Special events in March around Northern Virginia!
March 2, 2019
Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Visitors and residents are invited to don their green and line King Street in Old Town Alexandria, VA to kick off the region’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the 38th Annual Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade, presented by the Ballyshaners, a nonprofit organization that aims to promote and preserve Irish heritage. More than 2,000 participants will march in the parade, including dog rescue groups, pipe and drum bands, the Notre Dame Alumni Band, historical re-enactors, Shriners and Kena cars, and Irish dancers. Parade-goers come early for the Fun Dog Show on Market Square, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. More than 30 costumed dogs will compete in a range of categories, including Best Human/Canine Look-Alike, Most Talented and Most St. Paddy’s Spirit. The dogs will then kick off the parade at 12:30 p.m.
Parade starts at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m.; the Fun Dog Show is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Parade starts at King and Alfred Streets and ends at Lee and Cameron Streets; the Fun Dog Show is on Market Square in front of City Hall at 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA.
The event takes place rain or shine.
March 2 – 3, 2019
The D.C. Big Flea and Antiques Market: Dulles Expo Center, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Admission is good for both days. Over 700 booths in 2 huge halls. The Mid-Atlantic’s largest indoor flea market. Shop for unique and affordable antiques and collectibles.
March 3 – March 9, 2019
Fairfax City Restaurant Week: The City of Fairfax will be hosting Restaurant Week beginning March 3rd. Visit one of the 23 participating restaurants for a three course meal – lunch $20 and dinner $35.
March 16, 2019
Four Courts Four Miler: Ireland’s Four Courts, 2051 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. Race begins at 9am. Downhill for the first half, uphill for the second. This course will make you swear you’ve got the luck of the Irish. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you, but you’ll just love the challenge.) But, never mind the hill! The post-race gathering is free of hills and full of beers, for the Finish Line is at Arlington’s favorite Irish pub, Ireland’s Four Courts. If you can still stand, do an Irish jig. If not, enjoy live music and the Irish dancers jigging for you.
March 12 – March 14, 2019
Shen Yun: George Mason University Center for the Arts. This epic production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms—classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographic effects and all-original orchestral works, Shen Yun opens a portal to a civilization of enchanting beauty and enlightening wisdom. Traditional Chinese culture, with its profoundly optimistic worldview and deep spiritual roots, was displaced by communism in China. Today, only the New York–based Shen Yun is keeping this precious heritage alive on stage. And it’s an experience that will take your breath away.
March 15 – March 17, 2019
Super Pet Expo at the Dulles Expo Center: A fun event for all pet lovers! Shop local and national exhibitors, meet adoptable pets, learn about pets and pet related products, leashed pets welcome. Hours: Friday 3pm to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Admission: $13/Adults, $8/Kids, Children 3 and under are free. Weekend passes also available.
March 17, 2019
Lucky Leprechaun 5K: Reston Town Center at 8am. Run like you’ve got the luck of the Irish on your side! Post-race, enjoy a fun filled celebration at the finish line! There will be a FREE short (about 100 yards) kids fun run at 9:00 a.m. Registration for the kids fun run will take place that morning near the finish line.
March 17, 2019
The Nowruz Festival: Held at Tysons Corner Center (10am to 6pm) outside of Bloomingdale’s, The Nowruz Festival is the largest complimentary event for the Iranian-American community that celebrates the Persian New Year. The event is held in March and has more than 10,000 attendees. The grand outdoor festival that celebrates the Persian New Year includes more than six hours of live performances, including music, dance, live characters, local artists, as well as a Nowruz Bazaar with dozens of booths selling a variety of Haft-Sin items and sprouts, Persian traditional sweets and pastries, crafts, and fresh and hot food.
March 20 – April 14, 2019
National Cherry Blossom Festival: The National Park Service predicted the peak bloom of the cherry trees as April 3 – April 6, 2019. From the blossoms at The Tidal Basin to more than 40 events that make up the Festival, the whole city will come to life this spring from March 20th through April 14th! For the full schedule of this year’s events, visit: https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/all-events/
March 22 – March 24, 2019
Sugarloaf Craft Festival at the Dulles Expo Center: Enjoy more than 250 fine artists and craft designers offering their one-of-a-kind work including decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography, and fine art. The Festival also includes gourmet foods for sampling and purchase, live music, interactive children’s entertainment, and live demonstrations by talented artists.
Hours: Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm.
Admission: $10/Adults ($8/online), Children 12 and under are free.
March 24, 2019
The Ides of Bark Dog Festival: Come to Grist Mill Park (Alexandria) on March 24, 2019 from 1pm to 4pm, for the annual Ides of Bark celebration. It’s the ultimate event for you and your canine pal, and admission is free! At Ides of Bark, there will be games, prizes, food and fun for everyone in the family — on two feet and four feet. Enjoy demonstrations by the Fairfax County Police K-9 unit. Visit with vendors catering to all your dog’s needs. Pet First Aid/CPR demonstrations and health assessments will be offered every half hour by Pet Tech instructors. You can also license your dog with Fairfax County. Licenses will be available for $10 (cash or check) with proof of a current rabies shot.
March 30, 2019
Blossom Kite Festival: 10am to 4:30pm on the grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is kicking off kite season. The 8th annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field. Kites will also be available for purchase onsite.
For Easter Events, visit our guide to Easter Egg Hunts in Northern Virginia here!