March Michigan: The Ultimate 2023 Guide to Events, Festivals and Best Things to Do in Michigan This Weekend + St. Patrick's, Butterfly Houses, Maple Syrup Festivals
March Michigan Events and Things to Do | By: Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan | Updated: February 5, 2023
The ULTIMATE SOURCE of 2023 Michigan events and fun things to do in Michigan in March!
Grab our Boredom Zapping Ideas for things to do in Michigan in Winter!
Best Southwest Michigan events monthly calendar. See what's happening in Michigan today!
Destinations: Detroit, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Houghton Lake, Midland, South Haven, St. Joseph, Upper Peninsula and more!
Plan your March Michigan trip or vacation around our inspiring festivals and events!
Best March Michigan Events, Festivals and Things to do in Michigan This Winter
Michigan is finally sneaking toward Spring!! We have lots of things to do in Michigan this weekend, perfect for kids or couples!
Wondering about events in Michigan this weekend near me?
We've got tons of ideas for you, such as butterfly houses, Monster Truck events, Maple Syrup Festivals and St. Patrick's Day fun!
What is There to do in Michigan in March?
We love March in Michigan! Did you know there is a Nordic Fire Festival heating up soon? How about Auto Rama, Butterfly Houses, Beer Festivals and tons of Maple Syrup Festivals? Oh and there's lots more Michigan events listed here...
The Ultimate March Michigan Events 2023 - So Many Fun Things to do in Michigan This Weekend!
There are so many March Michigan events to see, do and explore!! No way you will be bored!
Detroit Restaurant Week- February 22-March 3, 2023. Detroit Restaurant Week is celebration of fantastic dining showcasing locally-sourced, specially-designed three-course meals and several other exciting menu options. This sounds like a perfectly tasty March Michigan event! Here is a list of participating vendors for Detroit Restaurant Week!
Butterflies Are Blooming, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, MI-Dates March 1- April 30, 2023.
How long are butterflies at Frederik Meijer Gardens? About a month!
Be wowed by 7000 tropical Butterflies of 50 different species! We love to the bridges over the small streams and the cactus exhibits! Be sure to grab lunch in their café, it's actually great food! Perfect west Michigan event!
Exhibitions at Cranbrook Art Museum at the Cranbrook Art Museum, March 1 - March 19, 2023. See three new exhibitions that each have a unique connection to the city of Detroit.
Scooby-Doo!™ Mansion Mayhem - at The Henry Ford. February 12, 2023-April 9, 2023, Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in The Gallery by General Motors.
West Michigan Home and Garden Show, March 2-5, 2023 Grand Rapids, Devos Place, 303 Monroe Ave, NW, Grand Rapids, MI.
Thursday, March 2, 2023, 3pm-9pm; Friday, March 3, 2023, 12pm-9:30pm. Saturday, March 4, 2023, 10am-9pm and Sunday, March 5, 2023, 11am-6pm
Admission: Adult: $12 and Child (6-14): $5. Multi-Day Adult Ticket: $18
This is maple syrup month! Grab the family and head out to see how maple syrup is made!
Milford Maple Syrup Events, February 26, 2023 and March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26, 2023 from 11:00 to 3:30pm. at Kensington Metropark located at 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI
We love this March Michigan event as you take a guided walk through the farm’s Sugar Bush, learn how to pick trees, see how maple trees are tapped and how to gather sap.
You will then visit the French and Native camps to hear stories. You can visit the Sugar Shack to see and smell the sap being boiled down into maple sugar. Taste a sample of maple syrup at the end of the tour. Tours begin every ½ hour, last approximately one hour and are entirely outdoors. We highly recommend pre-registration as they sold out last year.
A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required when you enter the park, which is around $10 per car.
Butterflies In Bloom, Dow Gardens Midland, MI, 1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI- March 3, 2023 - April 16, 2023.
Enjoy colorful butterflies from around the world as they emerge from their chrysalis and fly around the tropically environment.
