It’s March in Cleveland, and there are lots of things to do in and around the city this month!
Most of this month is (usually) still firmly in winter in Cleveland, but by the end of March, spring weather will be starting to thaw things out.
When it comes to holidays, St. Patrick’s Day is the biggest this month on March 17. There are also several festivals and events occurring this month in Cleveland for everyone from foodies to film buffs.
Weather in Cleveland in March
The average high during the month of March is 45° F and the average low is 31° F. The average snowfall for the month is around 10 inches, with most of that occurring earlier in the month.
By late March, spring weather can start appearing in Cleveland, although it’s usually still chilly. During March in Cleveland, you’ll still want to have your winter coat and other warm clothing.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cleveland in March
1. Cleveland Kurentovanje
When: February 22-March 1, 2025
Where: Slovenian National Home, 6409 Saint Clair Ave, Cleveland
For a unique cultural event in Cleveland this February and March, don’t miss Cleveland Kurentovanje. It’s a multi-day “Slovenian Mardi Gras” festival that celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
There are a number of events occurring around Cleveland throughout the two weeks of the festival, but it all culminates in the Kurent Dash 5k and the 13th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Main Festival and Parade on March 1 this year. The parade begins at noon at the Slovenian National Home.
2. Winter Warmer Fest
When: March 1, 2025
Where: Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland
Warm up this March with the 18th annual Winter Warmer Fest hosted at Windows on the River in Cleveland.
This festival, presented by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, features more than 60 craft breweries from around Ohio showcasing their winter, seasonal, limited edition, and high-gravity beers.
Tickets include tasting tickets for 20 (yes, twenty!) 4-ounce samples and a souvenir glass. This event usually sells out, so get tickets early if you can.
3. Mac ‘n’ Cheese Throwdown
When: March 1, 2025
Where: The Madison, 4601 Payne Ave, Cleveland
The 9th annual Mac ‘n’ Cheese Throwdown is the ultimate event for mac ‘n’ cheese lovers. There’s no better comfort food to warm up with on a chilly march day than a bowl of mac ‘n’ cheese, and this event allows you to sample dishes from top chefs around Cleveland.
Tickets start at $30 and include all-you-can-eat mac ‘n’ cheese samples. You’ll also be able to vote on your favorites.
The event also includes live music and an awards ceremony where one winner will be named the Best Mac in Cleveland.
4. Maple Sugaring
When: Weekends in February and March
Where: Farmpark, Rocky River Reservation, and Hale Farm
Late winter in northeast Ohio is all about maple!
At the Lake Metroparks Farmpark, visitors can enjoy a wagon ride to the Woodland Center to witness the process of producing maple syrup beginning with sap collection. You’ll even have the experience of collecting your own sap and learning how to make maple syrup at home. Dates for 2025 are February 22-23 and March 1-2 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for children.
At Rocky River Reservation, guests can also enjoy maple sugaring at Maple Grove Picnic Area. You can take a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, see demonstrations of how syrup is made, and sample some maple syrup. Entrance to Rocky River Reservation is free, and the maple sugaring weekends this year are February 22-23, and March 1-2 and 8-9.
The Western Reserve Historical Society also hosting its annual Maple Sugar Festival and pancake breakfast. In 2025, these will be held on March 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23.
5. Paczki Day
When: March 4, 2025
Where: Various locations
While many people around the US love to celebrate Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, we celebrate Paczki Day here in Cleveland!
Paczki sort of resemble jelly filled donuts, but these tasty Polish treats are made with a special sweet yeast dough and are a unique pastry in their own right.
Some places to find the best paczki in Cleveland include:
- Rudy’s Strudel & Bakery
- Krakow Deli
- Kiedrowski’s Bakery
- Davis Bakery & Delicatessen
- Stan’s Northfield Bakery
6. Cleveland Restaurant Week
When: March 4-13, 2025
Where: Restaurants around Cleveland
Foodies can rejoice because Cleveland Restaurant Week is back for another year! For more than a week this March, you’ll be able to enjoy discounted meals at 35+ participating restaurants around the Cleveland area.
A three-course prix fixe dinner at participating restaurants is just $39 per person, plus tax and tip. There’s no better time to try out new restaurants around the city than during Cleveland Restaurant Week.
7. Towpath Trail Lantern Parade
When: March 8, 2025
Where: Sokolowski’s Overlook, 1203 University Rd, Cleveland
Here’s a fun, family-friendly evening event for you! The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade is taking place along the Towpath Trail in Tremont, and is “a celebration of light, creativity and sustainability welcoming spring.” The parade starts at Sokolowski’s Overlook at 6:30 p.m., and will consist of a 1.6-mile walk along the towpath.
The parade will feature illuminated art made by local artists from recycled materials, and participants are encouraged to come with their own homemade, battery-powered lanterns.
8. Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
When: March 15, 2025
Where: Rocky River Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River
This annual art and craft show is a great way to kick off the spring market season. You can expect to find handmade wares by local artisans and crafters, from textiles to jewelry to home decor to clothing.
Admission to the show is $3, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit local non-profit Wigs for Kids. The show runs Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
9. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 17, 2025
Where: Downtown Cleveland
St. Patrick’s Day is a big celebration in Cleveland! And the festivities kick off with the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The St. Paddy’s Day Parade brings in upwards of a half million people and was started in 1867. There are plenty of floats and live music, and loads of people enjoying the festivities.
The parade typically starts at 2:04 pm on March 17 at the intersection of Superior Avenue and East 18th Street. It then goes west and passes through Public Square before turning right on West Roadway and right on Rockwell Avenue. It then ends at the intersection of Rockwell Avenue and Ontario Street. The parade lasts for about two hours.
Be sure to check for road closures ahead of time as these streets and surrounding areas will be blocked off.
READ MORE: A Local’s Guide to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland
10. Start looking for spring flowers
When: Late March
Where: Daffodil Hill
While many spring flowers don’t start showing their buds until April or May, you may get lucky and spot some spring blooms as early as the end of March.
There are many places to see spring flowers around Cleveland, but Daffodil Hill at Lake View Cemetery is one of the best places to go to see yellow daffodils beginning to bloom.
The daffodils on Daffodil Hill typically bloom between late March and mid-April, depending on weather.
BONUS: FanExpo
When: March 13-15, 2025
Where: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland
FanExpo describes itself as the ultimate playground for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, Anime, and gaming. Taking place over three days, this fandom event involves panels, demos, workshops, celebrity Q&As, cosplay competitions, vendors to shop from, and more.
Single-day tickets are available starting at $27, while a three-day pass starts at $79.
What are you most excited to do in Cleveland in March?
Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’s sharing her love of the Cleveland area, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.