March Events in Northern Virginia: Festivals and Fun Near DC

Updated on March 19, 2024 by Julie McCool

2024 March events in Northern Virginia include St. Patrick's Day festivities, Pi Day fun, cherry blossom season, popular Easter egg hunts, and more spring fun. Our 2024 March events list also includes ongoing ways to enjoy the return of spring to our beautiful region.

Looking for fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA? Our list of Northern Virginia events includes things to do in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Alexandria, Arlington, and other area towns. Festivals and events are listed in order of start date, with multi-day events generally listed first.

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Listings are updated below as we learn of new additions and plans for this year. Check for updates before you head out; some of these events will cancel if weather conditions are poor.

Woodland Needlework Show and Sale, Alexandria, Mar 1 – 31

The Needlework Exhibition at historic Woodlawn is an annual celebration of the needle arts, featuring hundreds of examples of contemporary needlework from around the country. This year, the 61st Annual Needlework Exhibition theme is Needlework in Everyday Life.

We highly recommend you combine your visit with a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighy house right next door. The exhibition is $18/$6 for adults/children K – 12, 5 and under free. Open daily, except Tuesday, 10:00 – 4:00.

Snow Moon Fest, Massanutten Resort, Mar 1 – 3

Celebrate the season with a weekend of fun as the Snow Moon Fest returns to Massanutten Resort. Special events include live music, kid's activities, a torchlight parade, Polar Plunge, and more.

Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Alexandria, Mar 2

The 41st annual Ballyshaner's Parade is back in 2024! This family-friendly Alexandria celebration includes a great parade and a fun dog show. This is the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Northern Virginia.

St Patricks Day dancers photo credit Ballyshaners
St Patricks Day Parade, photo credit Ballyshaners

Enjoy over a dozen marching bands plus other groups celebrating their rich Irish heritage. The parade starts at 12:15 and all events are free.

Vienna Restaurant Week, Vienna, Mar 3 -10

Enjoy special deals on dine-in or takeout meals from the many wonderful restaurants in the town of Vienna Virginia.

March150, Torpedo Art Factory, Alexandria, Mar 3 – 30

The annual March150 art show and sale returns to the Torpedo Art Factory in Old Town Alexandria. The popular exhibition features artists from the greater DC area and offers a low-key environment to view and purchase works in a variety of mediums. Free; Wed – Sun, 10:00 – 6:00

International Women's Day, Mar 8

Celebrate International Women's Day with a visit to the Women's Suffragist Memorial and learn about the long struggle for women's right to vote. Learn how local events and the “Night of Terror” became a turning point in the fight.

Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Lorton Virginia
Turning Point Suffragist Memorial

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Manassas, Mar 9

Head to Old Town Manassas for a community parade featuring Irish dance groups, the Northern Virginia Firefighters Emerald Society Pipe and Drum, Washington Scottish Pipe and Drum, Fairfax County Sheriff’s Coalition Pipe and Drum, the Marine Corps Color Guard, and other area groups and organizations. Free; parade begins at 11:00.

Air and Space Family Day, Centreville, Mar 9

Head to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum for an afternoon of family-friendly fun. First in Flight celebrates two anniversaries for the first round-the-world flights. Free admission, $15 parking, 10:00 – 2:00. The program is also offered online.

2nd Saturday Art Walk, Workhouse Arts, Lorton, Mar 9

On the second Saturday of each month, the Workhouse Arts Center hosts a fun evening featuring art and music. View artists creating art in the studios or exhibiting in 12 campus galleries. Free; 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Astronomy Festival, Great Falls, Mar 9

Head to Observatory Park at Turner Farm in Great Falls to study the night sky. Activities include star-gazing through telescopes, games, activities, and stories about the constellations around the campfire. $10 register in advance; 5:30 – 8:00.

Nowruz Festival, Hilton Fairfax, Mar 10

This annual festival celebrates the Persian New Year with more than six hours of live performances. Enjoy music, dance, live characters, and local artists. Shop at the Nowruz Bazaar with dozens of booths selling a variety of Persian items. Free; 11:00 – 7:00.

Pi Day and Daylight Saving Time, March 14

Albert Einstein Memorial DC

In 2015, we had a spectacular Pi Day when the date and time were aligned to match the first 10 digits of Pi (Greek letter “π”). But every year offers an opportunity for celebrations and fun with Pi Day math.