Tip for butterfly photographers (trust me, I've been here several times): It's best to call ahead to see if a school group is planned the day you wish to visit-just sayin'. Also, dress accordingly, it's very warm inside the butterfly house-I usually wear a tank top. This is one of my favorite March Michigan things to do!
Annual Midwest Rad Fest, The Epic Center, Kalamazoo, MI, March 3-5, 2023 at The Epic Center and the Kalamazoo Public Library where artists will feature work and presentations. Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers feature the work of over 30 choreographers, filmmakers, movement installation artists, and dance educators from all over the world in audience attended concerts, screendance presentations, master classes, artist talk-backs, interactive lectures/discussions, audience Q & A sessions, and movement installations.
Mesmerica 360 Bay City, MI located at Delta College Planetarium, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 2023.
Kalamazoo Art Hop, March 3, 2023, 5-8 p.m. FREE! Art is located in businesses throughout downtown Kalamazoo! Add it to your list of fun things to do in Michigan this weekend!
MARVAC RV and Camping Show - March 3-5, 2023. Kellogg Arena, Battle Creek, MI.
Toughest Monster Trucks in Saginaw, Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson, Saginaw, MI 48607. Cheer on your favorite Monster Truck at this perfect Michigan event for kids! The Toughest Monster Truck Tour is so FUN!
- Friday March 3, 2023. Main Event at 7:30pm. Pit Party from 5:30-6:30pm.
- Saturday March 4, 2023. Show 1. Main Event at 1pm. Pit Party from 10:45am-12Noon.
- Saturday March 4, 2023. Show 2. Main Event at 7:30pm. Pit Party from 5:15-6:30pm.
2023 CopperDog 150, CopperDog 80 Sled Dog Races - March 3, 4 and 5, 2023 in Calumet, Eagle Harbor, and Copper Harbor in Michigan's Upper Peninsula!
- Copper Dog 80 and Copper Dog 150 Stage 1: Friday, March 3, 2023, Calumet to Eagle Harbor (46 miles)
- Copper Dog 80 and Copper Dog 150 Stage 2: Saturday, March 4, 2023, Eagle Harbor to Copper Harbor (40 miles)
- Copper Dog 150 Stage 3: Sunday, March 5, 2023, Copper Harbor to Eagle Harbor (46 miles).
The Detroit Zoo-8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI ONGOING. Love Butterflies? The Wildlife Interpretive Gallery has hundreds of butterflies! The Zoo purchases about 250 butterfly pupae (chrysalises) each week for you to enjoy! The habitat is open year-round and is free with Zoo admission. Don't miss their behind-the-scenes experience called Breakfast with the Butterflies which gives you a great chance to learn more about butterflies. Perfect things to do in Michigan with kids!
Maple Sugar Magic - March 4, 2023 and March 11, 2023. 1:00 - 2:00 PM -Sarrett Nature Center. See “how to” demonstrations on maple sugaring and stroll through the woods to learn how maple syrup is made. Learn to identify maple trees, how to tap and collect the sap! Plus, discover how to turn sap into delicious maple syrup!
Shipshewana On the Road - Warren, MI, Macomb Community College Sports Expo, March 4-5, 2023, 14500 Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48088, Sat: 9:00AM - 6:00PM and Sun: 10:00AM - 5:00PM.
Wine Not? Wine Festival, March 4, 2023. WMU Fetzer Center, Kalamazoo, Michigan 1pm – 9pm.
Winter Craft Show, Kalamazoo Expo Center, March 4-5, 2023
An Afternoon at the Sugarhouse! Chippewa Nature Center, Midland Michigan. March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 2023. It's maple syrup season Saturdays and Sundays in March! Learn the process of making syrup from start to finish during this drop-in program. Peek into buckets on tapped trees, watch the steam rise in the sugarhouse and learn how to change maple sap into sweet maple syrup.
