Updated on March 27, 2025 by Julie McCool
2025 March events in Northern Virginia include St. Patrick's Day festivities, Pi Day fun, cherry blossom season, dining deals, and more spring fun. Our 2025 March events list also includes ongoing ways to enjoy the return of spring to our beautiful region.
Our list of fun things to do this weekend in Northern VA includes 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 62nd 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 $20/$8 for adults/children K – 12, 5 and under free. Open daily, except Tuesdays, 10:00 – 4:00.
Snow Moon Fest, Massanutten Resort, Feb 28-Mar 2
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 1
2025 marks the 42nd annual Ballyshaners' Parade in Old Town. 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.
Find more fun in our guide to St Patrick's Day Celebrations in Northern Virginia.
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.
Mardi Gras at the Wharf, Mar 1
The Wharf kicks off 2024 festivals with the area's biggest Mardi Gras party. The festivities include a mile-long parade, great music, craft stations, fireworks and more. Free, 3:00-7:00.
Mardi Gras, Mar 4
Celebrate Mardi Gras with a sweet and tasty King Cake from the Great Harvest Bread Company. Their King Cakes are made on Fridays so order your cake online and schedule a pick-up time. It's delicious! Or order unique King Cake Pretzels from Nordic Knot at Reston's Lake Anne.
Vienna Restaurant Week, Vienna, Mar 7-16
Enjoy special deals on dine-in or takeout meals from the many wonderful restaurants in the town of Vienna Virginia.
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.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Manassas, Mar 8
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.
Pi Day and Daylight Saving Time, March 14
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.
Astronomy Festival, Great Falls, Mar 15
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.
Bluemont Shamrock 5K/10K, Bluemont, Mar ?
The 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.
Discover Alexandria Walking Tour, Alexandria, Mar 15
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 Virginia day trip. $20, 10:00 – 11:30.
Nowruz Festival, Hilton Fairfax, Mar 16
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.
Lucky Leprechaun 5K, Reston, Mar 16
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.
St. Patrick's Day, Mar 17
St. Patrick's Day 5K and 10K races return in 2025 including the popular Ballyshaner's Parade in Alexandria and the Manassas parade (info above). 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 Monday in 2025, but some events and specials are held on the weekend.
Culpeper Restaurant Week, Mar 17 – 23
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 13
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 22
- Blossom Kite Festival – March 29
- Petalpalooza fireworks show – April 5
- Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – April 12
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:
- Kenwood Maryland Cherry Blossoms: A DC Alternative
- Beautiful Late-Blooming Cherry Trees Near DC
- Cherry Blossom Scenic Drive
Maryland Day, Multiple Locations, Mar 21-23
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.
March150, Torpedo Art Factory, Alexandria, Mar 22-Apr 19
The 15th 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
Diva Central, Reston, Mar 22
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
Kids Trout Fishing Derby, Herndon, Mar 29
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.
Bluebells at Merrimac Farm, Nokesville, Mar 30
The Bluebell Festival at Merrimac Farm features naturalist-led tours and an easy one-mile walk through the floodplain. Local environmental organizations are there with displays and activities for children of all ages, and concessions and food are available for purchase. Free but donation encouraged, 10:00-3:00.
Blossom Bash, Tysons Plaza, Mar 30
Celebrate cherry blossom season with live music, live chalk art, food, drinks, giveaways, and fun. Free, 11:00-3:00.
Spring Classic 10K, One Loudoun, Mar 30
Celebrate peace, love, and running at this fun spring 10K race. All pre-registered runners receive a race shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there is a photo contest with special awards. Follow the link to register.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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