Visiting in New York City in March is like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. Local’s enthusiastically hit the streets after the blistering winter and visitors once again start making plans to visit for the spring.
Trees begin to grow back their leaves and spring blooms give the city inspiring pockets of color. No matter where you look the sun is poking through the clouds, March in New York City is pure magic.
Add in music, friends and all the fun things to do in New York City in March and it’s impossible not to feel like life is a dream. Whether you’re cheering on a parade or visiting a seasonal attraction it’s impossible to wipe a smile off your face.
If you’re visiting New York City in March and don’t know where to get started – I’m here to help. As a local I’ve made it my life’s mission to share the very best NYC has to offer and believe me when I tell you, it‘s a lot.
I’m excited to get into it so why don’t we cut the small talk and get to the good stuff?
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
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Tips for Visiting NYC in March
- Bring a raincoat or umbrella: Spring showers are par for the course in New York City in March. Come prepared with a raincoat or umbrella. The last thing you want is to explore the city soaking wet after getting caught in a downpour .
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking while exploring New York City in March. The subway is efficient but sometimes it’s better to walk between places to absorb more of the city. Bring your most comfortable pair of shoes because you’ll be getting those steps in, I guarantee it.
- Start your day early: By no means is March in New York City peak tourist season, but crowds will slowly be coming back after winter. Start your day as early as possible and visit your “must see” places first thing.
March Weather in New York City
March averages: high 52° | low 36° | rains on average 8 days of the month
The weather during March in New York City is some of the best. The 52° daily average might look chilly, but remember that if you’re visiting New York City in March you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Popular activities like outdoor dining, rooftop bars and exploring the cities parks are back in full-swing. Thus wearing a sweater and light jacket is perfectly reasonable considering the physical activity will keep you warm.
Things to Do in New York City in March
Get loud at New York Knicks Vs. Brooklyn Nets
Date: March 1, 2023
Kicking off the list of the best things to do in New York City in March is attending a rivalry basketball game between NYC’s two NBA teams, The New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets.
Cleverly dubbed The Battle of the Boroughs the game is electric, even in seasons where the teams aren’t doing well. The rivalry is intense because nothing compares to beating your sibling across the hall, in this case the East River.
Thunderous and loyal fans only add to the experience, cheering on their teams emphatically to victory. If you’ve never been to a cross-town rivalry game the Knicks vs. Nets provide one of the best things to do in New York City in March.
The game will be at Madison Square Garden, which has been nicknamed The Mecca of Basketball thanks to being the site of some of the NBA’s most historic games. This rivalry game will be another chapter in the arena’s history and you don’t want to miss it if you’re visiting New York City in March.
The arena is conveniently located in Manhattan so if you’re visiting New York City in March and looking for an excuse to get out of your hotel room, now you got one! Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and start a little north of $100.
Address: 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Admire Jerry Seinfeld at the Beacon Theatre
Dates: March 3 – 4, 2023
Jerry Seinfeld probably needs no introduction, unless you’ve been living under a rock. Best known for the hit TV show Seinfield (the sixth-best TV show of all time, per Rolling Stone), Jerry Seinfeld will be performing four shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City in March.
As a native New Yorker Seinfeld is a hometown hero. Often regarded as one of the best comedians of all time, it’s easy to see why he’s so beloved
Tickets won’t last long, so purchase them in advance to avoid missing one of the best things to do in New York City in March.
Address: Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Celebrate International Women’s Day
Date: March 8, 2023
International Women’s Day is meant to highlight the ongoing injustices faced by women, as well as celebrate their contributions to society. Making an effort to observe the day is one of the best things to do in New York City in March so I’ll share a few ways you can partake.
If you’re visiting New York City in March the most notable event is a Women Working in Wealth Summit. Highlighting ways to break the gender bias in the financial world, keynote speaker will be Kristin Lemkau, the Chief Executive Officer of J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.
Even if you want to just show the women in your life how much you appreciate them you can treat them flowers, a meal, wine, books and more! If you need suggestions read our post on the best New York Gifts.
P.S. Women’s History Month lasts the whole month. You’ll have plenty of time to celebrate women when visiting New York City in March.
Watch the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament in Person
Dates: March 8 – 12, 2023
The Big East men’s basketball tournament is a collegiate sporting event where the winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness.