Suds and Snow at Timber Ridge, 4050 Hammond Rd E Traverse City, MI, Come out March 4, 2023, from 1:00-6:00 pm. for a 1/2 mile hike through the backwoods of Timber Ridge Resort to enjoy two live-music stages featuring local musicians, 20 + craft vendors serving beer, wine, & cider, and local food trucks. Northern Michigan’s ultimate “Party in the Woods”!
Kalamazoo Winter Craft Show, March 4 - March 5, 2023, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and also Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center located at 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo, MI Cost: FREE
Seasonal Family Forged Cross-Bavarian Blacksmith Experience
925 South Main St. Unit D6, Frankenmuth, MI. March 6th to April 30, 2023. Up to three family members will work to forge a cross together for $75.00.
Novi Boat Show, March 9-12, 2023, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI, Hours: Thursday & Friday: 2pm – 9pm, Saturday: 11am – 9pm and Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Ultimate Sports Show Grand Rapids - March 9-12, 2023, Great event for Michigan’s avid fisherman, hunters or outdoor lovers! See the latest outdoor gear, travel information and fishing boats. Nearly 100 fishing and hunting seminars will be held on 5 stages, including “Lake Ultimate,” the 110,000 gallon indoor lake. DeVos Place Convention Center, 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI. Price: Children $5, Adults $12.
March Mannequins, Downtown St. Joseph, Fri. March 10, 2023 | 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Free! Check out the downtown store window fronts as the locals have turned into mannequins!!
Kalamazoo Home & Garden Expo - March 10 - March 12, 2023, Friday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center located at 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo, MI, Adults $10 at the door/$8 in advance online or at Harding's locations.
Blue Heat Glass Art Gala and Auction at Glass Art Kalamazoo - March 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. 326 W Kalamazoo Ave Ste 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007. This fun, funky evening is all about cool art in a hot setting! Mingle and bid on fantastic, one-of-a-kind glass art pieces in both live and silent auctions. Dine on delicious hors d’oeuvres, sip on custom cocktails in your own keepsake blown glass tumbler, and enjoy the music of the Lana Hoffman Trio at Glass Art Kalamazoo. Get your tickets early!
Kalamazoo Nature Center Maple Sugar Festival - KNC's Maple Sugar Festival Saturday, March 11, 2023. Times will be 9-5 each day. You don't want to miss their pancake breakfast, guided tours of the syrup-making process, live animal programs, games and "sweet" vendors.
Family Movie Night and Owl Prowl (Children's Film Festival)- Sarett Nature Center, March 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM. Night Hike/Owl Prowl starts at 8:45 PM - Afterward, Sarett naturalists will take you on a night hike to call for owls! Please bring a flashlight or headlamp for the hike (if you have one).
2023 Spring Artisan Fair, March 11, 2023, at Union + Social, St. Joseph, 11am – 4pm.
March Family Day, March 11, 2023, Krasl Art Cener, St. Joseph, 11 am – 12:30 pm
Monster Truck Events-Monster Jam is in Detroit (Ford Field) March 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm and March 12, 2023 at 3:00 pm.
Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival, March 11, 2023, Time:12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Place: Jackson County Fairgrounds in the American 1 Event Center 200 W Ganson Street, Jackson, MI 49201. Food trucks, games, fire pits and activities held out on the patio.
Over 150 craft beers, ciders, meads and wines along with food choices. Buy your tickets early for a discount.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Grand Ledge, March 11, 2023, 2:00 PM Parade, Downtown Grand Ledge. If you have Celtic Pride or just want to see a Wee Bit of Irish, come on down to Bridge Street and take in the sites and sounds of the parade.
Parade is at Bridge Street Plaza, 213 S. Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, MI
St. Patrick Parade Corktown Races, Michigan Central Station, Detroit, MI. March 12, 2023. The Corktown Races have become one of the largest 5 km races in Michigan. The event has seen steady growth to over 8000 participants. In addition to attracting more people to the parade, the race is a vehicle for raising funds for the Saint Patrick's Senior Center.
