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10 Great Things to Do in Pennsylvania in March

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While much of the month is still technically winter, the start of March is considered by many to be the start of the spring season in Pennsylvania. And, as winter gives way to warmer weather, many of this month’s events allow you to get outside and enjoy the beauty of PA.

Whether you want to sample delicious wines, watch one of the state’s best parades, or explore a historic site, you won’t want to miss what’s going on in Pennsylvania in March.

After scouring the internet, here are a few of the best things to do in Pennsylvania in March 2024.

(Article updated on February 13, 2023 for Pennsylvania events in March 2024.)

Ice and Fire Festival in Harrisburg – March 2

The Ice and Fire Festival will return to downtown Harrisburg this March. This one-day event will feature many great ice sculptures throughout the downtown area, as well as an ice slide, live ice carving, fire dancers, and more.

In addition to these great wintertime attractions, there will also be vendors, live entertainment, and a ton of great food.

Find out more on the city’s website.

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – March 2-10

Things to do in March in Pennsylvania: The Philadelphia Flower Show
The Philadelphia Flower Show is the oldest and largest flower show in the world. (Photo use courtesy of the Philadelphia Flower Show)

The nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event returns to the Philadelphia Convention Center this March. This year’s theme is “United by Flowers,” and will focus on the unique community born out of our shared love of flowers.

During the show, visitors can stroll through incredible gardens created by some of the world’s premier landscape designers. There will also be sessions and other chances to learn about designing gardens, exciting plants, a butterfly garden, parties, and much more.

For more information and tickets, visit the event’s website.

Uncork the Alleghenies in Altoona – March 9

Uncork the Alleghenies is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania in March.
Many great wineries will be at Uncork the Alleghenies in Altoona.

Wine lovers will want to head to Altoona this March for the annual Uncork the Alleghenies event at the Blair County Convention Center.

Over two dozen wineries from across the state will be at the festival serving samples of some of their best wines. The event will also feature dozens of vendors, live music, and much more.

There is even a chef-created menu of food for those looking for lunch or dinner during one of the event’s two sessions.

Find out more here.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Scranton – March 9

Many communities around Pennsylvania host St. Patrick’s Day parades, but none of them come close to the size of the parade in Scranton. In fact, it is the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country.

During this annual event, over 12,000 participants will march through downtown Scranton to celebrate this famous Irish holiday. The parade includes marching bands, floats, balloons, and, of course, Irish music.

For more information on the parade, head over to the event’s website.

Charter Day throughout Pennsylvania – March 12

Things to do in Pennsylvania in March: Charter State at the State Museum
Charter Day is your yearly chance to see the original Pennsylvania charter at the State Museum in Harrisburg.

Every year, during the second weekend in March, Pennsylvania celebrates Charter Day, the day William Penn received the charter for Pennsylvania from the King of England.

The main highlight of the weekend is free admission at many of the state-run museums and sites around PA. If you’ve been wanting to visit a great museum or historical home in Pennsylvania, it’s worthwhile to see if they are offering free admission during the weekend.

You can also view the original Pennsylvania Charter at the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. This document is only taken out on Charter Day weekend, making it a can’t-miss event.

For more information, visit the websites of your favorite museum or historical site.

Phipps Conservatory’s Spring Flower Show in Pittsburgh – Starts March 16

Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh PA
Phipps Conservatory will host its Spring Flower Show starting this month.

One of the most popular annual shows at Phipps Conservatory will return this March as the Spring Flower Show kicks off. Featuring tens of thousands of spring flowers in every color of the rainbow, this show is the perfect way to shake off those winter blues and enjoy the beauty of spring.

The theme for the spring 2024 show is A Closer Look, and the show will be open daily from March 16 through mid-April. If you want an early taste of spring, this show shouldn’t be missed.

Find out more on Phipps’ website.

Men’s March Madness Basketball in Pittsburgh – March 21 and 23

On March 21 and 23, parts of the first and second rounds of the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, will be held in Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Arena.

Come out and see some of the best collegiate basketball players in the country battle it out for the right to move on into the second weekend of the tournament.

For more information and tickets, visit PPG Paints Arena’s website.

Lehigh Valley Auto Show in Bethlehem – March 21-24

If you love cars, you won’t want to miss the Lehigh Valley Auto Show this March at the Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, PA.

This event will feature 100,000 square feet of cars, trucks, and other vehicles from more than two dozen manufacturers, ranging from legacy American car companies to some of the highest-end vehicles in the world.

During the event, visitors will have a chance to browse the vehicles in a no-pressure sales environment, which is great if you just want to see what’s new in the automotive industry. There will also be celebrity meet-and-greets, kids’ activities, and more.

Find out more on the event’s website.

American Treasure Tour Photo Workshop in Oaks – March 23

A collection of various items at the American Treasure Tour in Montgomery County PA
Join me for a fabulous photo workshop at the American Treasure Tour Museum in Montgomery County, PA.

Join me on Saturday, March 23 for my first photo workshop of 2024 at the fabulous American Treasure Tour Museum in Montgomery County, PA.

Normally, you have to take an indoor tram ride to see most of the massive collection of artifacts at the museum. However, during this special event, you can actually walk through the collection, taking your time to get the photos of anything you are interested in.

This is an event not to be missed.

Find out more and sign up here.

Shaver’s Creek Maple Harvest Festival in Huntingdon County – March 23-24

Visitor center at Shaver's Creek Education Center near State College PA
Shaver’s Creek will be hosting its Maple Harvest Festival this March.

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Education Center will be hosting its annual Maple Harvest Festival and Pancake Breakfast once again this March.

The event kicks off with a pancake breakfast in the morning (tickets required). 

After breakfast, learn how to identify and tap maple trees, and then how to turn that sap into delicious syrup. Costumed interpreters will show you a variety of ways our European and Native American ancestors used this sap.

There will also be animal demonstrations, live entertainment, and the chance to hike the center’s great trails.

Find out more about the festival on Shaver’s Creek’s website.

Looking for other things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our list of things to do in February and our list of things to do in PA in April.

Do you have an upcoming event that you would like to promote in a future monthly edition? Click here for more information and to submit your event.


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5 thoughts on “10 Great Things to Do in Pennsylvania in March”

  1. Jim, just wanted to let you know that I always enjoy your newsletter! My fiancé and I love checking out all these cool interesting places in Pennsylvania. Just goes to show that you can have fun and not having to spend a whole Lotta money. Thank you for giving your time and research for this newsletter.

    Renee Anderson

    Reply
  2. Jim: Thanks so much for your column on Pennsylvania, my home state. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania but now reside in California and I miss my old home state. Your column keeps me connected with the place I love more than any other and I have passed it on to others who, like me, have moved out of state for one reason or another. Keep up the wonderful work!

    Reply
  3. Hi Jim,
    Another fascinating read that the State of Pennsylvania has to offer. Thoroughly enjoy every email I receive.
    Thank you
    Shell 🙂

    Reply

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