The teams (as the name would suggest) are from the East Coast and the close proximity allows fans and alums to travel to New York City in mass to cheer on their schools. The tournament has taken place at Madison Square Garden for 40 years and attending is one of the best things to do in New York City in March.
Of the 11 schools participating, only one is actually based in New York City. If you want to root for the home team cheer on the Red Storm from St. John’s University, located in Queens.
The schedule has been released but we won’t know which teams will be playing when because the games will be determined by seeding.
You can buy tickets online to individual games, as well as a ticket that will cover the whole event. If you’re visiting New York City in March to cheer on your favorite team (and your team has a shot at winning) consider buying the full tournament pass. This way you’re not left scrambling to get tickets every time your team advances.
Address: Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Cheer on New York City FC at their home opener
Date: March 11, 2023
CNN reported that soccer now shares nearly the same popularity in the U.S. as basketball and baseball, which means long gone are the days where soccer stadiums were barre, desolate wastelands.
With that being said – one of the best things to do in New York City in March is to cheer on the New York City Football Club (NYCFC) during their home opener. The fervently loyal fan-base is electric and contagious enough to even make tourists cheer like they’ve been lifelong fans.
It’s hard not to root for the home team, so you should make an effort to check out the game while visiting New York City in March. NYCFC will be facing Miami CF and you know the team will want to put their best foot forward to start the season.
The game will be played at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, so getting there is as easy as hopping on a subway. Tickets are available online, and while you’re there check out the rest of the schedule in case there’s another game you want to catch while visiting New York City in March.
Address: 1 E 161 St, The Bronx, NY 10451
Cheer on a fighter at the WWE Road to WrestleMania Supershow
Date: March 12, 2023
The Road to WrestleMania will feature World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) superstars sharing a ring at Madison Square Garden. That’s why one of the best things to do in New York City in March is to watch adults duke it out!
The matches will help determine who will be competing at WWE’s WrestleMania, the company’s premier event.
WrestleMania is so popular it’s been dubbed The Superbowl of Professional Wrestling. So it’s safe to say each wrestler will leave it all in the ring at the Road to WrestleMania in an effort to win a spot on WWE’s brightest stage.
There are multiple Road to WrestleMania shows every year, and luckily one of them will be in New York City in March. Don’t miss the opportunity to see WWE’s superstars and buy tickets online before they sell out.
Address: Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Treat yourself on National Pie Day
Date: March 14, 2023
There’s a special place in my heart for a good pie, which is why celebrating National Pie Day is one of my favorite things to do in New York City in March.
For those of you who (like me) didn’t do too well in math pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, a value equal to approximately 3.14159. That’s why every March 14th (3.14) is National Pie Day.
Although math wasn’t my strongest subject I’d get an A+ in eating and New York City is the perfect classroom. There’s no shortage of pie joints available for you to partake at while visiting New York City in March.
I’ve tried multiple pies all around the city, but Petee’s Pie Company in the Lower East Side has the best one I’ve ever had. The banana cream pie deserves a holiday itself, I consider it a treasure. You can stop by for a slice or preorder a whole pie if you’re visiting New York City in March, or order one online and ship it anywhere in the U.S.
Address: Petee’s Pie Company, 61 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
Enjoy Green Beer for St. Patrick’s Day at Loreley Beer Garden
Dates: March 14 – 20, 2023
Loreley Beer Garden, you boozy, beautiful thing – you have me at your mercy. I’m a sucker for your outdoor heated patio and colorful decorations and even more so for the adult beverages you never seem to run out of.
There are plenty of Irish pubs to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC, but Loreley Beer Garden is where I make a beeline for in March in New York City. From the 14th to the 20th of March the NYC bar serves green beer!
There are also $9 pours of Guinness, Irish Coffees and green margaritas to help you get into the holiday spirit. Pair your boozy beverages with any of their German dishes (like the bratwurst) and you’ll be stuffed, buzzed and happy.
But drinks alone don’t make Loreley Beer Garden one of the best places to visit in New York City in March, they have the decorations to match. The drinks comes with green top-hats and the patio is lusciously green for spring.
Address: 7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Take advantage of the last month of ice skating
Dates: vary depending on the rink
If you’re visiting New York City in March you should make an effort to go ice-skating at least once. Most rinks in the Big Apple close in March, so you don’t want to miss your chance to take a few laps around the rink.
