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 nine of the best things to do in March in New York.
(Article updated February 13, 2025, for events in March 2025.)
Orchid Fest in Buffalo – February 28 – March 2
Head to the beautiful Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens in early March for Orchid Fest!
This is already one of my favorite wintertime destinations in western New York, and Orchid Fest takes it to the next level. During the event, you can see hundreds of beautiful orchids, including some that have won awards.
You can also find out more about orchids, purchase items from vendors, and much more.
Find out more and get tickets on the gardens’ website.
Chili Cookoff in Ithaca – March 1
Join more than 40 restaurants in downtown Ithaca for the 27th Annual Chili Cookoff.
This year’s event is being held in the Ithaca Commons and will be held across several categories. There will also be the chance to vote for the People’s Choice award for the best chili.
In addition to chili, there will be special food and drinks available.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Sugaring Off Sundays in Cooperstown – March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
After not hosting the event for several years, the Fenimore Farm (formally the Farmers’ Museum) in Cooperstown will once again be offering sugaring demonstrations on the 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.
IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships in Lake Placid – March 6-9, 15-16
Watch as some of the best sledding athletes in the world compete in the IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships at Lake Placid’s Mt Van Hoevenberg.
Competitors from all over the world with head to the Adirondacks to compete in a variety of disciplines as they gear up for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. This is truly going to be one of the most exciting events of the year in the region.
Tickets are available on the event’s website.
Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival in Ellicottville – March 8-9
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 costume parade, a dummy downhill, demonstrations, and much more. Of course, there’s also lots of great skiing and snowboarding.
Find out more here.
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 Saturday, March 16.
This parade travels 35 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.
Maple Syrup Festival at the Genesee County Village and Museum – March 21-23, 28-30
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.
New York State Maple Weekend across New York – March 22-23, 29-30
All across New York, discover the culture of maple syrup production around New York during the New York State Maple Weekends.
Organized by the New York State Maple Producer’s Association, events will be held throughout the state including tours, demonstrations, tastings, and much more.
Find an event near you on the event’s website.
Binghamton on Tap in Binghamton – March 23
If you love craft beer, you won’t want to miss Binghamton on Tap in Broome County this March.
This one-day event will feature more than 70 different breweries, mostly from New York State, sampling some of their delicious beers. This is a great way to find a new favorite!
For more information and tickets, visit BinghamtonOnTap.com.
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.
