NEWSLETTER
Credit: @momothegardenhoe on Instagram
New York State bids farewell to winter and says hello to spring in March with an exciting array of fun activities sure to please everyone. From St. Patrick’s Day and Women’s History Month celebrations to tasty encounters with pure New York maple syrup, amazing chocolate creations, and locally brewed craft beverages, the Empire State is your one-stop-shop for a terrific month!
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 (Various Regions)
Various Dates
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 Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and the Women's Rights National Historic Park. Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale is also hosting a series of events honoring the life and art of Lenore "Lee" Krasner, pioneers in science, and women who made many of our achievements in space possible. Varying locations and prices.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (Various Regions)
Various Dates
Credit: Joe Buglewicz/NYC & Co.
Irish eyes will be smiling all across New York State as St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a bevy of parades and festivals. On March 17, hundreds of thousands of people will line Fifth Avenue for the New York City’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. Buffalo’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, taking place on March 19, draws in crowds to enjoy the procession of Irish dancers, bands, and more. On March 11, Rochester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off with the Runnin’ of the Green, a five-mile foot race along the Genesee River. There are also parades taking place in Albany, Syracuse, Montgomery, 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.
Orchid Show and Orchids After Dark (Greater Niagara)
March 3-5
Credit: @aliciakwietniewskiphoto on Instagram
Something special is blooming in Buffalo. The popular Orchid Show returns to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, where dozens of hand-picked and award-winning orchid exhibits will be on display. Best of all, visitors can now enjoy the orchid show and displays lit up at night for an even more magical Orchids After Dark experience. Buffalo; regular admission, $15.50 Adults, $14.00 seniors (62+) & students (13+ with ID), $8.50 Kids 3-12, Kids 2 and under are free but must have a ticket, Garden members are free but must have a ticket; Orchids After Dark Admission, adults - $16.50, member adult - $14.50, senior - $15.00, member senior - $13.00, student - $15.00, member student - $13.00, kids 3-12 - $8.50, member kids 3-12 - $8.50; E-tickets are required for all visitors. Walk-ins may be turned away if visitor capacity has been met.
Snommegang Invitational Beer Festival (Central New York)
March 4
Credit: @jencortellini on Instagram
Craft beverage lovers rejoice! After a two-year hiatus, Oneonta’s biggest and best outdoor winter beer festival is returning to Main Street. Enjoy live music from Mountain Jam – An Allman Brothers Tribute along with tasty beverages from more than a dozen participating breweries. New this year is the VIP ticket, which includes an extra hour to sample brews, access to the VIP lounge, and special souvenir items! This is a 21+ only event, and designated driver tickets are available with drinker tickets as an add-on option. Oneonta; $60.15 and $77.24 (VIP).
Mardi Gras Weekend and Winter Carnival at Holiday Valley (Chautauqua-Allegheny)
March 10-12 and March 11-12
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.
The Chocolate Expo (Long Island)
March 12
Credit: @samuelssweetshop on Instagram
Calling all chocolate lovers! The Chocolate Expo is coming to Hofstra University where dozens of vendors will be dishing out delicious goodies to taste and buy, including baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, and of course the star of the show: chocolate. Pair your treats with wines, hard ciders, distilled spirits, coffees, teas, and much more! There will also be entertainment and fun activities for all ages. Hempstead; online tickets: $20/adult & $10/child (ages 5-12), children under age 5 free. Tickets purchased at the door: $30/adult & $15/child (ages 5-12). Door ticket availability not guaranteed.
NYS Maple Weekends (Various Regions)
March 18-19 and March 25-26
Join in on a beloved Empire State tradition as more than 180 maple farms open their sugarhouses inviting 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 the Ashokan Center in the Catskills, will also have additional activities like a pancake breakfast, guided hike, kids' corner, live entertainment, and more! Various locations and prices; Ashokan Center events taking place March 18-19.
Westchester Spring Home Show (Hudson Valley)
March 18-19
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; $10 adults, kids 12 and under free.
Women’s International Film & Arts Festival (New York City)
March 22-26
The Women’s International Film & Arts Festival, the leading international cultural event featuring films, visual and performing arts produced by and about women, is coming back to New York City after a three-year hiatus. Celebrate women’s empowerment and learn something new from innovative film industry leaders with hands-on workshops and lively panel discussions. You’ll meet filmmakers from around the globe and see some of the most dynamic films made by both emerging and established women filmmakers. From red carpet events to networking opportunities, special parties, and a delectable awards brunch, this film festival has it all! New York City; various prices.
Capital Region Flower and Garden Show (Capital-Saratoga)
March 24-26
Credit: @momothegardenhoe on Instagram
Spring will be in the air as one of the first signs of the season in the Capital-Saratoga region returns to Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. Enjoy amazing floral creations and stunning garden displays, seminars and demonstrations, and over 160 flower, garden, and outdoor living themed retail exhibits. Head over to the marketplace to bring home fresh cut flowers, succulents, bulbs, houseplants, airplants, seeds, tropicals, and all your gardening needs, plus apparel, pottery, handmade crafts, and jewelry. Some of New York’s finest wineries, cideries, and distilleries will also be on hand offering tastings. Troy; $12 online (until 3/23/23) and $15 thereafter; door prices are $15, $22 for a two-day pass, $33 for a three-day pass, and children under 10 free.
Bristol Mountain Spring Carnival (Finger Lakes)
March 25-26
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, mouthwatering food, plus arts and crafts for the kids! Canandaigua; free admission; fees for some events.
ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships (Adirondacks)
March 31 – April 1
For the first time, the two-time Olympic village of Lake Placid has been selected to host the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships. Held since 2000, this annual event organized by the International Skating Union attracts the most elite senior-level synchronized skating teams from around the world. You’re invited to the Olympic Center to watch this exciting competition in person as approximately 26 teams comprised of 500 skaters from over 20 countries compete for the title of World Champion. Lake Placid; $165 - $200.
The Great Upstate Boat Show (Adirondacks)
March 31 – April 2
Credit: Normandin Marketing
Are you ready for warmer weather? Get a head start on summer at the Great Upstate Boat Show, happening at the Adirondack Sports Complex. Explore 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, get ready for an incredible season on the water! Whether you’re looking to trade in your current boat or are a first-time boat buyer, shop top boat brands at one of the largest boat sales events in New York State. Queensbury; $15.
Share New York State adventures with us on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter with #ILoveNY and #iSpyNY, and tag us on Facebook!