The Maria Schneider Orchestra is appearing at Chenery Auditorium, Kalamazoo on March 12, 2023. 4:00 p.m. Get your tickets early.
Resin Pour - Upper & Lower Michigan & More, Uplift Creative Center, Midland MI, Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. From $40, book your spot.
Choco Town Detroit - Various from March 16, 2023-April 2023, Location: Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile Rd. Troy, MI. There are various stops on the tour through this flavorful village: the BonBon Boulevard, the Choco & Sons Butcher Shop, and the Gummy Bear Spa are just a few of them. Journey through them all and find unique photo ops!
Lansing Home and Garden Show, March 16-19, 2023 MSU Pavilion (4301 Farm Ln Rd, East Lansing) will host the 2023 Lansing Home & Garden Show.
Event takes place Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 3pm-9pm, Friday, March 17, 2023 from 12pm-9pm, Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10am-8pm and lastly, Sunday, March 19, 2023, 10am-5pm Lots of inspiration! Admission: Adults - $10; Children 6-14 - $4; Multi-day ticket - $16
Visit Choco Town - Opening March 16, 2023. An immersive experience at the Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile Road Troy, MI. Super fun journey through chocolate and candy! This old-world town is a chocolate lover’s dream!
Traverse City Boat Show, March 17-19, 2023. Grand Traverse County Civic Center, 1213 W Civic Center Dr. Traverse City, MI. Friday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Kalamazoo Living History Show, March 18 - March 19, 2023, Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Entire Expo Center. Annual event with over 10,000 re-enactors from the French & Indian War through the Civil War are featured along with the finest craftspeople, dealers and history buffs from across the Nation. Admission: Adults $7 for 1-day pass, $10 for weekend pass.
2023 West Michigan Women’s Expo, Friday, March 17, 2023 - Sunday, March 19, 2023 at DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI. The West Michigan Women's Expo features hundreds of exhibits, seminars, shopping and fun.
Show Hours
Friday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 11 AM - 4 PM
2023 Traverse City Boat Show, March 17-19, 2023 at Grand Traverse Civic Center. Pontoons, cruisers, ski boats, docks, personal watercraft and more. Friday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
2023 Detroit Spring Home and Garden, Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Hall) Sat, March 18, 2023, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM and Sun, March 19, 2023, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
I think it's time for a warm winter Michigan getaway! Book a night or two while enjoying a toasty warm indoor water park!
36th Annual Cabaret Band Show, Saturday March 18, 2023 at the Griswold Memorial Auditorium, Allegan | 7pm
Saline Spring Craft Show, March 18, 2023, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Admission is $4.00 at Saline Middle School. This show will feature over 150 craft vendors, bake sale and more.
Spring Wreath Making Class, Blake's Backyard, March 20, 2023 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, 5600 Van Dyke, Almont, MI. Come out to Blake's Backyard Greenhouse for a step by step class where each attendee with make the perfect spring/Easter Wreath! Tickets include all supplies, a make & take wreath, and one free drink.
Fifth Third Bank Leapin' Leprechaun 5K - Brand new course starting on Lake Ave in Old Town Traverse City and an after party at Brady's Bar on March 18, 2023. Register early
Deerfield Testicle Festival - March 2023 TBD Deerfield American Legion. 10 am-10pm. Come out early to get the ball rolling! Mountain oysters, chicken gizzards, beans, slaw, rolls!
Maple Syrup Day, Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd, Midland, MI, March 18, 2023. 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Crafts and hands-on activities in the Visitor Center will engage children of all ages as they discover the magic of maple syrup season. See the process of making maple syrup! Take a wagon ride to the Sugarhouse where they boil sap into pure maple syrup. Watch a 1870's sap boiling demonstration and take a guided tour of the sugarbush!
Near the schoolhouse, enjoy maple syrup story time and the maple puppet play. Head over to the Homestead area for a taste of “sugar on snow” as they make old fashioned maple syrup taffy.
