25+ Can’t-Miss March Events & Festivals in Michigan
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March is the month where winter and spring share the calendar and Michigan gets the best of both.
One weekend: you’re bundled up for a Polar Plunge or a brewery tent party. The next: you’re wandering a tropical conservatory with butterflies landing nearby like spring is really here.
This guide pulls together the can’t-miss happenings across the state — from maple syrup weekends and Irish celebrations to ski hill shenanigans, restaurant weeks, and festivals that give you an easy reason to plan a day trip.
Whether you’re chasing cozy small-town fun or looking for a packed weekend in the city, there’s something here that feels like a fresh start.
Pick a date, grab a friend, and let March surprise you.
Butterflies are Blooming | Grand Rapids
March 1 – April 30, 2026
Spring plans are taking flight inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where thousands of live butterflies flutter freely around you in a warm, colorful escape.
Expect up-close moments at feeding stations, new butterflies emerging weekly (so every visit feels a little different), and plenty of photo-worthy tropical blooms. It’s included with general admission, and you’ll want light layers since the conservatory is warm and humid.
Savor the Shoreline | St. Joseph
March 2-31, 2026
If your idea of spring fun includes trying a new place to eat (or finally making it to the spot everyone keeps recommending), Savor the Shoreline is your perfect excuse.
During this St. Joseph restaurant month, participating restaurants across Southwest Michigan roll out special meal deals that make it easy to taste your way around the area.
Here’s the fun part: Grab a Savor the Shoreline passport at a participating location or the St. Joe Today Welcome Center (301 State Street).
Then, collect stamps by dining in at least five participating spots. Turn in your completed passport by Friday, April 3, for a chance to win prizes.
Note: Most locations offer a $25 meal option (either $25 per person or per couple, depending on the restaurant), so you can plan a few delicious outings without overthinking it.
Butterflies in Bloom | Midland
March 6 – April 19, 2026
If you’re craving a little spring before the forecast catches up, head to Dow Gardens for Butterflies in Bloom, an interactive conservatory experience where thousands of brilliantly colored butterflies emerge from their chrysalises, feed, and flutter all around you in a tropical setting.
It’s included with regular admission (or an annual admission card), but reservations are required. Also, tickets need to be purchased in advance online or by phone. Plan to arrive a bit early and allow time for the 0.25-mile walk to the Conservatory, too.
Note: While this event runs on Tuesdays through Sundays, the hours differ slightly. You’ll be able to see the available hours when you choose your tickets.
Hops N’ Highlands | Harbor Springs
March 7, 2026
If your perfect winter day includes fresh air, après vibes, and a Michigan craft beer lineup, Hops N’ Highlands delivers.
Head to The Highlands in Harbor Springs for a slopeside tasting party in the Main Lodge Backyard, featuring pours from breweries like Short’s, Bell’s, Founders, Grand Armory, and more.
Tickets are $25 and include event access plus four sampling tickets, with extra tasting tickets available on-site. The party ends in the early evening, then keeps going with an after-party at the Zoo Bar.
Note: Hops N’ Highlands is only for attendees aged 21 and older, so bring your ID, bundle up, and settle into a full afternoon of “fun on tap.”
Brrs, Beards, and Brews: A Lumberjack Festival | Lansing
March 7, 2026
Old Town Lansing goes full flannel for this rowdy winter throwdown, where “lumberjack” energy meets beer, bourbon, games, food, music, and some seriously entertaining competitions.
Expect Michigan’s Least Professional Beard & Mustache Competition (yes, handmade beards count), plus Feats of Strength that blend brawn and brains.
This event is held on Turner Street, and there’s a $15 minimum donation. Also, the organizers ask guests to skip outside food and drinks since plenty will be available on-site.
Note: This is a 21+ event, so bring a valid photo ID.
Maple Sugar Festival | Kalamazoo
March 7, 2026
Spring starts tasting a whole lot sweeter at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, where the Maple Sugar Festival returns for a full day of pancakes, fresh air, and classic Michigan maple magic.
The 61st annual celebration has maple sugaring demo stations along the trail, old-fashioned games, and horse and tractor-drawn wagon rides that make this feel like a true “first signs of spring” tradition.
Your ticket includes all-day pancake breakfast (plus ice cream with real maple syrup) and access to the day’s activities, including family-friendly extras like Creature Feature presentations and magic shows.