To glide over the ice while surrounded by towering skyscrapers is enough to make even the staunchest grouch smile. If this is your first time skating the experience will be unforgettable, even if you hug the railing so get out of your comfort zone and enjoy one of the best things to do in New York City in March.
And if you’re visiting New York City in March you won’t have to pack your skates, most rinks have rentals available. The experience is an absolute blast, especially with a partner, kids or friends.
Below are some of my favorite rinks and the last day they’re open:
- The Rink at Bryant Park closes on March 5th
- Wollman Rink in Central Park closes March 15th
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center closes in March, exact date TBA
Cheer on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: March 17, 2023
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates all the way back to 1762, meaning it’s a tradition older than America itself. The parade has become one of the most beloved traditions in New York City in March over the course of its 260+ years.
Organized by New York City’s robust Irish population, the parade honors the patron saint of Ireland and has evolved to celebrate Irish culture as a whole.
Contrary to other modern parades, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade doesn’t allow cars or floats. Instead there are 150,000+ marchers that make their way up Fifth Avenue past an estimated 2 million people!
Since the parade is one of the most popular events in New York City in March, you’re going want to show up early to get a good spot. The parade starts at 11AM at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, and ends between 4:30 and 5PM at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street.
My suggestion is to try to get a spot in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, so you can cheer on the parade in front of the most beautiful church in NYC. If you’re visiting New York City in March the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the best events to attend, and if you choose not to – try to avoid Fifth Avenue because of the traffic and crowds.
Take your littles to Kids Night on Broadway
Date: March 21, 2023
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Broadway Shows are expensive. But dang, the experience is unforgettable and so fun for kids. Luckily Kids Night on Broadway is one of the best events in New York City in March.
For one day kids (18 and under) will be able to attend a Broadway show for free so long as their accompanied by an adult paying full price. When purchasing your ticket you’ll have to add both a ticket for yourself and your child into the cart, the discount will be applied as 50% off each (since everyone will need a ticket to get into the show).
The list of Broadway shows participating has yet to be announced, but you can sign up for the Broadway Fan Club to be the first to know. You can also check online for updates and buy tickets before visiting New York City in March.
Best Broadway Shows in NYC for Kids
- The Lion King
- The Music Man
- Harry Potter & The Cursed Child
- Wicked
- Aladdin
Support a team at the March Madness East Regional Semi Finals
Dates: March 23 – 25, 2023
March Madness is the annual tournament that determines the men’s collegiate basketball national champions. It’s also one of the biggest sporting events in America. The single-game elimination tournament is viewed by roughly 100 million people on television, but you can see it live if you’re visiting New York City in March.
Every year tens of millions of folks fill out brackets predicting the winner of each of the 67 games, even though there is only a 1 in 9.2 quintillion chance of getting them all right. Can you imagine the thrill of cheering on a team knowing your bracket is hinged to the teams playing?
The East Regional Semi Finals will be played in New York City on March 23rd and 25th at Madison Square Garden. We don’t know which teams will make it that far into the competition yet, but the exhilaration of college sports is unparalleled no matter who’s on the court.
Tickets are already available for both the 23rd and the 25th online, but you can also wait until we get closer to the date to have an idea of which teams will be playing.
Address: Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Shop local on National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day
Date: March 29, 2022
Family owned businesses are the backbone of any community, and one of the best things to do in New York City in March is to celebrate them on National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day.
The holiday provides the perfect excuse to swing by your favorite small bakery, store, restaurant or salon and splurge a little more than you usually would.
There are thousands of mom & pop shops you can swing by when visiting New York City in March, all providing unique products and services. If you need suggestions, here are some of my favorites:
- Luigi’s Pizza (686 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215) for some of the best pizza in Brooklyn
- Kobrick Coffee Co. (24 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014) fourth generation cafe serving the best coffee in Tribeca
- Ferrara Bakery (195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013) for the best cannolis in NYC
Gawk at the Macy’s Flower Show
Dates: March 26 – April 10, 2023
One of the best free things to do in New York City in March is to visit the annual Macy’s Flower Show. The entire store gets jam-packed with flower displays to welcome spring, making it a must-see attraction even if you’re not looking to shop.
At an impressive 2.5 million square feet, Macy’s in Herald Square is the biggest department store in the United States. Where else would you be able to squeeze in the thousands of colorful blooms that make up the flower show?
