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 8 of the best things to do in March in New York.
(Article updated February 13, 2024, for events in March 2024.)
NYS Ice Wine and Culinary Festival in Fairport – March 2
Explore the fabulous world of ice wines in Monroe County this March.
The NYS Ice Wine and Culinary Festival is the state’s largest event dedicated to this rare type of wine, and attendees will be able to sample products not just from Casa Larga Vineyards, the event’s host, but also from other New York State producers.
In addition to wine, there is also a tasting menu of delicious food, vineyard tours, vendors, and much more.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
Chili Cookoff in Ithaca – March 2
Join more than 40 restaurants in downtown Ithaca for the 26th 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 3, 10, 17, 24
After not hosting the event for several years, the Farmers’ Museum in Cooperstown will once again be offering sugaring demonstrations on the first four 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.
Holiday Valley’s Winter Carnival in Ellicottville – March 9-10
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 16
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.
NCAA March Madness Basketball in Brooklyn – March 22 and 24
The NCAA men’s basketball tournament, known to many as March Madness, will be making a stop in Brooklyn, New York this March.
On March 22 and 24, first and second-round games will be played at the Barclays Center. 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 15-17, 22-24
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’s Dream in Lake George – Through March 31
Fort William Henry in Lake George is home to a brand new exhibit, Winter’s Dream.
Winter’s Dream brings story worlds to life through lights, sounds, and much more, including some great immersive exhibits. Exhibits are showcased around the entire fort, meaning there are a lot of great things to do and see.
Find out more here.
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.
