March is a month of celebration in New York State. Commemorate Women’s History Month by exploring the state’s rich history of the Women’s Rights Movement. Join the revelry of St. Patrick’s Day at one of the many parades and festivals taking place from New York City to Buffalo. Savor delicious, mouth-watering maple products at a beloved Empire State tradition, say hello to spring at a flower show, enjoy celebrations of craft beverages and automobiles, prepare for the total solar eclipse, and much more! Photo Credit: @buffalobotanicalgardens on Instagram

Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available. 

Commemorate Women’s History Month (Multiple Regions)

Various Dates

Credit: @cindyharrisart on Instagram

New York State has deep roots to the Women’s Rights Movement, with Seneca Falls being the birthplace of Women’s Suffrage. Explore this rich history and celebrate the achievements of women at various sites from the National Women’s Hall of Fame to the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. On Long Island, Connetquot River State Park Preserve  is hosting a series of Women’s History Month events including honoring the life of influential modernist painter Georgia O’Keefe, and spotlighting the achievements of women in space exploration. Test you knowledge at a Women’s History Month-themed trivia night at Angry Orchard, which is also hosting a Women’s Month Vendor Market, bringing together some of the Hudson Valley’s amazing women-owned businesses. In New York City, the Women’s International Film & Arts Festival showcases films, visual and performing arts created by and about women. The festival also features red carpet events, networking opportunities, special parties, and a delectable awards brunch. Varying locations and prices.

Various Dates

Credit: Joe Buglewicz/NYC & Co.

Irish eyes will be smiling across New York State as St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a bevy of parades and festivals. On March 16, hundreds of thousands of people will line Fifth Avenue for New York City’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. Also on March 16, Rochester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off with the Runnin’ of the Green, a five-mile foot race along the Genesee River. Buffalo’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, taking place on March 17, draws in crowds to enjoy the procession of Irish dancers, bands, and more. Rockland County, home to the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York State, will celebrate Irish heritage with food, fun and festivities on March 17. There are also parades taking place in Albany, Syracuse, Montgomery, Montauk, and Mamaroneck. Watertown goes all out with its weekend-long North Country Goes Green Irish Festival, complete with parade, pageant, beard contest, Shamrock Run, and more! Various locations and dates; free admission.

March 2

Credit: @casalargawinery on Instagram

Ice wine is produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. New York is one of the very few places in the world that has the climate to support traditional ice wine production, and the annual NYS Ice Wine & Culinary Festival is the largest celebration in the state of this delicious, sweet dessert wine. You’re invited to be part of the festivities and fill your commemorative glass with samples from Casa Larga and visiting New York State producers. The event also includes winter activities, vineyard rides, an ice lounge with celebrity bartenders, bespoke vendors for shopping, photo opportunities and more. Fairport; single ticket $75 plus tax, group of 2 tickets $140 plus tax. Tickets are valid for one session only, which includes the food & wine pairings, as well as activities.

March 9-10

Head on over to the storybook Village of Ellicottville to help celebrate one of their most iconic events – Mardi Gras weekend! There will be plenty of live entertainment and fun activities for all, including snow sculptures, a colorful parade, and the Winter Carnival at Holiday Valley, which features costumes, Mardi Gras beads, snow sculptures, an outdoor bar made of snow, and much more! Ellicottville; free admission.

March 9-10

Get ready for an exciting family outing you won’t want to miss at the Syracuse Motorsports Expo! This event is New York’s largest motorsports exposition and trade show, and it’s happening at the New York State Fairgrounds. The expo will be filled with race cars from all divisions, racetracks on both dirt and asphalt families, and many sanctioning bodies to meet and greet everyone. You’ll enjoy speedway displays, meet safety equipment suppliers, and be able to check out racing apparel, lettering and embroidery, novelty items, and much more! Syracuse; Adults: $13; Two-Day Pass: $20; Kids (Ages 6-12)” $5; 5 and Under: Free.

March 14

Get ready for some cheesy goodness! The 9th Annual Mac & Cheese Fest, benefitting the Binghamton Philharmonic, will feature over a dozen of the regions’ finest restaurants serving up unique and yummy mac & cheese! Vote for your favorites with celebrity judges, and enjoy the cash bar, courtesy of DoubleTree. Binghamton; $25.

March 15, 22 and 30

New York State is getting ready for a once-in-lifetime event – a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. To help prepare you for this amazing occurrence, the Friends of the Southern Cayuga Central School Planetarium is offering three one-hour public programs at the planetarium describing the importance of the eclipse and what is happening at each phase. Aurora; suggested donation for the planetarium’s public events is $2 per person over 12 years old and $1 for 12 years old and under; for more information please email [email protected].

