A Guide to The Best Events in Raleigh for March 2026

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Ok Raleigh, are you ready for another fun-filled month and looking for fun things to do in Raleigh in March? Answer: Always. March this year is exciting as the magnolias are already blooming and warmish weather is here! I can see this March as a month where everyone races out of their winter hibernation ready to live vibrantly. Helping us do that will be fun events like St Patrick’s Day, Art in Bloom, live music and beer festivals!

woman standing in front of floral display shaped like musical note
Art in Bloom Festival

We’re hand picking a number of Raleigh events for you to put on your calendar. But we can’t include everything and don’t always know what’s happening in Raleigh, so if you have any suggestions on cool events in Raleigh, leave them in the comments at the bottom. Don’t forget to plan ahead for the year with our helpful top annual festivals and events post, there’s something to do for everyone! Each week, we publish a post with even more things to do in Raleigh this weekend ideas. Be sure to follow @ThisIsRaleigh on Instagram as we’re out exploring Raleigh this month!

Table Of Contents
  1. Women’s History Month
  2. Featured: Logan's Garden Shop Spring Festival
  3. Week March 1 – 8, 2026
  4. Week 2: March 9 – 15, 2026
  5. North Carolina Courage vs Racing Louisville FC (March 14, 2026)
  6. Week 3: March 16 – 22, 2026
  7. Ethos Children’s Business Fair (March 21, 2026)
  8. Week 4: March 23 – 31, 2026
  9. March Festivals in North Carolina
  10. Raleigh Event & Venue Guides

Women’s History Month

city of raleigh museum
City of Raleigh Museum

March is the month for celebrating women’s contributions to history, culture and society. It grew out of a week-long celebration that was organized by the school district of Sonoma, California in 1978. The idea soon caught on and spread across the country until President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. Six years later it was expanded by Congress to the entire month of March. Falling within this month is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, which took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. 

The 2026 theme for Women’s History Month is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The theme, which was declared by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA), expands our understanding of sustainability beyond environmental. It encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power. In 2026, we pay tribute to the remarkable women in our community, both historical and contemporary, who are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation.

READ MORE: 15 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in Raleigh and women-owned businesses in Downtown Raleigh telling great stories.

men dancing at festival

Featured: Logan’s Garden Shop Spring Festival

Live Music, Food Trucks & Garden Goodness

  • Where: Logan’s Garden Shop, State Farmers Market
  • When: March 27 & 28, 2026
  • Time: 9am – 6pm

Raleigh’s favorite garden shop is celebrating spring with a two-day Spring Festival you won’t want to miss! 🌸🌱

Enjoy doorbusters, raffles, free plants, live music, food trucks, demos, face painting, and more. It’s the perfect excuse to stock up, learn something new, and soak up those spring vibes.

✨ Bonus: The first 200 guests each day will receive a FREE 4″ plant!

Learn More

Week March 1 – 8, 2026

Juniper Level Botanic Gardens (Feb 27 – March 3 & March 6 – 8, 2026)

juniper level botanic garden raleigh 42
Juniper Level Gardens

Juniper Level Botanic Gardens is a 28-acre campus showcasing more than 27,000 different kinds of native perennials, exotic plants, rare delights and unusual specimens of trees and shrubs not found many (or any) other places on earth. It’s a private garden in Raleigh, only open to the public 8 weekends a year. It is said to be one of the most spectacular gardens in the USA! We highly recommend you make use of this opportunity to visit this hidden gem in Raleigh. There are even hidden waterfalls. Read our full guide to Juniper Level Botanic Gardens with more photos. See our video below:

First Friday (March 6, 2026)

Man in orange shirt looking at art on the wall
First Friday art on display
  • Where: Downtown Raleigh (various locations)
  • Time: At dusk
  • Cost: Free

We love how First Friday gives us the push we need to go to downtown Raleigh and explore local art together. It’s not something we’d typically seek out, but this monthly event has helped us learn to love this new kind of city exploration. It is celebrated on the first Friday of each month at locations throughout downtown. Art galleries and studios are open late with rotating exhibits and artist talks. March will be a special Feminist Friday to celebrate incredible contributions of women throughout history, and today. See our guide to First Friday in Raleigh with a list of the events happening.

