Punxsutawney Phil promised an early spring, so now is the perfect time to escape your winter cocoon to enjoy PA’s many March events and festivals!
1. Dietrich Theater Winter Fest 2024
Put down the remote and join Dietrich Theater for the final days of its movie marathon during its last week of Winter Fest 2024. Sit back and relax to enjoy featured screenings of films from a variety of film genres, including “The Boys in the Boat,” “The Holdovers,” “The Iron Claw,” and “Freud’s Last Session.”
When: Now-Mar. 7
Where: Tunkhannock
Cost: $8.50
2. Maple Weekend Taste & Tour
Enjoy a weekend filled with all things maple at Somerset County’s signature Maple Weekend Taste and Tour. The free, self-guided tour is hosted by the Somerset County Maple Producers Association. Explore area farms to learn about maple syrup production and sample a variety of delicious maple products from those who know maple best! At each stop, try fresh maple syrup and other goodies, take guided tours, and get your hands sticky with hands-on demonstrations.
When: Mar. 9-10
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: Price varies
3. March Madness Cooking Classes
Visit beautiful Mansion House 1757 for hands-on cooking classes every Monday in March. Expertly taught by Executive Chef George Keeney, experience farm-to-table fine dining in an intimate and interactive setting. Learn about PA's heritage through German cooking techniques and other weekly cuisine themes. Extend your culinary adventure with a delightful overnight stay in one of their beautifully restored rooms at this historic boutique inn.
When: Mar. 11, 18, and 25
Where: Fairfield
Cost: $50
4. Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo
If you obsess over all the furry friends at the National Dog Show held each Thanksgiving, you won’t want to miss the Greater Philadelphia Pet Expo! This event is perfect for families, with plenty of educational, fun, and interactive activities about all things fluffy, scaly, and feathered. Don’t forget to take a doggy bag home with treats and trinkets for your pets. Don’t have a pet of your own? Play with animals from local shelters at the Expo Center and possibly find your new best friend!
When: Mar. 8-10
Where: Oaks
Cost: Price varies
5. PEEPS® in the Village
Make a sweet escape to Peddler’s Village for the 5th Annual PEEPS® in the Village. Visit a marshmallow wonderland filled with more than 130 vibrant creations crafted by local artists. Springtime is the best season for colorful candies, bunnies, and chicks, so don't miss this creative competition!
When: Mar. 11-Apr. 14 (except Mar. 31)
Where: Lahaska
Cost: Free
6. Celtic Classic Dog Show
See the best in show at the Celtic Classic Dog Show. This annual showcase features lots of doggone fun, inviting dog breeders and lovers to the York Expo Center. More than 8,000 top canines of all breeds will compete for the title of Best in Show, aka the “top dog” —and, of course, treats! Bring home a doggie bag of your own from the many pet-friendly vendors, and even take a Dog Show Tour of the competition.
When: Mar. 13-17
Where: York
Cost: Free
7. 101st Annual Erie Art Museum Spring Show
For more than 100 years, the Erie Art Museum has been showcasing artistic expressions from local artists. Discover the best of western Pennsylvania’s artistry at the 101st annual Spring Show, a juried multi-media exhibition. The exhibit features artists from across the region and their contemporary and fine art installations. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color, creativity, and culture in Erie!
When: Mar. 15-Aug. 9
Where: Erie
Cost: Price varies
8. Ghost City Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a spooky spot of tea in Downtown Gettysburg at Ghost City. Throughout March, discover the hallowed history of one of America’s most haunted towns as you sip on a calming “cuppa” in Lincoln Square. Dine elegantly like the redcoats with a classic array of finger sandwiches, baked goods, and a hot pot of tea.
When: Mar. 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31
Where: Gettysburg
Cost: $25
9. NCAA March Madness
Experience March Madness right here in Pennsylvania! Cheer on the competing teams at PPG Paints Arena when Duquesne University hosts the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. Watch as some of college basketball’s best of the best go head-to-head in this high-stakes competition filled with school spirit and buzzer-beaters.
When: Mar. 21 and 23
Where: Pittsburgh
Cost: Price varies
10. Art in Bloom
The Westmoreland Museum of American Art will blossom this spring during Art in Bloom! Watch as the museum’s galleries come to life with gorgeous floral arrangements inspired by the museum’s artwork and created by the region’s highly talented florists and floral designers. Try your hand at floral designing with demonstrations and workshops, and find inspiration for your own home projects from Westmoreland’s many guest speakers.
When: Mar. 21-24
Where: Greensburg
Cost: Free for members; $10 for non-members
11. Erie Home and Garden Expo
The Erie Home and Garden Expo is what HGTV dreams are made of! This annual showcase for homeowners, design enthusiasts, gardeners, and industry professionals feature the latest home improvement trends. Shop from more than 150 vendors selling stylish home décor, landscaping supplies, and renovation services. Tour a home built inside the expo center!
When: Mar. 22-24
Where: Erie
Cost: $7; free for children under 10 years of age
12. Maple Harvest Festival and Pancake Breakfast
Step back in time as costumed interpreters demonstrate old-world maple farming techniques from Native American and Colonial times to today's techniques at the Maple Harvest Festival and Pancake Breakfast at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. Brush up on your nature knowledge and learn all about turning sap into maple sugar. Bring the whole family for a delicious pancake breakfast, toe-tapping folk music, a climbing wall, and all the maple treats you can eat!
When: Mar. 23-24
Where: Petersburg
Cost: Price varies
13. Pocono Irish-American Club St. Patrick's Day Parade
Kiss me, I’m Pennsylvanian! Everyone’s Irish at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade held in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. The town transforms green as the parade of Irish dancers in traditional costumes, floats, and bagpipes makes its way through the streets. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Irish heritage with exciting music and dance!
When: Mar. 24
Where: Stroudsburg
Cost: Free
14. Media Film Festival
Lights, camera, action! The world of international film comes to the Media Towne House for the Media Film Festival. This movie tavern-style festival is filled with special screenings for film lovers of all genres, who come together to celebrate independent storytelling on the silver screen. Enjoy your brunch with a tear-jerking drama or have a dinner date while watching a movie that someday may be considered a classic.
When: Mar. 28-30
Where: Media
Cost: Price varies
Visit our website to find more events and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.