March 15-April 15

Credit: @buffalobotanicalgardens on Instagram

Spring is almost here! Enjoy the brilliant blooms of the Buffalo Botanical Gardens‘ Spring Flower Exhibit and experience fragrant hyacinths, vibrant daffodils, colorful tulips, and more. On Sunday, March 24, Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30 take in the sights and smells of the gorgeous blooming bulbs and say hello to the Botanical Bunny! All visitors with an e-ticket are welcome to take photos with the Gardens’ fuzzy friend. Also during the exhibit, the Botanical Gardens is featuring a unique art installation, Chromatic Organics – metal sculptures twisted and turned into natural shapes! Buffalo; $16.50 adults, $15 seniors (62+) & students (13+ with ID), $9 children 3-12, children 2 and under are free but must have a ticket, Buffalo Botanical Garden Members are free but must have a ticket. E-tickets may be purchased here.

March 16-17

Take your spring cleaning to the next level by giving your home a freshened-up look. The Westchester Spring Home Show, taking place at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, serves up an amazing variety of products and services to help you with all your home project needs. From light fixtures to kitchen backsplashes to window fixings to the hottest new paint colors, get inspired at the area’s longest running regional home show. White Plains; General Admission $10,  Seniors $8, 12 & under free admission.

March 16-17 and March 23-24

Take part in a beloved Empire State tradition as more than 180 maple farms open their sugarhouses and welcome you to experience the world of pure New York maple syrup, from tapping the trees to enjoying it on a piping hot stack of pancakes. Some maple producers will be demonstrating the making of mouth-watering products, such as maple cream and maple cotton candy, and most will be offering free samples. Many participating farms, like Critz Farms Brewing & Cider Company in Central New York, will have additional activities like guided tours, wagon rides, and all you can eat breakfast buffet! Kettle Ridge Farm (pictured) in the Finger Lakes also has igloos for rent and a delightful menu of pancakes, maple donuts, and maple whipped iced coffee. Various locations and prices.

March 21-24

Thrill to exciting winter sports action as the BMW IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Cup comes to Mt. Van Hoevenberg in the storied Olympic Village of Lake Placid. Enjoy the excitement, refreshments, and fanfare, all while receiving turn-by-turn commentary on the jumbotron as some of the world’s best bobsled and skeleton athletes race down the track at speeds exceeding 80 miles per hour! Lake Placid; 1-day general admission price: $20 ages 13 and up, $15 seniors 65+ and juniors 7-12, children 6 and under free; 3-day general admission price: $45 ages 13 and up, $35 seniors 65+ and juniors 7-12, children 6 and under free; 1-day VIP package $125, 3-day VIP package $300.

March 21-24

Photo: Grant Taylor Courtesy of Ulster County Tourism

Delight in a vibrant atmosphere and immerse yourself in a world of words as the Woodstock Bookfest ushers in Spring 2024! This year’s festival features an amazing lineup, with authors Masha Gessen, Mark Whitaker, Gail Straub, Elissa Altman, and Nick Flynn, just to name a few, and the theme, LIVE. LOVE. READ! reflects the way reading changes everything. Enjoy the Story Slam and the festival’s signature Memoir-A-Go-Go, along with Little Bites and Big Libations! The best part of the Woodstock Bookfest is that there’s no VIP room — your favorite writers will be walking around town, just like you, with all events taking place at the historic Bearsville Theater. Woodstock; tickets from $23.18. A full festival pass, featuring the Story Slam, all evening keynotes, panels, and parties, plus a Woodstock Bookfest goody bag, is available for $268.61.

March 22-23

Looking for the total entertainment experience? Look no further than Howl at the Moon – the Dueling Piano Show! The excitement gets started as soon as the band hits the stage, rocking an outstanding dueling pianos show featuring all kinds of music, from dance hits, party anthems, country, and even oldies. You request it and they play it! In conjunction with the event, host 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel will have discounted room rates, and proceeds from Howl at the Moon will go to the Clayton Fireworks. Clayton; tickets starting at $49.87.  

March 22-23

Calling all beer enthusiasts! The longest running Brewfest in Central New York is returning for its 27th year to the New York State Fairgrounds with over 100 breweries from across the country gathering under one roof. In addition to the great brews, you’ll also enjoy live music and food from local businesses. There are two main sessions on Saturday, plus an exclusive VIP party on Friday. Syracuse; Friday VIP Party $50; Saturday sessions $50 -$70. Tickets are available online or through these outlets. Designated driver tickets (only available at gate) $20.

