Perhaps no month holds more promise in the DMV than March. With the start of spring comes milder weather and the return of outdoor fun (think concerts, ball games and cherry blossoms). Start planning your calendar with these upcoming options.
Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 42nd annual parade will take to the the streets of Old Town Alexandria with performers such as Irish dancers and pipe bands. The procession gets going at the corner of King and St. Asaph streets on March 1 at 12:30 p.m. The Ballyshaners is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, nonpartisan, all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish heritage. // King and St. Asaph streets, Alexandria
Celtic Underground Concert
The Cherry Hill Farmhouse in Falls Church will be hopping with live Irish, Americana and folk music on March 1, 6-8 p.m. Register here. Tickets cost $20 for Little City residents and $25 for nonresidents. // 312 Park Ave., Falls Church
Virginia Tech STEM Discovery Fair
As part of the grand opening celebrations for the new Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard, this free event on March 1, 2:30-5:30 p.m. invites STEM fans of all ages to participate in hands-on workshops, watch demos of cutting-edge tech and learn from expert-led discussions. // 3625 Potomac Ave., Alexandria
Cheesetique Après-Ski Party
There’s nothing cheesy about donning your best “ski chic” look and celebrating the season with raclette, a Swiss dish starring savory melted cheese. Cheesetique’s RacletteFest 2025 runs through March 2 and culminates with a party from 4-7 p.m. that day. Enjoy a special menu featuring a wine flight, the Ski Bum Snack (pretzel bites with raclette cheese dip) and cocktails such as Meet Me at the Lodge (Old Overholt Rye, maple infusion, lemon and star anise). Plus, get raclette on any menu item for a $12 upcharge. During the party, compete in a “best dressed” contest, dance to DJ-spun tunes and play ski lodge games. Tickets are $45. // 2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray)
Legacy on Ice
Honor the lives lost in the Jan. 29 plane and helicopter collision near Reagan National Airport by attending a live figure skating tribute at Capital One Arena March 2 at 3 p.m. Olympian Brian Boitano will host a star-studded event with performances by Ilia Malinin, a Fairfax resident and 2024 world champion, and Olympic gold medal winners Tara Lipinski, Kristi Yamaguchi and Scott Hamilton. Tickets start at $25, and all proceeds benefit the U.S. Figure Skating Foundation, Greater Washington Community Foundation, and DC Fire & EMS Foundation. Can’t be there in person? You can still donate to the cause and watch it on TV. It will be streamed live on Peacock and broadcast on NBC on March 30 at 1 p.m. // 601 F St., N.W., Washington, D.C.
McLean Project for the Arts Youth Art Shows
The Margriad by Avant Bard Theatre
In this adaptation of Shakespeare’s Queen Margaret of Anjou character, seven actors tell her story by weaving together four of the bard’s works: Henry VI Parts 1, 2 and 3, and Richard III. The two-hour show includes two 10-minute intermissions. Catch it March 6-29 (see website for times). There are several pay-what-you-can performances. General admission is $40, but Arlington students can attend for free. Other students, seniors and service members or veterans pay $20. // Gunston Arts Center, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington (Long Branch Creek)
LEGO F1-themed Build the Thrill Event
Get revved up for a new experience March 6-April 27 at the Lego Discovery Center Washington, D.C. Use Lego bricks to build your own minifig and race car, then step on the gas to see what they can do. Master model builders and playmakers will be on hand with tips as you take the wheel against other guests. While there, be sure to check out the Lego Formula 1 exhibit in the Mini World area. Tickets start at $26.99. // 6563 Springfield Town Center, Springfield
Women’s History Month Wine Tasting
Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique is partnering with Slater Run Vineyards‘ winemaker Katell Griaud for a tasting of French-style wines on March 7, 4-7 p.m. The menu includes Pet Nat Blanc 2024, Rose 2023, Petit Manseng 2022 and Pit Jumper 2021, which just won the gold medal in the 2024 Harvest Challenge. Registration is required and is free for members of Beauty’s Wine Club, plus one guest. For nonmembers entry is $15, including a $5 credit toward a wine purchase. // 576 23rd St., S., Arlington (National Landing)
Saved By the 90s at State Theatre
The 1990s were, like, da bomb. Get jiggy with tunes from Third Eye Blind, Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys and the Beastie Boys at this dance party March 7, 9 p.m., at the State Theatre. Tickets are $18 in advance and $21 on the day of. // 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church
