What’s Happening in March in NYC
Looking for a great time to visit New York City?
Manhattan can be comparatively crowd-free this time of year, making March one of the best months for traveling to New York City. Sure, it’s still cold and you’ll definitely encounter a rain shower (or three), but March brings with it a prestigious film festival dedicated to the cinema for children and teens, a lauded art fair, basketball games, and flea markets. And could it even be spring without fresh blooms? That’s why every year, Macy’s flagship department store celebrates the season with inspired floral displays and festivities. Oh, and one of the world’s wildest St. Patrick’s Day parades is coming to town. Just don’t forget to pack your best emerald-colored or shamrock-printed clothes.
From films to flowers and food trucks, these are five of the most talked-about events happening in New York City this March.
New York International Children’s Film Festival — Feb. 21 to March 15
Bringing the whole family on this trip to New York City? Perfect for kids and tweens on especially dreary days, the New York International Children’s Film Festival, which stretches from late February through mid-March, presents more than 100 screenings, along with short film programs, Q&As, parties and more. This year’s event includes two Disneynature documentary premiers before they debut exclusively on the Disney+ streaming app and a trio of musical shorts. Tickets range from $14.50 to $20.50, depending on the event.
The Armory Show — March 5 to 8
After more than a quarter century, The Armory Show—one of New York’s preeminent art fairs—continues to return year after year to the namesake U.S. National Guard armories, and will this year extend across Piers 90 and 94. Public hours are generally from noon until the evening every day, and last year nearly 200 esteemed galleries from across the globe showed their collections of great artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can see special large-scale installations (like a solo presentation of Pedro Wirz sculptures) and thematic curatorial programs. General admission tickets start at $55.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade — March 17
For a St. Patrick’s Day party that rivals the celebrations in Ireland, there’s no better place to be than New York City. This year’s parade falls on a Tuesday, which may make for a less raucous affair (though we expect St. Patrick’s Day festivities to start the weekend before). Still, watch for revelers to don their greenest garments and flock to Fifth Avenue for the annual parade, which begins at 11 in the morning and continues until 5:00 at night. Following the parade of marching bands and drum corps, the carousing will no doubt continue all night long in the city’s Irish bars and pubs.
NYC Craft Distillers Festival — March 28
Part prohibition-inspired Jazz Age party, part craft spirit exhibition, the 7th annual NYC Craft Distillers Festival kicks off on Saturday, March 28. Sample hand-crafted liquors from distillers such as Empress 1908, Iron Smoke, Brockman’s, and Endless West, among others, while enjoying live music and specialty snacks (porchetta sliders, bourbon- and maple-glazed root vegetables). Remember to pack your favorite flapper dress or Gatsby-style suit if you really want to fit in. Tickets are on sale from $39, while supplies last.
Macy’s Flower Show — March 22 to April 5
For a fairytale-esque shopping experience, head to the flagship Macy’s department store in Herald Square for the annual Macy’s Flower Show. The theme for this year’s over-the-top floral display has yet to be announced (we don’t know the dates yet, either) but this popular and family-friendly event is always free while you shop, and the displays are typically on view from late March until early April.