Marquette Restaurant Week | Marquette
March 8-14, 2026
Marquette Restaurant Week is a delicious excuse to treat yourself to the local flavors that make this lakefront town so easy to love.
Throughout the week, participating restaurants in Downtown Marquette roll out specials, discounts, and sometimes even brand-new dishes, giving you a fun way to try somewhere new (or revisit a favorite with a little extra incentive).
Expect everything from pub grub and artisan baked goods to seafood, authentic ethnic cuisine, and “just one more bite” sandwiches. Menu offerings can change, so it’s worth checking what’s posted as the week gets closer.
Irish Festival | Clare
March 11-14, 2026
Clare turns green for a few days every March, and this beloved St. Patrick’s Day celebration is the reason why.
Expect a full lineup of small-town fun with Irish-inspired dining specials, shopping specials, entertainment, food trucks, contests, and plenty of reasons to keep popping in and out of downtown all weekend long.
Want to make it extra memorable? The Irish Festival Road Race takes over the streets on Saturday, March 14, with a 10K, 5K, and 2-mile walk (plus a kids fun run), starting and finishing at Clare High School.
LaughFest | Grand Rapids
March 11-15, 2026
If you love to laugh, this is the festival for you. This five-day March event features dozens of fun events across Grand Rapids (with a few shows elsewhere in West Michigan), including stand-up sets from several popular comedians.
Parents looking for a wholesome family activity can bring the kids along, too. Features like the Clean Comedy Showcase and Kids Joke Time let even young attendees join in the fun.
Leelanau Wine & Cheese | Leelanau Peninsula
March 13-15, 2026
This is one of those “plan a weekend around it” kind of tastings.
Leelanau Wine & Cheese pairs local wines with artisan cheeses in a self-guided tour across participating wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, so you can sip, snack, and explore at your own pace.
Tickets are required, and your pass includes a wine-and-cheese pairing at each participating winery. Pick up your ticket and event info at the designated check-in location (listed on the event page), then hit the trail and make a day of it.
Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival | Jackson
March 14, 2026
Though it’s known as a winter festival, this beer event takes place in March around the same time as several other Michigan beer festivals.
At the Jackson County Fairgrounds (the American 1 Event Center at Keeley Park), over 150 craft beers, ciders, meads, and wines are available to sample for beer enthusiasts who flock in for the variety of pours.
Visitors are advised to dress warmly as they enjoy fire pits, ice sculpture demonstrations, games, and other activities.
Irish Off Ionia | Grand Rapids
March 14, 2026
Grand Rapids goes full green at Irish Off Ionia, one of the city’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Formerly Irish On Ionia, this all-day party takes over Calder Plaza with a new layout that’s built for more space, easier flow, and even more to do.
Stop by for live music and Irish performances. Plus, there will be plenty of sips to choose from — beer, cider, cocktails, and gluten-free and zero-proof options.
Note: It’s 21+ only, and it’s a cashless event, so plan to pay by card or tap.
Detroit Shamrock Festival | Detroit
March 14, 2026
Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Day season kicks off with the Detroit Shamrock Festival “Big Tent Party” in Greektown at Detroit Festival Grounds.
The party starts at noon. and runs into the evening, making it an easy “come for a bit or stay all day” kind of celebration.
Gwinn Polar Plunge | Gwinn
March 14, 2026
Ready to be cold for a cause? The Gwinn Polar Plunge invites brave (and slightly wild) Michiganders to take the plunge while raising funds to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes.
The event takes place at Up North Lodge, with the plunge set for noon. Whether you’re jumping in yourself or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a feel-good winter tradition that turns a quick icy dip into real impact.
Leprechaun Days | Lake Orion
March 14-15, 2026
Canterbury Village goes full St. Patrick’s Day mode for Leprechaun Days, a festive weekend built for families who want a little Irish fun without the “late-night party” vibe.
Expect kid-friendly activities, themed entertainment, and plenty of reasons to show up in your best green gear and wander the village.
Note: Admission is $5 per person, but kids ages 2 and younger are free.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Detroit
March 15, 2026
Detroit’s biggest Irish celebration takes over Corktown with the 68th annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade, drawing an estimated 80,000–100,000 spectators along Michigan Avenue.
The parade assembles at noon at 6th Street and Michigan Ave., steps off at 1 p.m., and heads west to 14th Street. Plan for about two hours of marching bands, pipe and drums, color guards, floats, and more.