Check out our round-up of our favorite pie stores in Northern Virginia. We've also got unique ways to celebrate Pi Day in Northern VA plus great websites with pi facts and fun for all.

Easter Egg Hunts, Multiple Locations, Mar 16 – Apr 8

Find the best Easter egg hunts in Northern Virginia including hunts for the littlest tots, flashlight hunts for teens, and family-friendly scavenger hunts at historic sites. Easter is on March 31 in 2024, but egg hunts and photos with the Easter Bunny start earlier. Plan ahead because many popular events sell out.

Family Day, US Marine Corps Museum, Mar 16

In honor of Women's History Month, the US Marine Corps Museum will host a special Women in the Marine Corps Family Day event. Learn about female Marine trailblazers in this free event. 11:00 – 2:00.

Diva Central, Reston, Mar 16

Area teens are invited to the Reston Community Center at Lake Anne to shop for free formal dresses and accessories perfect for proms and celebrations. The event is free but RCC registration is required. 11:00 – 3:00

Bluemont Shamrock 5K/10K, Bluemont, Mar 16

The 8th annual Bluemont Shamrock is a 5 or 10K run through the scenic country roads of beautiful Bluemont. All pre-registered runners receive a commemorative shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there are cash awards in four age groups.

Wherever you complete your run, you can celebrate your effort and enjoy the views at Dirt Farm Brewing. Follow the link for registration details.

Kids Trout Fishing Derby, Herndon, Mar 16

Children ages 2-15 and their families will learn about fishing and have a fun day catching fish at Sugarland Run. Volunteers will help clean and store your catch and teach you how to bait, cast, hook, and cook your freshly caught dinner.

All kids MUST be accompanied by an adult; limited fishing poles and bait are available for use. No adult fishing during kids' fishing time. $10/$15 advance/day of event registration; 8:00 – noon.

Discover Alexandria Walking Tour, Alexandria, Mar 16

Explore local history, including the historic Carlyle House, on a 90-minute architecture walking tour. Old Town Alexandria is packed with great restaurants, shops, parks, and unique sites perfect for a fun day trip. $20, 10:00 – 11:30.

Find more Fantastic Virginia Day Trips Near Washington DC.

St. Patrick's Day, Mar 17

2 pints of Irish beer for St. Patrick's Day
Cheers to St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day 5K and 10K races are back in 2024 including the popular Ballyshaner's Parade in Alexandria and the Manassas parade. You can also celebrate with a take-out or dine-in meal from local Irish-loving restaurants and pubs.

Check our St. Patrick's Day round-up for a list of special events and Irish pubs in Northern VA. St Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday in 2024, but some events and specials start earlier in the week.

Lucky Leprechaun 5K, Reston, Mar 17

Celebrate the luck of the Irish with a fun 5K race at Reston Town Center or compete virtually on the route of your choice. All pre-registered runners receive a Lucky Leprechaun 5K shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there is a photo contest with special awards. Follow the link to register and for more details.

Culpeper Restaurant Week, Mar 18 – 24

Here's another great reason to visit quaint downtown Culpeper in March. During Culpeper Restaurant Week local favorites will offer special deals on lunch, brunch, and 3-course dinners including an appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC, Mar 20 – Apr 14

See our Complete Guide to Cherry Blossoms in DC, Virginia, and Maryland for popular and hidden spots where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms all season long.

The beloved National Cherry Blossom Festival doesn't always coincide with the actual cheery bloom, but the multi-week festivities still pack a lot of fun. Performances, parties, parades, and more celebrate the return of spring and the blooming cherry trees in the nation's capital.

Cherry Blossom Festival signature events include:

  • Opening Ceremony – March 23
  • Blossom Kite Festival – March 30
  • Petalpalooza fireworks show – April 6
  • Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – April 13
Pink Blooms at the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial one of the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC, photo by Charles McCool of McCoolTravel
DC Cherry Blossoms Jefferson Memorial by McCoolTravel

It's always difficult to time the return of cherry blossoms to the Virginia and Washington DC region. Bookmark our complete list of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. See more beautiful blooms in our guides:

Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Harvest, Great Country Farms, Bluemont, Mar 22 – Apr 1

Join in daily egg hunts (over 18,000 eggs filled with treats) and roast marshmallows on the bonfire. Admission includes egg hunts, a chance to see spring chicks and baby animals, and a wagon ride. Farm admission is $10/$12 child/adult; egg hunts are $7.50 per child.