Her Voice, Her Power: International Women’s Day (March 7, 2026)

  • Where: Downtown Cary Park, Academy Pavillion
  • Time: 2pm – 5pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Enjoy an empowering afternoon of connection and inspiration to celebrate International Women’s Day. Enjoy engaging icebreakers, networking, and dynamic Pecha Kucha–style talks from a powerhouse lineup of leaders in entrepreneurship, professional sports marketing, performing arts, community advocacy, real estate, and family psychology.

Raleigh Brewing Company’s 13th Anniversary Party, (March 7, 2026)

A hand holding up a glass of beer
  • Where: 3709 Neil St., Raleigh, NC 27607
  • Time: 2pm – 10pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

From live bands and all-day Guitar Hero to karaoke encores, air guitar battles, and head-banging contests, this anniversary party at Raleigh Brewing brings the chaos, the nostalgia, and the crowd participation. 

Triangle Yoga Fest (March 7, 2026)

Love yoga? Who doesn’t these days! This year Apex is hosting a mini yoga festival, aptly named the Triangle Yoga Festival, which is a full day of yoga workshops and classes. This is the first yoga festival to take place in the Triangle area and will take place outside the Apex Town Hall. It will have yoga classes and workshops, pottery, a kid’s area and guest speakers. Bring your own mat. Suitable for all ages.

Sporting Events & Concerts this week in March

Week 2: March 9 – 15, 2026

Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14, 2026)

people in the st Patrick's day parade raleigh
  • Where:  Salisbury Street and Hillsborough Street
  • Time: 10am
  • Cost: Free

Grab your favorite green sweater and your spirit for having a good craic and head downtown to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, one of the popular downtown Raleigh events on the calendar. The parade started in 1983 with a dozen or so enthusiastic Irish Americans marching down Wilmington St. to the delight and curiosity of downtown residents, merchants and shoppers. For over 40 years the parade has been entertaining the locals with bagpipe players, tap dancers, decorated floats and Irish characters – I spy a leprechaun or two. We attended last year and loved it!

The parade route starts at Salisbury Street and Hillsborough Street and finishes at Fayetteville and Lenoir Streets. The Grand Marshal for 2026 has not yet been announced. Head to the Official After Party at the Hibernian Irish Pub on Glenwood Ave. You can read our complete guide to parking in downtown Raleigh here.

Join Sunny in the Raleigh St Patrick’s Day Parade

a lady posing with two fairies
Sunny the Fairy

Invite your friends and join Sunny the Fun Fairy, The Raleigh Fairy, IN the Annual Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade! This is a fun way to involve the kids in the parade WHILE supporting the Autism Society of NC. Sunny is Raleigh’s favorite fairy spreading light and magic dust to all kids big and small. Don your fairy wings, make a magical memory, and view the parade form the unique angle of being inside it having all of Raleigh cheer you along! If you can’t fly with Sunny, you can still donate! Learn more here.

Read more things to do on St Patrick’s Day in Raleigh (we have over 20 ideas!)

Hibernian Pub St Patrick’s Day Block Party (March 14, 2026)

People drinking and eating at an Irish pub.
St Patrick’s Day party
  • Where: Hibernian Pub, Glenwood Ave
  • When: 11am – 2am
  • Website

The Hibernian’s St Patrick’s Day Block Party has been a legendary Raleigh event for years! We had a very enjoyable time here last year – it was so packed so get here early. Each year they host live music performances, Irish dancers, bagpipers, good food, and Guinness flowing like the River Liffey all day! If you want to eat a great Irish meal here at the pub, get here as soon as the parade finishes. Lines will be long. They will also probably have a party on Tues 17th (the real St Patrick’s Day) but no information for times for that one! Stay tuned!

St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls (March 14 & 15, 2026)

Craig enjoying a pint of Guinness at the Guinness storehouse Dublin
Craig’s favorite beer, Guinness!

