Join me in this article as I give you a local’s roundup of the best things to do in New York City in March.
March Weather in New York City
Average weather in NYC in March high 52° | low 36° | rains on average 8 days of the month
March is one of the best seasons to visit New York City. The 52°F daily average might look chilly, but remember, visiting NYC can be a workout and with all the walking your body runs a little warmer than you’d think. The temperature calls for a sweater or light jacket, tops.
Not to mention, popular activities like outdoor dining, rooftop bars and exploring the city’s parks are back in full-swing. If you need some help deciding what to pack we have a helpful article about What to Wear in New York City in the Spring.
The list, in my order
20 I’d go back to. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.
Beacon Theatre
- Address2124 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Date: March 3 – 4, 2023
Jerry Seinfeld probably needs no introduction. Best known for the hit TV show, Seinfeld (the sixth-best TV show of all time), Seinfeld will be performing four shows at the Beacon Theatre in New York City in March, 2024 (two a day for two days).
A native New Yorker (he currently lives in the Upper West Side), Seinfeld is considered a hometown hero and one of the best comedians at all time. Tickets won’t last long, so purchase them in advance to avoid missing out on this unique March activity in NYC.
Celebrate International Women’s Day
Date: March 8, 2024
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.
To just show the women in your life how much you appreciate them you can treat them to something as simple as flowers or a a meal, to something more intentional like a visit to a museum or a seminar. Deservedly, March is also Women’s History Month so even if you have plenty of time to observe.
The Berkeley College in Manhattan is hosting a DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) summit that boasts a panel of ingenious women. There will be workshops as well as the opportunity to network with the International Association of Women NYC and the United Nations: NGO Committee.
New York City FC Home Opener
Date: March 9, 2024
Tickets: Ticketmaster
New York City FC (NYC FC) is a professional soccer team competing in Major League Soccer (MLS). The team’s home games are played at Yankee Stadium. Attending NYC FC’s home opener on March 9th offers a chance to witness top-flight soccer against the backdrop of the legendary baseball stadium.
The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans creating an unforgettable experience. They’ll be facing off against the Portland Timbers, whom NYC FC faced off with (and beat) in the 2021 MLS Cup. Only the third time facing off since the championship, the game will be a bitter fight to the end.
Treat Yourself on National Pie Day
Date: March 14, 2024
For those of you (like me) who 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. Luckily, 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 I’ve ever had. All their crusts are buttery and flakey, and the banana cream pie is a gem. You can stop by for a slice, or preorder a whole pie, while visiting New York City in March.
Petee's Pie Company
- Address61 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
Loreley Beer Garden
- Cost$9 pours
- Address7 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Date: March 15 – 19, 2024
There’s plenty of spots to go out for a drink in New York City in March, but Loreley Beer Garden adds a colorful twist. From the 15th to the 19th of March, the Lower East Side beer garden serves green beer!
There are also $9 pours of Guinness, Irish coffees, and green margaritas, to help you get the full St. Patrick’s Day boozy experience in New York City. Loreley’s also does a great job offering specials, and each day brings a new deal to splurge on.
Take Advantage of the Last Month of Ice Skating
You might be surprised to learn that you can go ice skating in New York City in March, but some of the city’s most famous ice skating rinks are still open and ready to host. The rink at Bryant Park’s Winter Village is up until March 3rd, Wollman Rink in Central Park is open until March 15, and the rink at Rockefeller Center is up until March 24.
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.
Bryant Park Winter Village Rink
Wollman Rink
St. Patrick's Day Parade
- AddressFifth Avenue between 44th and 49th Streets
Date March 17, 2023
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, dating back to 1762, is a cherished tradition older than America itself. Organized by New York City’s robust Irish community, the event celebrates the Patron Saint of Ireland and has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture as a whole. With 150,000+ marchers, and more than 2 million spectators, it stands as one of the most popular events in New York City in March.
The procession along Fifth Avenue is unique, it bans all cars and floats (allowing only marchers). The parade begins at 11 AM at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, and ends between 4:30 and 5 PM at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street. The optimal viewpoint is near St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in NYC, but anticipate sizable crowds, as this parade is a highlight of spring in NYC.
March Madness at Barclays Center
- Address620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Date March 22 & 24, 2024
March Madness is the annual tournament that determines the national men’s collegiate basketball 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 if you’re visiting New York City in the spring you can take it up a notch by attending some games in person.
The Atlantic 10 Conference hosts the first and second rounds of the tournament at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on March 22nd and 24th. We don’t know which teams will be participating in the win or go-home tournament yet, but the thrill of college basketball is unparalleled no matter who’s on the court.
Knicks vs. Nets at Madison Square Garden
- Address4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001
Date March 23, 2024
The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets rivalry is a big deal in the city’s basketball scene. These matchups are intense because it’s not just about the game; it’s about owning the city. Fans get invested, and the atmosphere is electric.
