March is one of the Southwest’s sweetest seasons. Desert wildflowers begin to appear and the sun shines just enough to invite long patio lunches, scenic road trips and afternoons spent outdoors. Before summer’s heat settles in, it’s the perfect moment to explore the region’s festivals, cultural celebrations and creative gatherings.
From mountain adventure films and colorful cultural festivals to quirky desert traditions (hello, ostriches), these upcoming events offer plenty of reasons to get out and experience the Southwest this month.
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Chandler Ostrich Festival — March 13–15 & 20–22 | Chandler, Arizona
It’s one of Arizona’s quirkiest traditions: The Chandler Ostrich Festival. Rooted in the city’s early ostrich ranching history, the annual celebration blends carnival rides, pig races, live music, fair food and family-friendly entertainment, along with appearances from the birds themselves. It’s a uniquely Southwestern tradition that’s equal parts carnival and community celebration.
Learn more at ostrichfestival.com.
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour — March 16–17 | Santa Fe, New Mexico
Adventure takes center stage when the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour arrives at the historic Lensic Performing Arts Center. The internationally celebrated festival showcases breathtaking films about climbing, skiing, wildlife and explorations—all from a theater seat in Santa Fe.
Learn more at lensic.org/events/banff-centre-mountain-film-festival-world-tour/.
An Evening of Art & Music — March 20 | Denver, Colorado
Art and sound come together during An Evening of Art & Music, where local creatives gather to share live performances and visual work at the Santa Fe Arts District. The event highlights the vibrant creative energy that continues to shape Denver’s growing arts scene.
Learn more at visitdenver.com/event/an-evening-of-art-and-music/138204/.
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Subaru WinterFest — March 20–22 | Salt Lake City, Utah
Winter makes its final encore during Subaru WinterFest, a three-day celebration of mountain culture featuring live music, outdoor activities and après-ski vibes. Set against Utah’s still-snowy peaks, the event offers one last chance to savor ski season before spring fully arrives.
Learn more at visitsaltlake.com/event/music/subaru-winterfest-2026/76581.
Tucson Japanese Festival — March 21 | Tucson, Arizona
Cultural traditions take the spotlight during the Tucson Japanese Festival, where visitors can experience traditional dance, music, art and cuisine celebrating Japanese heritage in Southern Arizona.
Learn more at southernazjapan.org/upcoming-events.
Poppies Fest: Make Tissue Poppies — March 24–28 | El Paso, Texas
Inspired by the vibrant orange poppies that bloom across the desert each spring, there are multiple poppies festivities going on this season. This one invites visitors to create delicate tissue paper versions of the iconic wildflower. It’s a fun event that’s for both kids and adults.
Learn more at visitelpaso.com/events/poppies-fest-make-tissue-paper-poppies.
Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival — March 29 | Torrance, California
Spring’s most iconic bloom arrives during the Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival, where delicate pink blossoms set the stage for a day of cultural performances, food and art celebrating Japanese traditions and the beauty of the season.
Learn more at torranceca.gov/services/cultural-services-division-arts-and-classes/cherry-blossom-cultural-festival.
From adventurous films and mountain celebrations to colorful cultural festivals and quirky desert traditions, March across the Southwest offers a little something for every kind of explorer.