Bringing kids? The Family Fun Zone offers reserved grandstand viewing at the beginning of the route, plus pre-parade entertainment and warm drinks. Tickets must be purchased online in advance by March 11, 2026.
The Ides of March | Traverse City
March 15, 2026
If you’ve ever wanted to stumble into Shakespeare in the most unexpected way, this one’s for you.
The Ides of March is a free, roaming Shakespeare festival at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, where food, drink, and live performance intertwine as you wander from venue to venue.
You’ll encounter “bite-sized” scenes, songs, and soliloquies popping up throughout the Village. A short performance is offered about every half hour, so you can build your own afternoon adventure.
It’s a collaboration with The World’s a Stage and local partners (including Mashup Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical), plus participating Traverse City businesses offering food, drinks, and specials along the way.
Mount Bohemia Spring Serenade | Houghton
March 20-22, 2026
If you like your spring weekends with a little edge (and a lot of après energy), Mount Bohemia’s Spring Serenade is calling.
This three-day music festival brings live performances to the Keweenaw with shows at Mount Bohemia, plus that unmistakable end-of-season ski vibe.
Expect a full weekend lineup of bands, on-mountain fun during the day, and concerts that keep things lively long after the lifts slow down.
Make it a mini Houghton getaway, and stay on-site so you can soak up the whole weekend without worrying about the drive.
Fretboard Festival | Kalamazoo
March 20-21, 2026
Kalamazoo has serious guitar roots, and the Fretboard Festival is the weekend that puts them on full display.
Hosted by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, this two-day celebration brings together live music, workshops, and hands-on fun that highlight the city’s fretboard legacy — from legendary instruments to the artists keeping the sound alive today.
Expect performances at multiple venues, including the museum and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, plus special events like the Friday-night show featuring Zero Sun.
Whether you play, collect, or just love a great live set, this is a can’t-miss March weekend in Downtown Kalamazoo.
Whiskey Festival | Grand Rapids
March 21, 2026
For those who enjoy whiskey, this is a great festival to create memories with friends and enjoy some top-notch spirits during March at DeVos Place.
No matter if you like Scotch whisky, American whiskey, Rye whiskey, Kentucky bourbon, or some other variety, this festival allows visitors to explore all those options and connect with representatives from some of the world’s top whiskey brands.
Motor City Blues Festival | Detroit
March 21, 2026
Detroit’s Fox Theatre is bringing the soul this spring with the 18th Annual Motor City Blues Festival, part of “The Blues Is Alright Tour.” The show starts at 7 p.m., but the doors open about one hour before.
Expect a stacked night of Southern Soul and modern blues featuring King George, Pokey Bear, Lenny Williams, West Love, Mike Clark Jr., and EJ Jones, with Henry Welch hosting the night.
Testicle Festival | Deerfield
March 21, 2026
If you’ve never heard of Deerfield’s most infamous fundraiser, here’s your heads-up. The Testicle Festival is a long-running annual party hosted by Deerfield American Legion Post 392.
As one of the most obscure festivals in Michigan, it’s exactly as memorable as it sounds.
Dinner is served from noon until sold out, featuring Rocky Mountain oysters (deep-fried cattle and bull testicles) plus chicken gizzards, baked beans, slaw, and rolls.
Show up ready for a full-day hang with music, a cash bar, a gun raffle, and festival merch, with things wrapping up in the late evening.
Pro Tip: this one can sell out early, so arriving sooner rather than later is a smart move.
Nub’s Nob Mardi Gras | Harbor Springs
March 21, 2026
Nub’s Nob wraps the season with its Mardi Gras celebration, a full afternoon of silly races, costumes, and “did-that-just-happen?” moments on the slopes.
Registration happens at the front desk the day of, and the schedule is packed with a Crazy Kids & Mogul Muncher’s Silly Slalom for ages 20 and under, the Dorie Sarns Challenge (a modified dual GS on Birch Run), and a 21+ Silly Slalom with teams of two.
Then comes the crowd-pleaser: The Soaker Cup where skiers attempt to cross LAKE NUBS without taking a dip (spots are limited to the first 100). Costume judging hits the deck as well, and yes, there are prizes on the line.
Bonus: Bargain Passes are valid for the day.
Maple Syrup Day | Midland
March 21, 2026
Spring smells a little sweeter at Chippewa Nature Center during Maple Syrup Day, a family-friendly celebration that brings maple sugaring season to life.
Stop in for hands-on demonstrations, learning stations, and a chance to see how sap turns into that golden Michigan staple.
