12 things to do in Michigan in March

Whether you’re looking to learn something new, celebrate the end of winter, or welcome spring, our 12 things to do in Michigan in March has something for you.

March 1-April 30 Butterflies are Blooming – Grand Rapids

If you’re starting to ache for a warmer climate and signs of spring, then it may be time for a visit to the annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition at Meijer Gardens. It’s the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation. Step into the warmth of the conservatory. Meander amongst 7,000 of these stunning, tropical creatures from around the world. Did you know that the newly hatched caterpillars of some butterfly species are smaller than a grain of rice? Did you know that a butterfly’s wings are covered in fragile, microscopic scales, overlapping like roof shingles? Discover fun facts, or just enjoy the natural beauty of these little wonders.

March 5-9 Laughfest – Grand Rapids

The news of the day can sometimes be daunting, so make some time to laugh this month by heading to Grand Rapids for this annual giggle fest. The nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter is back again with a phenomenal mission and a wonderful lineup. Created by Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, and launched in March 2011 to celebrate laughter for the health of it, the festival features stand-up, improv, showcases and a variety of seriously funny stuff. Scheduled performances this year include a Clean Comedy Showcase, and performances by Gabby Bryan, Corey B, Adam Ray, Dan Soder, and Preacher Lawson. In addition to headlining acts, there will be lots of free events for the whole family.

March 8 Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival – Jackson

This long-standing Jackson tradition is held at the American 1 Event Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. There, you’ll find food trucks, games, ice sculpture demonstrations, fire pits and a variety of vendors. The event will showcase over 150 craft beers, ciders, meads and wines along with food choices such as pizza, burgers, brats and BBQ. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door, if available. They entitle the bearer to admission and 10 tasting tokens. There are also VIP tickets for $70.00 that get you 15 tasting tokens, a chance to come in one hour early, and a commemorative hoodie. While in Jackson, be sure to check out all of the amazing murals downtown that are the result of five years of a mural festival.

March 8-23 Spring Flower Show – Tipton

Those who live in places without a true four seasons, can never fully appreciate the joy of experiencing spring blooms. If you’ve been waiting for flowers to return, this is the event for you. Come immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, amaryllis, and more at Hidden Lake Gardens. Step into the conservatory for a sweet breath of spring. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids, and includes access to all of the stunning garden attractions, including the spectacular floral exhibit. Children under 4 can join for free.

March 13-16 Ultimate Sports Show – Grand Rapids

Hunters, anglers and anyone who loves the great outdoors will be excited to gear up during this showcase at DeVos Place. Find the latest in outdoor apparel and equipment. Discover travel tips and info. Explore a variety of fishing boats. This event features nearly 100 fishing and hunting seminars across five stages and even includes what organizers call Lake Ultimate, a 110,000 gallon indoor lake. You’ll also find antique lures, a trout pond, woodcarvers, a rock wall, and the infamous Hawg Trough. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children.

March 16 St Patrick’s Day Parade – Detroit

There are plenty of fantastic Irish pubs around the state, and multiple parades waiting to welcome revelers this month. The grandaddy of them all is, of course, Detroit’s annual march through Corktown. The neighborhood received its name as the Irish were the largest ethnic group of newcomers to Detroit, most of them from County Cork. It also has the distinction of being the city’s oldest surviving neighborhood. The parade typically attracts 80,000-100,000 people, making it one of the largest St. Patrick’s parades in the country and it features floats, marching bands, color guard units and more. The route follows along Michigan Avenue, which is dotted with great independently-owned eateries and drinking establishments.

March 9-15 Downtown Marquette Restaurant Week – Marquette

One of the great joys of spring is the thaw that makes our waterfalls explode with power. Head to the U.P. to explore the natural beauty, and specifically to Marquette to explore the peninsula’s cuisine capitol during its restaurant week. Participating Downtown Marquette restaurants will offer special deals all week long. You’ll find casual options at places like Trenary Toast Cafe or Doncker’s. For more upscale culinary delights, make a visit to The Delft Bistro or Elizabeth’s Chophouse. Check out the website for participating eateries and to view the deals.

March 24 Oberon Day – Kalamazoo

Our state produces A LOT of phenomenal brews, though very few of them have become so highly anticipated that their annual release warrants a giant party. However, over the years, the arrival of one of the west Michigan brewery’s most popular beers, has come to also be a sign that warmer weather is finally on the way. Bell’s Oberon is a wheat ale with a citrusy, smooth flavor profile, that is typically enhanced by a slice of orange served alongside it. Each year, thousands of people flock to Kzoo to join other revelers for the first sip of the season. Special events happen throughout the city, and across the state, but of course the biggest party of all is at the brewery.

March 15-16 Carnival Weekend – Boyne Falls

Carnival Weekend at Boyne Mountain is always one of the great farewell parties to winter. From slope-side DJ beats to a live band that’ll shake the base, the music will definitely have you tapping toes, even when you’re not shooshing your way down a slope. Rock your wildest costume to the on-hill party for a chance to win big, then keep the celebration going all night at the Snowflake Lounge.

March 15-16 & 22-23 Maple Row Sugarhouse Maple Festival – Jones

The winter thaw means maple syrup season. There are lots of events around the state providing ample chances to get your maple fix, though this family-owned sugarbush offers some unique elements. You can see maple syrup being made in a modern style sugarhouse, and taste and buy a bevy of delicious maple treats. Depending upon when you go, you may also be able to take in a pancake eating contest, live musical performances and horse-drawn wagon rides. Those who go the weekend of the 22-23 can also check out a Civil War encampment. Be sure to take a free tour of the sugarhouse, to learn how Michigan’s oldest agricultural product is made.

March 25-30 Ann Arbor Film Festival – Ann Arbor

Movie lovers will want to head to A2 this month for some unique screenings at the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. The six-day festival presents films of all lengths and genres, including experimental, animation, documentary, fiction, and performance-based works. The 112 short films included in the Films in Competition programs and the 8 Features in Competition are eligible for $39,000 in awards. The remaining films are presented out of competition.  The event also features new media, panel presentations, and discussions. If you can’t make it in person, online viewing options are also available.

March 28-29 Michigan in Perspective: Local History Conference – Rochester

Are you a history buff? Perhaps you just wish you knew more about Michigan history. In either case, this event will enlighten and entertain. The conference hosts hundreds of attendees, speakers, sponsors, and vendors at Oakland University, with topics centered on Southeast Michigan and its surrounding areas. You’ll find banquets, keynotes, content sessions, and a robust exhibit hall filled with vendors. Topics for this year’s gathering include the Fudge, Faygo, and Froot Loops: Classic Michigan Food and Drinks, Revisiting Early Detroit: New Perspectives, From the Ground Up: Minoru Yamasaki in Michigan, and more. Patricia Mooradian, president and CEO of The Henry Ford, and Senator Debbie Stabenow will both be doing keynote addresses this year.

Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Follow @BuyMichiganNow on Facebook or tag us in a picture on Instagram when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in March. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.