If you’re visiting NYC in March, catching the Knicks vs. Nets game is diving headfirst into the city’s passion for sports. It’s not just basketball; it’s a showdown for local bragging rights. Plus, the game will be at Madison Square Garden, which has been affectionately dubbed The Mecca of Basketball.
Shop Local on National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day
Date March 29, 2024
National Mom & Pop Business Owners Day, celebrated on March 29th, honors the contributions of small business owners to their communities. It is an occasion to recognize and support local businesses, which often form the backbone of NYC neighborhoods. While visiting NYC in March you can explore the city’s diverse array of mom-and-pop shops, from charming boutiques to family-run restaurants.
By patronizing these establishments, visitors contribute to the vibrancy of the local economy, discover unique products and services, and engage with the authentic character of different neighborhoods throughout the city. It’s an opportunity to connect with the heart of New York’s communities and appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit that defines these small, often iconic, businesses.
- Luigi’s Pizza (686 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215) for some of the best pizza in Brooklyn
- Ray’s Candy Store (113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009) small candy store opened in 1974
- Ferrara Bakery (195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013) for the best cannolis in NYC
Luigi's Pizza
- Address686 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Ray's Candy Store
- Address113 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Ferrara Bakery
- Address195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
Macy's Flower Show
- Costfree
- Address151 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Date Late March – Early April
Macy’s Flower Show is an annual spectacle that’s been a staple of spring in New York City since 1946. Macy’s flagship location in Herald Square transforms its 2.5 million square-foot department store into a botanical garden you can shop through, and one of the best free things to do while visiting NYC in March. Expert horticulturists and talented artists work their magic to create stunning scenes that blend seamlessly with the store’s layout.
The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden
- Address2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Date February 17 – April 21, 2024
The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden, an annual spectacle since 2003, is a mesmerizing display of one of the most diverse plant families. Renowned for its stunning exhibits, the show attracts orchid enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Each year, the garden transforms into a vibrant display of color and fragrance, featuring thousands of orchids in creative arrangements.
Fun fact: The show often highlights specific themes, from the ecosystems of Southeast Asia to the orchids of Broadway. This year, the theme will be Florals in Fashion. For those visiting New York City in March, the Orchid Show offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of these exotic flowers. Horticulture and artistic flare make the event one you won’t soon forget.
Off-Broadway Week
- Costtwo-for-one
Date February 12 – March 3, 2024
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. During Off-Broadway Week multiple theaters come together to offer a two-for-one deal on admission.
It’s one of the best reasons to visit New York City in March, especially if you’re a theater geek (like me). The smaller theaters already offer a great value on live entertainment, and even more so during Off-Broadway week.
Outsider Art Fair
Date: February 29 – March 3, 2024
Tickets: Outsider Art Fair Tickets
Showcasing art made by self-taught artists, the Outsider Art Fair gives otherwise underappreciated creatives a platform for their talent. The fair brings together art from exhibitions in more than two dozen cities, making for one of the most unique events in New York City in March. 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.
New York International Children's Film Festival
Date: March 2 – 17, 2024
Tickets: New York International Children’s Film Festival Tickets
For over 25 years the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) has been a renowned, annual event showcasing the best in animated, feature, and short films for young audiences. Held in New York City in March, it offers a diverse selection of international films, workshops, and engaging activities. The festival provides a platform for imaginative storytelling and creative exploration, making it an enriching and entertaining experience for families and children of all ages.
Asia Week New York
Date: March 14 – 22, 2024
Asia Week New York, held annually in March, celebrates Asian art with exhibitions, auctions, and gallery events across the city. It showcases traditional and contemporary pieces, offering a unique cultural experience for art enthusiasts. Events and participating venues are released the closer we get to the annual event, so keep an eye on the website (and I will too, to be able to update this post!).
Affordable Art Fair
- AddressMetropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
Date March 20-24, 2024
The Affordable Art Fair in NYC offers a diverse collection of contemporary art at accessible prices, making it a haven for art enthusiasts. Showcasing works from both emerging and established artists, the fair provides a unique event in New York City in March. Whether a seasoned collector or first-time appreciator, exploring paintings and sculptures at the fair.
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 for exploring New York City.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is March a good time to go to New York?
March is a good time to visit New York City for those who enjoy cultural events, a mix of winter and spring weather, and a less crowded atmosphere.
What do you wear in NYC in March?
In March, it’s advisable to wear layers, including a jacket, as temperatures in New York City can range from cool to mild, and to be prepared for possible rain or occasional snow showers.
Is New York too cold in March?
New York can be chilly in March, especially early in the month, with temperatures ranging from cool to mild, but as spring progresses, the weather gradually becomes more moderate.
What do you wear in NYC in March?
In March, it’s recommended to wear layers, including a jacket, as temperatures in New York City can vary, ranging from cool to mild, and to be prepared for potential rain or occasional snow.
Will it snow in March in New York City?
While snowfall is rare in March, occasional snow showers can still occur in New York City earlier in the month.
