Spring is in the air! As the frost melts, Virginia bursts into life with cherry blossoms, maple syrup festivals, and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
Here is your guide to the best events happening across the Commonwealth in March 2026.
March 2026 at a Glance
| Category | Highlight Event | Location |
| Nature | Maple Festival | Highland County |
| Culture | Festival of the Book | Charlottesville |
| Sport | MEAC Tournament | Norfolk |
| Spring | Cherry Blossom Festival | Northern VA |
Northern Virginia
43rd Annual Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- When: March 7, 2026 (12:15 PM)
- Where: Old Town Alexandria
- What: Known as the first St. Paddy’s parade in the DC area, this beloved tradition features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, and community groups. Arrive early to grab a spot on King Street!
National Cherry Blossom Festival
- When: March 20 – April 12, 2026
- Where: Northern Virginia & DC (Arlington, Alexandria, and the Tidal Basin)
- What: Celebrate the pink blooms with signature events like the Opening Ceremony (March 21) and the Blossom Kite Festival (March 28). In Virginia, look for “Petal Porch” displays and special cherry-themed menus in Arlington and Alexandria.
Woodlawn Needlework Show & Sale
- When: March 1–31, 2026
- Where: Woodlawn Historic Site, Alexandria
- What: A needlework lover’s dream. This month-long exhibition features thousands of hand-stitched pieces from across the country in a historic 19th-century setting.
Central Virginia (Richmond & Charlottesville)
- When: March 20–22, 2026
- Where: Various Locations, Charlottesville
- What: A massive literary celebration bringing together over 100 authors for 60+ events. This year’s theme, “Revolutions,” celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US with panels on fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.
Richmond St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
- When: March 14, 2026 (Starting at 10:00 AM)
- Where: Various venues, Richmond (Liquid 2.0 / Bandito’s)
- What: Don your greenest gear for a tour of Richmond’s best bars and breweries. Expect drink specials, DJs, and a high-energy holiday atmosphere.
Coastal Virginia (Hampton Roads)
- When: March 11–14, 2026
- Where: Norfolk Scope Arena, Norfolk
- What: Catch the excitement of Division I college basketball as the Men’s and Women’s MEAC teams battle for a spot in the Big Dance. The event also features a “Legacy of Literacy” community fair and workshops.
- When: March 27–29, 2026
- Where: Harbor Park, Norfolk
- What: Baseball is back! The Norfolk Tides (Triple-A affiliate of the Orioles) kick off their 2026 season against the Nashville Sounds. Enjoy a sunset over the Elizabeth River while rooting for the home team.
12th Annual Wearable Arts Show
- When: Mid-March 2026 (Check site for date)
- Where: Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk
- What: A one-of-a-kind runway event where over 50 students from the Governor’s School for the Arts showcase high-fashion costumes made from non-traditional materials.
Blue Ridge & Shenandoah Valley
67th Annual Highland County Maple Festival
- When: March 14–15 & 21–22, 2026
- Where: County-wide (Monterey, McDowell, Blue Grass)
- What: “Virginia’s Sweetest Event.” Tour authentic maple sugar camps, watch syrup-making demos, and indulge in famous pancake meals. There are also 100+ craft vendors and live clogging performances.
St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Brewery
- When: March 17, 2026
- Where: Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton
- What: Enjoy live Irish music and a special “Irish Fare” menu with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.