March Family-Friendly Events Guide

There are so many March family-friendly events! Spring is coming, though there is still some snow on the ground. But flowers will soon begin to bloom–including the area’s illustrious cherry blossoms. The Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to run from March 20th through April 12th this year. We have included some cornerstone festival events in this guide, but see the Festival’s website for a full list of events.

There are several family-friendly events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and Women’s History Month, as well as some theater and music events. However you choose to usher in spring with your family, we hope that you share tons of laughter and joy with each other. Oh, and don’t forget to set your clocks one hour forward on March 8th! If you know of other events that we should add to this guide, please feel free to share them in the comments below.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 7
Old Town
Alexandria, VA
The annual Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is back! This lively parade will provide loads of FREE family-friendly fun with over 60 spirited groups including pipe bands, Irish dance schools, and more. Make sure you check the website for information about the parade route and parking.

Women in Aviation Tour

March 7
College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, MD
Did you know that the College Park Airport is the oldest continuously operating airport in the world? There are several women pilots with an association with the Airport, so the College Park Aviation Museum will educate visitors about the very important role women have played in the field of aviation. The challenges and opportunities for women in aviation will also be explored. Please note that participants must be at least 8 years old.

Intersections Festival: Family Fun Day

March 7
Atlas Theater
Washington, DC
The Atlas Theater’s Intersections Festival will host its Family Fun Day beginning at noon. This FREE family-friendly event will include a performance by the Great Zucchini, craft stations, and much more. Registration is not required, but is encouraged.

Harlem Globetrotters: The 100 Year Tour

March 7
Capitol One Arena
Washington, DC
Celebrate the Globetrotters’ 100th year of energetic entertainment and dazzling athletic skills. Since 1926, they have shared an infectious joy with the crowd. Kids and adults alike are entertained by their tricks, boundless energy, and humor. Check out the event website for information.

Holi in the District

March 13
Union Market
Washington, DC

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu holiday. The annual Holi celebration at Union Market is a popular and joyous event. After colors are thrown at 6pm, enjoy Indian food, music, dancing, and more until 8pm. This event is FREE, though registration is appreciated. It is a first-come, first-served event. Attendees will receive a t-shirt and washable and non-toxic colors while supplies last.

Washington Spirit Home Opener

March 13
Audi Field
Washington, DC
Cheer on our NWSL team, the Washington Spirit, as they begin their quest for another Championship trophy! They will take on the Portland Thorns in this Home Opener at Audi Field. During this game, the Girl Scouts will be welcomed. Check other theme nights for the season here.

Lord of the Flies

March 13 – 15
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, MD
This re-imagined production of William Golding’s classic novel will be performed by the advanced students of the IStage Performance Ensemble. The story follows the school-age survivors of an airplane crash as they struggle to survive on an uninhabited island. Please note that this show does include mature themes and some adult language. It is suitable for children age 11 and older.

Portraiture Festival

March 14
National Portrait Gallery
Washington, DC
The Portrait Gallery invites guests of all ages to take part in educator-led tours, art-making activities, and workshops to explore the art of portraiture. The Moveius Contemporary Ballet will perform an original commissioned piece. This event is FREE and no registration is required.

Ireland At The Wharf

March 14
The Wharf
Washington, DC
Bring the whole family to The Wharf for the Ireland at The Wharf festival. Celebration, fun, and old fashioned traditions will be enjoyed with bagpipers, live music, and Irish dancing performances. Two matches of Six Nations Rugby (Wales vs. Italy and England vs. France) will be aired on the Transit Pier’s big screen. All are welcome at this FREE event, however you must be 21 to enjoy the whiskey and Guinness.

Family Day: Mapping A New Nation

March 14
Library of Congress
Washington, DC
The Library of Congress invites families to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring maps of our young and expanding nation. Guests will enjoy creative activities and learning from the experts from the Geography and Map Division staff. This event is FREE to attend, but timed-entry tickets (available online) are required to enter the Library of Congress.

Nowruz Family Day

March 14
National Museum of Asian Art
Washington, DC
The Persian New Year will be celebrated at this annual Nowruz Family Day event. Families will be able to celebrate spring with hands-on activities, storytelling, curator-led gallery tours, Persian food (for purchase), and much more at this FREE event.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

March 18 through April 5
The National Theater
Washington, DC
For the first time in 25 years, Disney is bringing its enchanting musical to audiences in North America. Attend a performance of this timeless tale, with its award-winning score and new sets and costumes while it is at The National Theater. Please note that there is a special Family Night performance on March 25th. Also, this production is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater.