We’re Expecting! Kitten & Baby Wildlife Shower
Spring is baby season in the animal world, and the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is celebrating with a paw-ty. On March 8, 10 a.m.-noon, meet the shelter’s littlest residents and learn what it takes to care for them, including how you can help. Admission to this family-friendly event is free, but bring a gift for the animals or order something from the registry. // 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
Happy Hour Bingo
Enjoy a little friendly competition March 11, 18 and 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., by joining free bingo games hosted by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District and DC Fray. All ages are welcome and winners will get gift cards to neighborhood restaurants, among other prizes. Register for a spot at the Bennett Park Art Atrium here. // 1601 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Spring 2025 E-CARE
Doing some spring cleaning that includes getting rid of hazardous household materials and old electronics? Bring them to this spring Environmental Collection and Recycling event March 15, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at Wakefield High School. The county will waive recycling fees for all items except for cathode ray televisions ($20) and computer monitors ($15). // 1325 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Make Your Own Paper Tulips Workshop at Botanologica
Spring is coming—eventually. Think warm and creative thoughts at this Botanologica-hosted class in Falls Church on March 15, 2-4 p.m., where makers of all ages can transform a sheet of paper into a cheerful blossom. No crafting experience necessary. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have at least one paper flower to take home, plus the skills and supplies to make three to five more. Crafters of all ages are welcome, although participants 14 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tickets are $65. // 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Arlington Artists Alliance: A Brighter Light
This Arlington Artists Alliance exhibition opens March 20 with a free reception from 5-7 p.m. featuring wine, light snacks and live music. The star of the show will be works exploring themes of hope, clarity, renewal and optimism through the use of color, shadow and texture. The exhibit runs through May 4. // 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Cirque de Paris
Head to the big top to see the thrilling tricks and hilarious antics of the French circus artists who perform in this 90-minute show. Stay riveted to BMX trick riders, high-flying aerialists and, of course, clowns, during this all-new show. Catch it March 20-30 near the Potomac Mills shopping center. Tickets start at $35 per child and $30 per adult. // 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge
Fiesta del Sol
This Latin American & Caribbean festival returns to the McLean Community Center on March 22, 5-10 p.m. Snack on tapas while tapping your feet to live music and shopping the wares of local artisans. Plus, you can learn how to dance the salsa, meringue or cumbia. // 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean
Sweet Spring Cookie Decorating Class
Have a tasty time perfecting your frosting skills under the tutelage of an expert from Alexandria’s Sugarcoated Bakery. This beginner-friendly class March 23, 1-2:30 p.m. at Caboose Commons comes with six or 12 cookies (gluten-free are available!) in shapes such as a bird, rain boot and daisy and four colors of royal icing. Open to all ages; everyone 5 and older needs a ticket, which costs $75. // 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Pink in the Park: Pink Beats
National Landing’s Water Park will celebrate cherry blossom season with a three-part music series happening March 27, April 3 and April 10, 4-9 p.m. Try spring-inspired food and drinks from the park’s nine kiosks amid blossom-inspired décor, lawn games and, of course, lively music. The event is free to attend, but you’ll have to pay for goodies from the kiosks. // 1601 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Arlington Teen Summer Job Fair 2025
Teens ages 14-18 looking for summer gigs, internships and volunteer opportunities can browse options from 30-plus local employers at this annual expo. Happening March 29, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Thomas Jefferson Community & Fitness Center, it’s free to attend. // 3501 S. Second St., Arlington (Arlington Heights Historic District)
Capital One Park Baseball Games
The schedule for the home field of Marymount and Georgetown universities (and the Potomac League, a summer league for college players) is a home run this year. See players hit one out of the park throughout the month and through May 24. // 1600 Scotts Crossing Road, Tysons