It's the perfect season to get out there! Whether you're in the mountain towns seeing snow starting to (maybe) melt, or you're in the desert with the wildflowers blooming on the saguaros, March is full of things to do in the Southwest. Here's a lineup of some festivals and events near you, or just a road trip away to catch this March.
McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F): March 6–7 | Phoenix, AZ
For an outdoor festival that blends electronic, indie and alternative acts with sunshine, food trucks, head to Indian School Rd in Phoenix for the M3F festival. The lineup typically mixes headliners with rising artists, perfect for dancing all afternoon and discovering your next favorite band. Expect plenty of local eats, view art installations. and bring your picnic blanket to sprawl out on the grass between sets.
Learn more at m3ffest.com.
Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts: March 13–14 | Tempe, AZ
Another Arizona event, the college town of Tempe has one major street where all the good times happen, and that’s Mill Avenue. Come March, the avenue becomes a full-on spring celebration as downtown Tempe rolls out one of the largest juried art festivals in the Southwest. More than 350 artists line the street with work ranging from fine art and sculpture to jewelry and photography. Add live music and food vendors to the mix, and you’ve got a can’t-miss weekend that feels like spring break.
Learn more at downtowntempe.com/do/spring-tempe-festival-of-the-arts-1.
Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade: March 14 | Denver, CO
If you’re the type who wears green without fail every March 17, Denver is calling. This is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, complete with marching bands, elaborate floats and a whole lot of Irish cheer. Make a weekend of it—downtown pubs and restaurants lean hard into the festivities, and LoDo becomes ground zero for post-parade celebrations.
Learn more at denverstpatricksdayparade.com.
St. Patrick’s Festival: March 14–16 | Henderson, NV
Prefer to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with sunshine instead of snow? Henderson—just outside Las Vegas—hosts a three-day festival featuring a parade, classic car show, live music, and plenty of food and drink.
Learn more at cityofhenderson.com/residents/special-interest/st-patrick-s-day-festival.
78th Annual International Santa Barbara Orchid Show: March 20–22 | Santa Barbara, CA
One of the oldest orchid shows in the world, this iconic event is a feast for the senses. Exhibits include orchid art, photography and jaw-dropping floral arrangements, all tied to this year’s theme, “Orchid Escape.” Expect immersive displays that transport you somewhere tropical, whimsical, and wonderfully fragrant.
Learn more at santabarbaraca.com/events/the-78th-annual-santa-barbara-international-orchid-show.
March is moving fast. Pick a direction, load up the car and go catch something worth remembering.