Ah to be sure. It wouldn’t be St Patty’s Day without a pint or two of the black stuff! That’s Guinness in case you’re not up to speed with all things Irish. The following St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls are happening:

Interested in traveling to Ireland and enjoying a pint of Guiness from its Dublin source? Amongst other things! We lived in Dublin for a year, and Craig visited last year on an 8-day tour. You don’t want to miss these experiences and things to do in Dublin.

Holi 2026 (March 14, 2026)

people throwing paint in air for holi
  • Where: Salem Middle School, 6150 Old Jenks Rd, Apex, NC 27523
  • time: 11am – 3pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

Celebrate the beginning of Spring with the Holi Festival in Apex presented by Hum Sub. The celebration includes live music, dancing, food trucks, holi powders, demonstrations and more.

North Carolina Courage vs Racing Louisville FC (March 14, 2026)

Soccer fans watching a game
Cary soccer park

Get ready to support our local women’s soccer team during Women’s History Month. The North Carolina Courage first home game for their 2026 NWSL Regular Season this month with a game against Racing Louisville FC. This professional women’s soccer team, based in Cary, is one of the best teams in the country!

International Women’s Day Expo (March 14, 2026)

  • Where: McKimmon Center
  • Time: 11am – 4pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

NC Vibes will host its 4thannual International Women’s Day Expo with a variety of speakers from accomplished entrepreneurs and businesswomen in Raleigh, as well as informative workshops, and a wide range of exhibitors showcasing products and services that support women’s well-being and women owned businesses.

Staying Alive Special Exhibition Opening (March 14 – Aug 23, 2026)

  • Where: NC Museum of History
  • Time: 10am – 5pm
  • Cost: Free Members | $14+ non-members
  • Website

Explore the striking ways nature fights back in “Staying Alive,” featuring 17 live animals from around the world with unbelievable self-defense strategies. Come face to face with trippy toads, armored armadillos, a two-toed sloth and more. This special onoing exhibition includes live animals, larger-than-life sculptures and hands-on displays.

Sporting Events & Concerts this week in March

Week 3: March 16 – 22, 2026

The NCAA Basketball Championship starts this week! Here are places to watch March Madness near NC State University – the best place for college sports!

Women’s Leadership Conference (March 17, 2026)

  • Where: Raleigh Convention & Performing Arts Complex
  • Time: 8am – 2pm
  • Cost: $200+
  • Register.

“Women’s Leadership Conference” on March 17. This year’s theme, Amplify Your Influence, celebrates the powerful impact of women who are elevating leadership, driving innovation, and transforming industries across the country. Throughout the day, we will highlight the stories and strategies of leaders who have expanded their reach, accelerated progress, and created meaningful pathways for others to rise.

Art in Bloom (March 18–22, 2026)

woman's face in mirror in middle of bouquet art piece
rainbow floral arrangement in art gallery
Art in Bloom

Who loves art and flowers? Get ready for five days of floral arrangements from world-class designers and florists. Features 43 installations, some more than 10 feet tall. This year’s theme is theme is the Zodiac. Written in the Stars will feature seven large and five small installations that represent the zodiac signs

READ MORE: Don’t miss the NC Museum of Art, Raleigh’s Best Foot Forward. and read our guide to Raleigh’s Art in Bloom Festival. See the video below from previous years.

Away with the Fairies (March 21, 2026)

Calling all magical creatures for this whimsical event filled with imagination, creativity, great food, and fun. Enjoy free crafts and activities, find the perfect handmade treasures, and celebrate Spring all while enjoying great food and fun. New this year, make your own fairy or dragon garden to take home! Don’t forget to wear your best fairy or fantasy attire!  

Marchtoberfest Festival (March 21, 2026)

  • Where: Clouds Brewing Taproom
  • When:  Sat, March 21st, 1pm-10:00pm
  • Tickets

What happens when Germany and Ireland meet? One great big beer-swilling, toe tapping party celebrating Clouds Brewing 10th year anniversary. This annual event celebrates Oktoberfest in St Paddy’s Month of March and is full of festivity. Enjoy German music, German dancers, and the tapping off the keg ceremony, and much more! Traditional music and dancing to suit each country all day. No cover charge for the Irish Fest but your Oktoberfest price includes first beer and a Marchtoberfest glass.

