Best things to do in New York in March, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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!).

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.