March in New York City is an in-between month; one that holds the promise of warmer times ahead, though winter still lingers. It’s not quite time to pack away the hats and gloves, but there are glimpses of spring on the horizon. As the clocks spring forward and the days get longer, a celebratory feeling is in the air, which translates to a whole host of fun activities.
Along with all of the exciting events and programming at Rockefeller Center in March (see our full calendar here), there is plenty of entertainment to be found around NYC. However you’re hoping to spend the last month of winter – whether it be a rowdy MSG stadium or serene classical music concert – the city has an answer. Here are our top five picks for things to do in New York City in March.
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Top 5 Things to Do in New York City in March
1. The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden
All month long
The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Show is a welcome harbinger of spring. Now in its 19th year, the upcoming event will feature floral designs by famed tastemaker Jeff Leatham. Leatham, who is theartistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, has designed an installation inspired by kaleidoscopic motifs. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory will be transformed by Leatham’s dramatic displays full of vibrant colors and innovative visuals. If the weather cooperates, you can also enjoy a walk through NYBG’s grounds, which include more than 50 gardens containing over 12,000 species of plant life from around the world.
2. Musicians from the New York Philharmonic live at 92Y
March 6
While its home theater, David Geffen Hall, gets a facelift, the New York Philharmonic is treating New Yorkers to a variety of performances at venues throughout the city. On March 6, a particularly special concert is scheduled at the 92Y. NY Phil musicians Sheryl Staples, Rebecca Young, and Eileen Moon-Myers will be accompanied by award-winning pianist Gilles Vonsattel for an evening of music by Beethoven, Brahms, and Clara Schumann. Smaller than the 3,000-seat auditorium at Lincoln Center, this event space will allow music lovers a more intimate opportunity to see these virtuosos perform live.
3. Catch a basketball game at Madison Square Garden
March 9-12; March 16, 18, 20, 22, 28, 30
Madison Square Garden will be rocking all month long thanks to a number of major basketball events. From March 9 to 12, the Garden will welcome back the Big East tournament, college basketball’s longest-running postseason championship tournament. A great warm-up for March Madness, which starts on the 13th, the winner of the Big East receives an automatic bid to the NCAA’s national championship. Basketball fans will also have a chance to show the home team some love, as the Knicks will be stepping out onto center court six times throughout the month. Help them turn that home-court advantage into wins by cheering them on in person.
4. St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 17
After two long years without the annual blockbuster celebration, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back. Cue the Irish dancing, bagpiping, drumming, marching, and much more. The parade, which is held every year on March 17, is the oldest and largest in the world, rallying 150,000 marchers and 2 million spectators along a 1.5 mile stretch of Fifth Avenue. And it is not just contained to the streets. They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and the entire city seems to get behind the holiday. Revelers can expect a sea of green-clad spectators, pints of Guinness, packed pubs, and general merriment throughout the day.
5. Affordable Art Fair
March 23 - March 27
For art buffs on a budget, the Affordable Art Fair is the perfect place to peruse contemporary works that don’t cost a year’s rent. From March 23 through March 27, the fair will take up residence at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea. More than 400 contemporary artists from over 70 galleries will be showcased through the weekend, and all works on sale are in the $100 to $10,000 range, with more than half priced at less than $5,000. Tickets start at $25 and go up to $80 for an all-access pass for two.
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