St. Jude Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon and 5K

March 21
National Mall
Washington, DC
This event gives participants the chance to run between DC’s most iconic sites and through some of its vibrant neighborhoods, all while the cheery blossoms are in early bloom. Along the routes, live bands and DJs will keep the runners and their supporters entertained. Registration is closed for this event, but families can come out and cheer on the runners and walkers as they work to complete the 5K or the Half Marathon. And there is a celebration at the finish line that will be headlined by So Fetch, DC’s preeminent 2000s tribute band. Check out the course maps here and road closures here.

Family Skate and Dance Night: St. Patrick’s Day

March 21
Franconia Rec Center
Alexandria, VA
Keep the St. Patrick’s Day celebration going at this family-friendly skate event. Participants are encouraged to wear all the green as they show off their skating skills. A DJ will keep the fun going, and refreshments will be available for purchase. You must bring your own skates. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

Women’s History Month Celebration

March 21
Pierce Mill
Washington, DC
Pierce Mill, the historic mill in Rock Creek Park, will be transformed into an early 20th century tea house with décor and music from the time period. Visitors will learn about the women who managed the Pierce Mill Tea House and how spaces like it were part of the effort to achieve women’s rights. This family-friendly event is FREE and will offer hands-on activities, light refreshments, a short film about Hattie Sewell (the Tea House’s manager in 1920), and a special tea tasting.

Capitals Kids Day

March 22
Capital One Arena
Washington, DC
Cheer on the Washington Capitals as they take on the Colorado Avalanche at this Kids Day game. Throughout the game, there will be family-friendly fun and entertainment. The first 3,000 kids in the arena will get an exclusive Slapshot Plush hat. Tickets are available online for this 12:30 face-off.

Cherry Blossom Family Celebration

March 28
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Washington, DC
This FREE event celebrating spring and the cherry blossoms is always so much fun! Families will surely be entertained with Japanese taiko drumming and Les the DJ spinning Japanese pop music. The event will also include a ballet performance, a Japanese model train display, craft stations (origami, koinobori kite making, etc), and a scavenger hunt.

Sensory-Friendly Backstage Tour

March 28
The Music Center at Strathmore
North Bethesda, MD
A few times a year, the Strathmore offers small-group backstage tours of the Concert Hall for young people with sensory sensitivities or autism. Attendees will learn how the lights and sound work, see the dressing rooms, play instruments on stage, and more. Tickets are FREE and can be reserved online.

Blossom Kite Festival

March 28
The National Mall
Washington, DC
The Blossom Kite Festival is always loads of fun. Hundreds of kites soar in the sky on the National Mall and it is truly a sight to see near the Washington Monument. Expect large crowds throughout the day, as well as musical performances and kite competitions. 

Capital Art Book Fair

March 28 & 29
Eastern Market
Washington, DC
This annual event celebrates the world of art books, providing publishers, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts with the opportunity to exhibit and sell everything from exhibition catalogs to graphic novels to photography books and more. This FREE event would be a fun outing for kids with an interest in all things art.

Sunday Serenade

March 29
Cabin John Regional Park
Bethesda, MD
This beloved FREE concert series has returned to Cabin John Regional Park. For two Sundays in March and two Sundays in April, visitors can enjoy live performances by local musicians. On March 29th, King Soul will delight the audience with its old-school Southern Soul. Enjoy the show with a coffee and breakfast treats for purchase from Ella’s Bakeshop.

Spring Wildflowers and Bald Eagles Family Walk

March 29
Riverbend Park
Great Falls, VA
Welcome Spring on this family walk through the Virginia Bluebells at Riverbend Regional Park. Kids will find spring wildflowers with a fun scavenger hunt. Participants will also get to see the park’s Bald Eagle nest. Binoculars and a spotting scope will available to help see the eagles. Register online, but note that this event is available for people over the age of four.

Cherry Blossom Market & Family Fun Day

March 29
Brookland Arts Walk
Washington, DC
Kids of all ages are welcome at this family-friendly event celebrating cherry blossom season in DC! A variety of fun activities will be available for kids including a puppet show, arts and crafts, musical instruments, and more. There will also be loads of unique vendors selling food, vintage items, and art. Head out to Brookland for this fun-filled day of creativity and blooms. This event is FREE to attend, but organizers would appreciate an online RSVP. 

Sakura Sunday

March 29
National Harbor
Oxon Hill, MD
Explore Japanese culture at National Harbor from noon until 5pm. There will be a marketplace featuring Japanese merchants, artwork, and crafts. Japanese music and dance performances will entertain throughout the day. And yummy food will be available for purchase. This event is FREE to attend.