting longer and the weather is starting to warm up. That means that there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming month.
While much of the month might still technically be winter, many of the best things to do in New York in March are clearly looking ahead to the warmer days of spring.
Throughout the state, there are many fantastic reasons to travel around the state in the coming month.
Here are 9 of the best things to do in March in New York.
(Article updated February 14, 2023, for events in March 2023.)
Snommegang International Beer Festival in Oneonta – March 4
Craft beer lovers won’t want to miss the Snommegang International Beer Festival being held in downtown Oneonta, New York this March.
Held in cooperation with Brewery Ommegang, this beer festival will feature 20 different breweries and cideries from around the region, all of which will be pouring samples throughout the day.
For more information and to get tickets for one of the two sessions, visit the event’s website.
The Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival in Keene Valley – March 10-13
Looking for a bit of adventure?
Head into northern New York for the annual Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival. In addition to many great backcountry skiing opportunities, the festival will feature instructional clinics, demos, tours, and guest athletes.
For more information, visit Mountaineer.com.
Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival in Ellicottville – March 11-12
If you are looking to enjoy a bit more of winter, head to southwestern New York for Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival.
This annual event at one of Ellicottville’s ski resorts traditionally features many fun events including a pancake breakfast, a sidewalk sale, demonstrations, and much more. Of course, there’s also lots of great skiing and snowboarding.
Find out more here.
Sugaring Off Sundays in Cooperstown – March 12, 19, 26 and April 2
After not hosting the event for several years, the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown will once again be offering sugaring demonstrations on most Sundays in March. These demonstrations offer the chance to see the process of making maple syrup and other similar products.
You’ll also be able to see historical demonstrations, taste maple products, and watch workers in the blacksmith shop.
For more information, visit the museum’s website.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City – March 17
The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the world’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will be held on Thursday, March 17.
This parade travels 33 blocks down 5th Avenue and consists of many great marching bands and representatives from many Irish groups from around the city.
If you can’t make it out to the parade, it will also be live-streamed on NBCNewYork.com.
Find out more on the parade’s website.
NCAA March Madness Basketball in Albany – March 17 and 19
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament, known to many as March Madness, will be making a stop in Albany, New York this March.
On March 17 and 19, first and second-round games will be played at the MVP Arena. These games will help to narrow the field from 64 to 16, and there is sure to be a lot of exciting action happening on the court.
For more information, visit the MVP Arena’s website.
Maple Syrup Festival at the Genesee County Village and Museum – March 18-19, 25-26
If you love maple syrup, you won’t want to miss the Maple Syrup Festival at the Genesee Country Village and Museum, the largest living history museum in New York.
During the event, visitors will have a chance to learn how maple trees are tapped and how syrup is made from the trees. There will be demonstrations, talks about the process, Native American tales, treats, and much more.
For more information, visit the museum’s website.
Winter Weekends at the Storm King Art Center – Saturdays and Sundays through March 19
Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor art gallery in the Hudson Valley that is normally closed for the winter. However, they are open to the public for special Winter Weekends on Saturdays and Sundays through March 19.
During the weekend, visitors can walk the grounds and have the chance to see the amazing sculptures here under unique circumstances.
For more information, visit their website.
Macy’s Flower Show in New York City – Starts March 26
Flower lovers won’t want to miss the fantastic Macy’s Flower Show in New York City. Held from March 26 through April 10 at Macy’s flagship store in Manhattan, this show will turn the store into a colorful and fragrant wonderland.
In 2023, the show’s theme is “Big Dreams Bloom Here,” and a variety of unique flower displays will be able to be seen during the show.
For more information, visit the store’s website.
Looking for more to do in New York? Check out our favorite things to do in New York in February and some of the best things to do in New York in April.