Maryland Day, Multiple Locations, Mar 22 – 24

Celebrate history, heritage, and culture at a weekend of Maryland Day events. Special events at Annapolis and Anne Arundel County include free entry to regional parks and some museums. It's a great time to plan an Annapolis Maryland Day Trip or Weekend Getaway.

Holi Festival, Reston, Mar 23

Head to Lake Anne in Reston for the inaugural OmBaked Holi Festival. Celebrate the Festival of Colors with live entertainment, food, crafts, activities, and more. Free admission, noon – 4:00.

Spring Break, Mar 25 – 29

Our guide to Spring Break Outings in Northern Virginia is full of family fun. Choose from outdoor activities that don't require a lot of planning. Or head indoors for special deals and activities for kids.

More Fun March Activities in Northern Virginia

In addition to the date-specific March events listed above, we have lots of ideas for planning your own spring fun. Use our guides to plan a season of fun outings in Northern VA.

Visit Spring Babies

March is the perfect time to visit Frying Pan Park to meet the new spring babies. There is nothing quite so cute as baby sheep, goats, and pigs scampering around the stall.

Baby lamb at Frying Pan Farm Park in Northern Virginia
Baby lamb Frying Pan Farm

Take a Spring Hike

Daylight Saving Time returns on March 10th, and we celebrate the first day of Spring on March 19th. If our weather cooperates, that will mean more opportunities to enjoy hiking on area trails.

Bright green foliage lines a Spring Trail at Seneca Park in Northern Virginia
Spring Trail at Seneca Park

We’ve rounded up 8 Great Spring Hikes in Northern Virginia that hold up well to spring rains. Plus, explore our archive of Northern Virginia hikes for more great options for an early spring outing.

Hunt for Spring Wildflowers

Spring wildflowers in Northern VA include this solitary Bloodroot at Riverbend Park
Solitary Bloodroot at Riverbend Park

Hunt for beautiful spring blooms on local nature trails. Take the family for a hike and challenge them to find beautiful blossoms with our guide to Spring Wildflowers in Northern Virginia.

Tackle Our Spring Bucket List of Fun Outings and Destinations

We rounded up a list of 30 Fun Spring Bucket List Outings in Virginia, DC, and Maryland where you can celebrate spring in the DC area. Try them all or choose a few for a season of fun in and near Northern Virginia.

Bluebells surround the Potomac Heritage Trail at Riverbend Park
Bluebells at Riverbend Park

Indoor Activities in Northern VA

When rainy spring days arrive, check out our great big list of indoor activities that offer a change of scene close to home.

View from the catwalk at the Smithsonian Air and Space Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Northern Virginia.
Stephen F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Dine, Shop, and Play in Small Towns Near DC

Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway with our list of 15 Fun Northern Virginia Small Towns to Visit Now. From tiny hamlets to historic Old Towns we've found quaint and interesting places to explore. Visit these destinations and you can support local restaurants, shops, wineries, and breweries plus enjoy outdoor activities.

Main St in Clifton, one of the Best Virginia Day Trips Near Washington DC
Main St Clifton Virginia

Take a Scenic Drive in Northern VA

Chilly winter days are a perfect time to explore new roads and sites close to home. We've rounded up the best scenic drives in Northern Virginia where you can visit small towns and historic sites while enjoying country roads.

George Washington Memorial Parkway scenic drive in Spring
George Washington Memorial Parkway in Spring

Enjoy a Weekend Getaway Near Northern VA

We've rounded up a big list of 21 Fantastic Weekend Getaways In and Near Northern Virginia that offer a fun break from the winter doldrums. From historic inns to comfy hotels, to a private mill house, we have options for every taste. Browse our list and plan your perfect winter escape.

No matter which spring outings and March events in Northern Virginia you choose, we wish you a happy end to winter and a beautiful start to spring.

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March events in Northern Virginia include St Patrick's Day festivities, Women's History Month events, Easter egg hunts, and many fun things to do in March near Washington DC.
March Events in Northern Virginia