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. Maple Sugaring
When: Weekends in March
Where: Farmpark, Rocky River Reservation, and Hale Farm
March 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 2023 are March 4-5 and 11-12 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 March 4-5, 11-12, and 18-19.
The Western Reserve Historical Society is also hosting its annual Maple Sugar Festival and pancake breakfast at Hale Farm March 4-5 and 11-12. Tickets are $25 for adults and $16 for youths.
2. Winter Warmer Fest
When: March 3-4, 2023
Where: Windows on the River, 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Note: This event is already sold out for 2023! Put it on your to-do list for next year!
Warm up this March with the 16th annual Winter Warmer Fest hosted at Windows on the River in Cleveland.
This festival, presented by the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, features more than 65 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.
3. Mac ‘n’ Cheese Throwdown
When: Sunday, March 5, 2023
Where: The Madison, 4601 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
The 7th 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 cost $35 and include all-you-can-eat mac ‘n’ cheese samples plus one non-alcoholic beverage. 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. Cleveland Restaurant Week
When: March 6-18, 2023
Where: Restaurants around Cleveland
Foodies can rejoice because Cleveland Restaurant Week is back for another year! For 12 days 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.
5. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 17, 2023
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 1:04 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.Â
READ MORE: A Local’s Guide to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland
6. Celebrate the Spring Equinox
When: Monday, March 20, 2023
Where: Big Creek Reservation
The Spring Equinox occurs on March 20th this year, welcoming the spring season. You can celebrate the first day of spring with a guided stroll through Big Creek Reservation.
Enjoy a free guided walk from 9-10 a.m. with a naturalist who will show you which flora and fauna are beginning to wake for the spring.
7. Cleveland International Film Festival
When: March 22-April 1, 2023
Where: Playhouse Square
The Cleveland International Film Festival is occurring during the last week of March this year. One of the oldest and longest-running film festivals in the country, CIFF will be celebrating its 47th year in 2023.
During the film festival, you can enjoy screenings and other special events.
8. FanExpo
When: March 24-26, 2023
Where: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44113
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.
9. 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.
10. Cleveland From the Inside Tour
When: From March 20, 2023
Where: Downtown Cleveland
If you’re looking for a unique activity that will let you learn more about Cleveland’s history and architecture, don’t miss the Cleveland From the Inside Tour with Tours of Cleveland.
This guided tour restarts on March 20 and takes you through the interiors of iconic Cleveland buildings including the Federal Reserve of Cleveland, the bank lobby of the Society for Savings Building, the Old Stone Church, the Renaissance Hotel lobby, the Cleveland Public Library, the Arcade, and the Cleveland Trust Company Building.
This is a great way to explore the city!
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’ sharing her love of the Cleveland area with the world, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.