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.

Along with all of the exciting events and programming at Rockefeller Center in March — like the New Frontiers exhibition at Top of the Rock and the latest chapter of Art in Focus with Joel Gaitan — 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 a serene classical music concert), the city has an answer.

As you fantasize about sunny days and blooming crocuses, embrace the time at hand with the fantastic range of activities at your disposal. From flower shows to parades and everything in between, here are our top five picks for things to do in New York City in March.

Wondering what’s going on at Rockefeller Center in March? Scroll through our upcoming events, and sign up for The Center Newsletter to get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden

Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Garden

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 20th year, the upcoming event will feature floral designs by acclaimed artist and designer Lily Kwong. Kwong, whose work aims to reconnect people with nature, has designed an installation inspired by ancient Chinese imagery. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory will be transformed by Kwong’s immersive and vibrant showcase, where orchids of all colors, sizes, and shapes converge to create a meditative experience. 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.

Georgetown and Creighton basketball teams playing at Madison Square Garden

Photo courtesy of the Big East Conference

2. Catch a basketball game at Madison Square Garden

Select dates throughout the month

Madison Square Garden will be rocking all month long thanks to a number of major basketball events. From March 8 to 11, 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 14th, the winner of the Big East receives an automatic bid to the NCAA’s national championship. Later in the month, March Madness itself comes to the garden, as teams face off during the NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional tournament on March 23 and 25.

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.

The Vienna Philharmonic performing at Carnegie Hall

Photo by Chris Lee, courtesy of Carnegie Hall

3. The Vienna Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall

March 3-5

The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the world’s most celebrated orchestras, steeped in the tradition and history of European classical music. This year, the old world will come to the new as the orchestra takes center stage at Carnegie Hall. During the three-concert residency, the Vienna Philharmonic will showcase its incredible range, performing compositions by Arnold Schoenberg, R. Strauss, Felix Mendelssohn, Johannes Brahms, and Anton Bruckner. Don’t miss the chance to see this legendary symphony in one of the foremost venues for music.

Group walking in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade

Photo by Danny Chin

4. St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17

Cue the Irish dancing, bagpiping, drumming, marching, and much more, as the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes over midtown. 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.

Sara Baras performing at the Flamenco Festival

Photo by Santana de Yepes

5. The Flamenco Festival

March 23-26

New York City Center’s annual Flamenco Festival is a survey of the Spanish dance form. This year, NYCC will welcome internationally lauded dancer, director, and choreographer Sara Baras. Baras has been a pillar of the flamenco world for over 30 years and was the 2020 winner of the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance.

Alongside her company, she will perform her latest evening-length work entitled Alma. The dance, which blends traditional flamenco movements with bolero rhythms, is a modern take on a traditional art form. Viewers can expect extravagant costumes, captivating footwork, and an up-tempo energy highlighted by an accompaniment of live music.

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