Updated on March 9, 2026 by Julie McCool
2026 March events in Northern Virginia include St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Pi Day fun, cherry blossom season, dining deals, and more spring fun.
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 1–30
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 63rd 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.
Vienna Restaurant Week, Vienna, Feb 27-Mar 8
Enjoy special deals on dine-in or takeout meals from the many wonderful restaurants in the town of Vienna Virginia.
Cherry Blossom Peak Announcement, Online, Mar 5
The National Park Service generally announces its first cherry blossom peak bloom prediction at the end of February. Plan a season of beautiful blooms with our big guide to the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. It’s full of tips and suggestions for popular and little-known cherry blossom photo spots.
Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Alexandria, Mar 7
2026 marks the 43rd 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.
Astronomy Festival, Great Falls, Mar 7
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; 6:00 – 8:30.
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.
Reston 10-Miler, Reston, Mar 8
Join a 10K run through Reston, beginning and ending at South Lakes High School. All pre-registered runners receive a commemorative shirt, bib, medal, and digital finisher certificate. Plus, there are cash awards in four age groups.
Culpeper Restaurant Week, Mar 9-15
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.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Manassas, Mar 14
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.
Diva Central, Reston, Mar 14
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. Free, 11:00 – 3:00
Pi Day and Daylight Saving Time, March 14
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.
Air and Space Family Day, Centreville, Mar 14
Head to the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum for an afternoon of family-friendly fun. All About Rockets celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first liquid-fueled rocket. Free admission, $15 parking, 10:00 – 2:00. The program is also offered online.
Nowruz Festival, Hilton Dulles, Mar 15
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 15
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 celebrations include 5K and 10K races and 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 Tuesday in 2026, so some events and specials are held on the weekend.
Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC, Mar 20-Apr 12
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 21
- Blossom Kite Festival – March 28
- Petalpalooza fireworks show – April 4
- Cherry Blossom Festival Parade – April 11
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
Kids Trout Fishing Derby, Herndon, Mar 21
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 21
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.
Stargazing at the Udvar-Hazy Center, Centreville, Mar 28
Gather at the Smithsonian Air and Space Udvar-Hazy Center to view planets and other objects in the night sky. Free, 8:00-10:00 pm.
Spring Classic 10K, One Loudoun, Mar 28
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.
Bluebells at Merrimac Farm, Nokesville, Mar 29
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.
Spring Break, Mar 30-Apr 3
Kids out of school? Our guide to Fun Spring Break Outings in Northern Virginia is packed with local, mostly free, activities for all ages that don’t require a lot of pre-planning.
Blossom Bash, Tysons Plaza, Mar ?
Celebrate cherry blossom season with live music, live chalk art, food, drinks, giveaways, and fun. Free, 11:00-3:00.
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 8th, and we celebrate the first day of Spring on March 20th. 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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