Michigan's Premier Maple Syrup Festival at Maple Row Sugarhouse - March 18-19 & 25-26, 2023. 12646 Born St., Jones, MI. Celebrating everything maple syrup! There will be a petting farm, photo booth, kids activities, sugarhouse tours and so much more!
Bird Walk, at the Ford House, March 19, 2023, at 8 a.m. - Join birding experts on this walk of the Ford House grounds in search of the many birds that make Ford House home. On the walk, you may see dozens of species and every walk is different. 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Spring Tea and Tour - at the Ford House, March 19, 2023 and March 23, 2023 at 12 p.m. 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236. Enjoy an elegant tea service with small bites and sweets in the Ford House's beautiful Lake Shore Room overlooking Ford Cove and Lake St. Clair. After the tea, take a stroll at your own pace through the historic home and spend time enjoying the grounds.
St. Patrick's Day Parade, Downtown Bay City, 68th Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 19, 2023 at 2 pm. This St. Patrick's Day Annual Parade is going to be a Show Stopper! See local high school bands, 125 entries of colorful and wild floats, marchers, and lots of fun. The parade is a free event.
See our Top 9 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
52nd annual Snowman Burning - 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023 on the northside of the Cisler Center on campus in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Festivities include poetry readings and music by folk and soul group Nelly’s Echo. Free and open to the public.
John Ball Zoo Opening Day: March 24, 2023
Bavarian Easter Celebration - Frankenmuth, March 24, 2023 - April 23, 2023.
Annual Women's Lifestyle Expo, Kalamazoo Expo Center, Friday, March 24, 2023: 12 pm - 6 pm and also Saturday, March 25, 2023: 9 am - 3 pm. Free Parking! Gift Bags, Entertainment, Pampering, Shopping, And So Much More! Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo, MI
Artisan Market - March 25, 2023, 11am-6pm. Modales Wines, 2128 62nd Street, Fennville, MI
Dragons & Mythical Beasts, March 25, 2023, at Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo, 2 pm. Come face to face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Live on stage! This Olivier Award nominated show comes from the creators of the international smash hit Dinosaur World Live.
Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo, March 25, 2023, Kalamazoo Expo Center
10am – 3pm
Cranbrook Institute of Science - Water After Dark, Thursday, March 30, 2023 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Adult-only, 21+ event. This unique event will be a night of science and fun, aimed at exploring Michigan's waterways and environment! Community partners from Oakland County and beyond will be on hand to teach about aquatic insects, bat communication, and Michigan wetlands. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations, activities, and more!
Our Top 15 Favorite Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Michigan!!
To rightfully celebrate St. Patrick's Day with gusto, you need tasty cabbage, Irish dancing, green beer, hockey and a cooking class! READ ON!
Don't miss a moment of March Michigan fun! Join our newsletter to have events and fun delivered directly to your inbox!
Pin This March Michigan Events and Fun Things to Do in Michigan Page!
What Michigan Events Are Coming Up Next?
Disclaimer: Please be sure to visit a particular event's website to verify dates, times, happenings and details. We make every possible effort to be verify these the event details but as we are human, mistakes can occur and event dates/times can change. If you see an error below, PLEASE let us know and we will correct it.
Event Centers in Michigan
Still bored? Don't forget to check these Michigan event centers/theaters/auditoriums across Michigan for concerts, events, shows or comedy entertainment!
Keep Reading...
Subscribe To Receive Exciting Destinations, Day Trips and Fun Directly to Your Inbox!
Traveling Michigan Newsletter
Sign Up to Our Newsletter to Get the 5 Free Must Have Apps to Travel in Michigan Like a Boss!
Follow Us on Instagram
Check Out Our Traveling Michigan Videos on Youtube!
Check out our off-road Keweenaw Peninsula adventures on YouTube!
We would love to hear your ideas!
Share your Michigan events, stories, photos and ideas! We love to be inspired!
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...