March 22-24

CREDIT: NORMANDIN MARKETING

Are you ready for warmer weather? Get a head start on summer and shop top boat brands at the Great Upstate Boat Show, the largest boat sales event between New York City and Montreal. The show features over 60 top boat brands from more than 20 dealers and over 1,500 new and used boats available for purchase. Explore the more than 175 boats on display and speak with some of the leading boat dealers in the region to find the boat of your dreams, from pontoon boats and ski boats to trailers and boat lifts. Whether you’re looking to trade in your current boat or are a first-time boat buyer, this is the place to be! In addition to the boats, there will be an indoor farmer’s market, New York State wine, cider, and spirit tastings, and food trucks. Queensbury; $15.

March 22-24

CREDIT: @MOMOTHEGARDENHOE ON INSTAGRAM

Spring is in the air, and the Capital Region Flower and Garden Show is one of the first signs of the season. The event, held at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, promises to be a delightful experience for all. Enjoy amazing floral creations and stunning garden displays, attend seminars and demonstrations, and browse over 200 flower, garden, and outdoor living themed retail exhibits. The marketplace is a must-visit, where you can bring home fresh cut flowers, succulents, bulbs, houseplants, airplants, seeds, tropicals, and all your gardening needs, plus apparel, pottery, handmade crafts, and jewelry. In addition to the exhibits and seminars, there will be an indoor farmer’s market, New York State wine, cider, and spirit tastings, and food trucks! Troy; Advance Sale General Admission (ONE day pass) $14 (children under 10 are free), MVP Health Care Senior Day Advance Sale (Friday) $12, 3-Day Pass $37, General Admission (one day pass) $17 (children under 10 are free; tickets available from 03/22/2024).

March 23

Good times are brewing in Binghamton, and you’re invited to the celebration! Taking place at Visions Veterans Arena, Binghamton on Tap boasts a terrific variety of craft beers, ciders, and seltzers from the city and beyond. VIP ticket holders will get an extra hour of sampling, limited brews, sampling glass, and a souvenir item. General admission ticket holders will get 3 hours of sampling and a souvenir glass. There will also be live music, great vendors, and delicious food available for purchase. Binghamton; general admission $56.30, VIP ticket $79.90.

March 23-24

CREDIT: @BRISTOL_MOUNTAIN ON INSTAGRAM

Say goodbye to winter as Bristol Mountain sends off ski season in style with their annual spring carnival. Cheer on skiers and snowboarders as they race down the hill to see if they can make it across the 50-foot pond in the popular Slush Cup event. Costumes and spectators are encouraged – a lift ticket or season pass is required to participate, but it’s free to watch! The festivities include an Easter egg hunt, snow tubing, free demos, and mouthwatering food! Canandaigua; free admission; some activities require registration, a lift ticket or season pass.

March 24 – April 7

Credit: @qiu001 on Instagram

Celebrate spring in New York City with thousands of plants, flowers and trees at the annual Macy’s Flower Show in Herald Square! A larger-than-life garden with whimsical floral arrangements and multi-sensory displays celebrate the season of renewal, transforming the main floor, balcony and windows of the world-famous Macy’s flagship store. New York City; free admission.

March 29 – April 7

Celebrate the best and brightest in the world of automobiles at one of the most highly anticipated events in the automotive industry. With over 700+ vehicles on display at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, you’ll have the chance to discover cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation across four floors of exhibits. Witness the debuts of the most anticipated vehicles of 2024, from groundbreaking concept cars to the latest production models, and be immersed in the future of transportation with a spectacular array of electric vehicles. Virtual reality experiences, augmented reality showcases, and interactive displays will also transport you into the heart of automotive innovation. New York City; general admission $8 – $22, early access at 9 a.m. Friday or Saturday morning or 10 a.m. other days $18 – $48, auto show group tours $30 – $60.

March 31

Photo Courtesy of Long Island Aquarium

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter with the whole family? The Long Island Aquarium is hosting an Easter Brunch in their waterfront Sea Star Ballroom featuring three sessions with traditional brunch fare, a craft station for kids, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Attendees can also participate in a Penguin Scavenger “Egg Hunt” and visit the aquarium before and/or after their brunch session. Riverhead; the brunch fee includes admission to the aquarium and is $77.58 for adults and $41.35 for children ages 3-12. Children under 2 years old are admitted for $10.35.

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