Not only is Macy’s Herald Square one of the prettiest places to visit in New York City in March, it’s also one of the best-smelling. The flowers emit amazing, refreshing smells that make shopping scent-sational. 😉
Admire The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden
Dates: February 18 – April 23, 2023
I have more than one friend who is obsessed with flowers, and I bet you do too. Why not take them to the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, one of the best things to do in New York City in March.
This year is the 20th annual Orchid Show, and the botanical garden has partnered with artist Lily Kwong to design the exhibition. Over 1000 orchids will be in full bloom bringing vibrant colors to the concrete jungle.
The show opens to the public on February and runs until April. Be sure to purchase tickets online and enjoy one of the best things to do while visiting New York City in March with a friend.
Address: 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx, NY 10458
March Festivals in New York City
Off-Broadway Week
Dates: February 15th to March 5th, 2023
A Broadway theater is described as a professional theater that has 500 seats or more, and Off-Broadway means the theater holds less than 500.
The smaller theaters offer a great value on live entertainment, and even more so during Off-Broadway week. One of the best things to do in March in New York City is to take advantage of the 2-for-1 deal on Off-Broadway tickets!
Outsider Art Fair
Dates: March 2 – 5, 2023
Showcasing art made by self-taught artists, the Outsider Art Fair gives otherwise underappreciated creatives a platform for their talent and is one of the best things to do in New York City in March. The fair brings together art from exhibitions in more than two dozen cities so the pieces are diverse and truly unique.
The fact that the artists weren’t educated in a traditional art school allows them to “think outside the box” and create inspirational, ingenious pieces. Tickets range from $22-$75 depending on the days you visit and are available online.
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Dates: March 3 – 19, 2023
Who would’ve thought one of the best things to do in New York City in March is to take your littles to the New York International Children’s Film Festival. The festival shines a light on the use of movies as a tool to help teach kids to better understand themselves and others.
In the 25 years of the festival there have been over 30,000 films submitted from 162 countries. If you’re visiting New York City in March you should consider purchasing a ticket to watch the films and listen to the seminars held by the folks who made them. For more info, dates and tickets be sure to visit the official website.
Asia Week New York
Dates: March 16 – 24, 2023
Asia Week is meant to shine a light on underappreciated Asian Art and takes place in New York City in March. Most of the art is for sale, so if you’re in the market for high quality pieces this is one a can’t miss event.
During the course of the week galleries all over NYC will display paintings and sculptures made by Asian artists. They will also host events highlighting the contributions Asians have had to the world-wide art scene.
Affordable Art Fair
Dates: March 22 – 26, 2023
I know I’m not the only one who wants to decorate my apartment with beautiful, unique pieces of art. The issue I run into is that I don’t want to waste my money on mass-produced, replicated artwork made in factories.
I want the real art made by real artists with their hands. That’s why one of my favorite things to do in New York City in March is to visit the Affordable Art Fair!
Held over the course of four days you’ll have a chance to peruse art at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. You’ll also have the chance to take some home if you find a piece you like! Pieces range in price from $100-$12,000.
Best things to do in New York City in March (Post Summary)
Here’s a quick summary of all the best things to do in New York City in March
- Get loud at New York Knicks Vs. Brooklyn Nets
- Admire Jerry Seinfeld at the Beacon Theatre
- Celebrate International Women’s Day
- Watch the Big East Men’s Basketball Tournament Live
- Cheer on New York City FC at their home opener
- Cheer on a fighter at the WWE Road to WrestleMania Supershow
- Treat yourself on National Pie Day
- Enjoy Green Beer for St. Patrick’s Day at Loreley Beer Garden
- Take advantage of the last month of ice skating
- Cheer on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Take your littles to Kids Night on Broadway
- Support a team at the March Madness East Regional Semi Finals
- Shop local on National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day
- Gawk at the Macy’s Flower Show
- Admire The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden
- Off-Broadway Week
- Outsider Art Fair
- New York International Children’s Film Festival
- Asia Week New York
- Affordable Art Fair
Map of New York City March Activities
If you’re visiting New York City in March feel free to zoom in the area you’re staying in. You might have an event or activity close-by!
And there you have it, folks! My list of the best things to do in New York City in March. I hope you found the post helpful. Cheers!
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