Come hungry, too. The day includes a pancake breakfast served in the Visitor Center, with real maple syrup as the finishing touch. It’s a perfect “first warm-ish weekend” outing that feels equal parts fun and nostalgic.
Maple Syrup Festival | Lansing
March 21-22, 2026
If you love a good “spring is finally on the way” moment, Fenner Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Festival is it. This sweet weekend celebration in Lansing is free to attend (with a $5 suggested donation).
Come ready to learn and snack. You can watch sap turn into syrup with hands-on demonstrations of traditional and modern boiling techniques. Also try tree tapping, and even test your strength with a “yoke lift.”
Hungry? Add on Flapjacks for Fenner, the pancake fundraiser featuring Chris Cakes. Tickets are $10 per plate and include all-you-can-eat pancakes — plus sausage, butter and syrup; an orange drink; and a sample of real Michigan maple syrup.
And yes, there are plenty of maple treats to round it out, including maple cotton candy and root beer, plus bottles of locally made syrup to take home.
Carnival Weekend | Boyne Falls
March 21-22, 2026
Boyne Mountain goes full “spring skiing chaos” (in the best way) for Carnival Weekend, a two-day tradition packed with on-slope antics, costumes, and high-energy fun. If you’ve never seen a pond skim in real life, this is your chance.
Expect a full weekend lineup that blends end-of-season ski vibes with classic Boyne-style events, including the Slush Cup, live entertainment, and plenty of reasons to hang around the base area even if you’re not hitting the lifts.
Costumes are encouraged, cheering is basically required, and the overall goal is simple: Soak up every last bit of winter before it’s gone.
Michigan Maple Syrup Festival | Jones
March 21-22 & March 28-29, 2026
If spring in Michigan had a signature scent, it might be the sweet steam rising from Maple Row Sugar House during the Michigan Maple Syrup Festival.
This farm-based festival is free and mixes classic maple season vibes with family-friendly fun, tasty food, and plenty of “wait, this is so cute” moments.
Come hungry. Breakfast is available all day, along with lunch and maple treats. Plus, you can hop on free, self-guided sugarhouse tours anytime during festival hours to see how maple sap becomes pure syrup in a modern operation.
Daily fun includes a petting farm, living history-style maple sugaring at the French Colonial Maple Sugar Camp, and horse-drawn wagon rides (weather permitting).
Special events vary by day, with highlights like a Civil War camp, music, and a pancake-eating contest. However, dress for a working farm — hello, mud.
Oberon Day | Kalamazoo
March 23, 2026
In Kalamazoo, Oberon Day is basically the unofficial “hello, spring” holiday. It’s the annual release of Bell’s Oberon Ale, and the Eccentric Café celebrates with a full day of good vibes, fresh pours, and all the sunshine-season energy for which Oberon is known.
Stop by Bell’s Brewery for the release-day festivities, then keep the celebration rolling with the many Oberon-themed events that pop up around town. If you love beer traditions with a Michigan twist, this one belongs on your March calendar.
Film Festival | Ann Arbor
March 24-29, 2026
Founded in 1963, this is the oldest experimental and avant-garde film festival in North America. It has been recognized as one of the best forums for independent artists and filmmakers.
The Ann Arbor Film Festival offers attendees quite a cinematic experience. Over six days, more than 180 films are presented in all genres from more than 20 countries. For fans of independent films, this is a must-attend Ann Arbor event in March.
Starkbierfest | Cedar Springs
March 28, 2026
Cedar Springs Brewing Company throws its “little Oktoberfest” in the spring with Starkbierfest, a strong beer celebration inspired by Germany’s traditional Bock season.
This 10th annual party is held in its outdoor area and Bier Tent (rain or shine), so dress for the weather and come ready for a lively night of limited-release Bock beers, live music, and a full-on #SausageParty.
Live music includes Rudi Tegethoff and Trixie Tang, plus featured pours like Küsterer Pale Bock (on cask) and Küsterer Doppelbock, with additional drafts in the tent.
Your March Plans Start Here
If there’s one thing Michigan does well, it’s giving you a reason to get out of the house, even when the forecast can’t make up its mind.
From maple syrup weekends and Irish celebrations to brewery tents, butterflies, and end-of-season ski chaos, March is packed with “okay, we’re definitely doing that” moments.
Before you go, double-check event pages for last-minute updates, then pick one (or three), invite a friend, and make it a month of little adventures.