Lebanese Cultural Festival (March 21 & 22 2026)

lebanese cultural festival

Experience the delightful taste of Lebanese cuisine and desserts, enjoy live music and traditional dance performances, watch a belly dancer, savor Lebanese beer and wine, and bring your family along for a fun-filled event with activities for kids. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet a fortune teller and participate in the festival’s raffle. We enjoy the fun festive vibe of this local event!

Ethos Children’s Business Fair (March 21, 2026)

  • Where: Downtown Cary Park
  • Time: 1pm – 4pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Website

What a wonderful experience for our kids to experience a dynamic, real-world learning environment and the excitement and challenges of running a business. The Fair empowers children to discover their inner entrepreneur as they develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers to showcase their very own businesses to the public! 

Sporting Events & Concerts this week in March

Week 4: March 23 – 31, 2026

Raleigh Comedy Festival (March 26 – 28, 2026)

  • Where: Neptunes Parlor
  • Time: 7pm – 11pm
  • Cost: Various
  • Website

Back for its second year is the Raleigh Comedy Festival! Laugh away with some of the best headliners in the biz joining more than 50 up-and-coming comedians from across the country as featured performers. 19 shows and 6 venues in 3 nights. Comedians will be performing at Neptunes Parlor, The Hippo, State of Beer, Kings, and Transfer Co! Kind of like Hopscotch but for laughs!

Logan’s Garden Shop Spring Festival, (March 27 & 28, 2026)

woman holding flowers logan's garden shop
  • Where: Logan’s Garden Shop
  • Time: 9am – 6pm
  • Cost: Free
  • 7Website

Raleigh’s favorite garden shop is having a two-day Spring Festival which will include doorbusters, raffles, free plants, live music, food trucks, demos, face painting and more! First 200 guests on both days receive a free 4″ plant.

Raleigh Roasts (March 28, 2026)

  • Where: City of Raleigh Museum
  • Time: 9am-1pm
  • Cost: $0 – $14.64
  • Tickets

This annual event celebrates Raleigh’s vibrant cafe culture and Raleigh’s coffee roasters. Tickets include all-you-can-drink samples from Raleigh’s best roasters and coffee shops, comparative Friends of the City of Raleigh Museum mug, live music, local vendors, food trucks and more. This is a A Friends of the City of Raleigh Fundraiser –

Sporting Events & Concerts this week in March

March Festivals in North Carolina

You know that we always encourage leaving the borders to explore! Adventure and lifelong memories await on the other side. Here are the top festivals happening in North Carolina in March 2026 you may want to experience.

North Carolina Rice Festival

A rich celebration of North Carolina’s agricultural heritage, the North Carolina Rice Festival is a three-day event in Leland, Brunswick County, the home of NC’s rice farming industry. Learn about Gullah Geechee culture and help promote and celebrate its history by attending on of the several events taking place over the three days. From history talks to live entertainment at local restaurants and breweries, this is the weekend where to town comes together to celebrate its roots. Even though Leland is in Brunswick County, it’s on the northern edge, only 10 minutes from Downtown Wilmington

Feast Festival, Wilmington

Returning this year is food and drinks festival, Feast Wilmington. The event will feature a variety of top local chefs and mixologists along with immersive culinary experiences. Feast Wilmington has crafted three events for 2026 with curated immersive experiences in venues across the city. Each event will take place at picturesque Riverfront Park, and each will feature different chefs, drinks and music.

Raleigh Event & Venue Guides

If visiting a venue or special event in Raleigh, these guides may help with your planning.

Hotels in Downtown Raleigh

View of the outside of a hotel with city background.
Residence Inn, downtown

If you’re visiting Raleigh from out of town for any January events, here are our recommendations for accommodation in Downtown Raleigh.

If you are visiting from out of town and have a few extra days, here are some guides to help you plan out your days exploring Raleigh:

Comment: What are you doing in Raleigh this March? Leave a comment with more ideas and be sure to share this with a freind!

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1 thought on “A Guide to The Best Events in Raleigh for March 2026”

  1. Tashan

    Excited to see all these amazing events lined up for March! I’m especially looking forward to the food festival and the live music performances. Raleigh always knows how to bring the community together. Thanks for the great guide!

    Reply

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