Pennsylvania in March: Welcoming Spring with Spectacular Events and Blooms

As winter’s icy grip loosens across Pennsylvania, March ushers in the highly anticipated spring season with a flourish of vibrant events and natural splendors. From the nation’s largest indoor flower show to lively St. Patrick’s Day parades, maple sugaring festivities, and the return of America’s favorite pastime, this month offers an incredible array of experiences for visitors and locals alike.

The Philadelphia Flower Show: A Floral Extravaganza

Undoubtedly one of the state’s most iconic March events, the Philadelphia Flower Show (March 2-10, 2024) promises to dazzle attendees with its breathtaking displays of artfully arranged blooms. Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this year’s theme, “United by Flowers,” celebrates the power of nature to bring people together. Visitors can meander through stunning gardens crafted by world-renowned landscape designers, attend educational sessions on gardening, and marvel at the show’s centerpiece – the largest-ever created body of water in its history.

Beyond the beautiful exhibitions, the show offers exciting add-ons like the ever-popular Butterflies Live! exhibit and the chance to purchase unique crafts along Artisan Row. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding nature enthusiast, the Philadelphia Flower Show promises an unforgettable immersion into the world of horticulture.

Maple Sugaring Traditions and Festivals

As the sap begins to flow in Pennsylvania’s maple trees, the state comes alive with a multitude of events celebrating this beloved springtime tradition. One of the highlights is the Maple Harvest Festival and Pancake Breakfast (March 23-24) at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center in Huntingdon County. Here, visitors can indulge in a delectable pancake breakfast before embarking on a journey through the center’s trails, witnessing firsthand how sap is transformed into sweet, golden syrup.

Other notable maple sugaring events include the Somerset County Maple Weekend Taste & Tour (March 9-10), where visitors can explore area farms and sample a variety of maple products, and cooking classes at the historic Mansion House 1757 in Fairfield (March 11, 18, and 25), offering an opportunity to learn about Pennsylvania’s culinary heritage through German cooking techniques and maple-infused dishes.

St. Patrick’s Day Revelry

March wouldn’t be complete without celebrating the rich Irish heritage that has left an indelible mark on Pennsylvania’s culture. The state plays host to numerous St. Patrick’s Day parades, with the Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 9) claiming the title of the second-largest in the country. Over 12,000 participants, including marching bands, floats, and Irish dancers, will make their way through downtown Scranton, filling the air with the sounds of Celtic music and revelry.

In Philadelphia, the Pocono Irish-American Club St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 24) promises a lively celebration in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, complete with colorful costumes, traditional dance performances, and the unmistakable sound of bagpipes. Meanwhile, in Lancaster County, Irish pubs like Annie Bailey’s offer the perfect setting to raise a pint and toast to the Emerald Isle.

Artistic and Cultural Celebrations

March is also a time to celebrate the rich tapestry of art, culture, and history that defines Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, the 101st Annual Erie Art Museum Spring Show (March 15-August 9) showcases the best of contemporary and fine art from artists across the western part of the state. The (re)FOCUS: Philadelphia Focuses on Women in the Visual Arts festival (through May 31) shines a spotlight on Black, Brown, women, and non-binary artists through exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations at various venues throughout the city.

Women’s History Month is celebrated across the state with a diverse range of events, including the CultureFest! Celebration of Women Arts at the Penn Museum (March 9) and the Beyond the Bell: Badass Women’s History Tour in Philadelphia, which explores the lives of trailblazing women who helped shape the city’s narrative.

Seasonal Delights and Outdoor Adventures

As the landscape awakens from its winter slumber, Pennsylvania’s natural wonders beckon visitors to explore the great outdoors. One of the most anticipated events is the Boathouse Row Relighting Ceremony (March 7) in Philadelphia, where the iconic facades along the Schuylkill River will be illuminated with 6,400 sparkling new LED lights, treating onlookers to a dazzling display of 16 million possible color combinations.

Nature enthusiasts can revel in the beauty of spring at Longwood Gardens, where the Winter Wonder exhibit (through March 24) showcases a kaleidoscope of colors with blooming orchids, witch hazels, and grassy textures. Meanwhile, outdoor adventurers can embark on guided scooter tours of the back roads of Amish Country with Strasburg Scooters or participate in the American Treasure Tour Photo Workshop (March 23) at the American Treasure Tour Museum in Montgomery County, capturing the museum’s eclectic collection in a unique, hands-on setting.

Sports and Entertainment Extravaganzas

March Madness descends upon Pennsylvania as the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship comes to Pittsburgh’s PPG Paints Arena (March 21 and 23). Basketball fans can witness the electrifying atmosphere as some of the nation’s top college teams battle for a spot in the tournament’s second weekend.

Beyond the hardwood, music and comedy aficionados can look forward to a diverse lineup of performances. The Tony Award-winning musical Girl from the North Country (February 27-March 10) brings the music of Bob Dylan to life at Philadelphia’s Forrest Theatre, while comedian Nate Bargatze (March 7) promises a night of side-splitting laughter at the Wells Fargo Center.

And what would March be without the return of America’s favorite pastime? The Philadelphia Phillies will take the field for their 2024 Opening Day (March 29) against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park, ushering in a new season of excitement and hope for fans across the City of Brotherly Love.

From the vibrant blooms of the Philadelphia Flower Show to the rich cultural tapestry woven through various events and celebrations, Pennsylvania in March offers an unparalleled array of experiences that cater to every interest and age group. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an art aficionado, a sports fan, or simply someone seeking to immerse themselves in the region’s rich heritage, this month promises unforgettable moments and memories that will linger long after the last petal has fallen.