March holds many of our favorite holidays — including St. Patrick’s Day, the first day of spring, and this year, Easter! There are many opportunities in Ann Arbor to celebrate all of the above — plus, enjoy other much-anticipated events, such as a craft fair, concert, 5Ks, a film festival, and more.

Add these must-do March events to your calendar!

Jump Ahead: 

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink

 

Arts + Culture

Tree Town Comedy Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Various Locations

When: February 28–March 2, 2024

Kick off the month with the Tree Town Comedy Festival! This four-day festival features national headliners and favorite comedians from around Michigan. Headliners include Phil Hanley, Irene Tu, Emma Willmann, and Demetrius Fields, plus a plethora of featured comedians, doing stand-up at the Blind Pig and other locations in the city. View the full schedule and purchase tickets here!

 

Classical Hollywood 2024 Spring Gala | Ann Arbor

Where: Ann Arbor City Club

When: March 9, 2024

The Ann Arbor Symphony is hosting their annual spring gala, this time journeying back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. They will roll out the red carpet at the luxurious Ann Arbor City Club, celebrating legends of the silver screen as the orchestra raises much-needed funds for its Learning & Community programs throughout Southeast Michigan. This event is designed to complement the orchestra’s Broadway to Hollywood concert on March 23. Get more information about the spring gala and purchase your tickets here.

 

Saline Spring Craft Show | Saline

Where: Saline Middle School

When: March 16, 2024

Each year, the Saline Craft Show hosts two events, including the first one taking place in March! Peruse more than 150 craft booths filled with a variety of handcrafted products, all made in Michigan. Wares include seasonal décor, baskets, jewelry, tole painting, folk art, quilting, primitives, stained glass, floral, ceramics, clothing, wood, toys, silk and dried flowers, candles, furniture and more. Benefitting both the craft show customers and the Saline Middle School community, students get the chance to take on leadership roles and show off their talents. This is more than just a craft show — there will also be concessions, Peter Cottontail visits and photos, free caricatures of children, children’s arts and crafts, and more. Plus, Saline Community Education and the show are sponsoring a “Gift Basket Contest.” Local groups and individuals are invited to prepare a food basket for any meal to be donated to Saline Social Services. Entries will be voted on at the show by craft show attendees and winners will receive a prize! The Saline Craft Show is one of the best in Michigan — in fact, it was included amongst Sunshine Artist’s 200 Best in 2022. Admission to the Saline Spring Craft Show is just $4 — and free for children under 10.

 

From Broadway to Hollywood | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: March 23, 2024

Broadway fans will be delighted by the epic conclusion of the 23/24 Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Pops season, From Broadway to Hollywood, featuring guest conductor Lucas Waldin. Inside the historic hall of the Michigan Theater, enjoy music from a star-studded lineup of classic Broadway hits from Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story), John Kander (Chicago), Justin Hurwitz (La La Land), and more. Get more details and secure your tickets here!

 

Colin Hay | Royal Oak

Where: Royal Oak Music Theatre

When: March 24, 2024

Singer-songwriter Colin Hay has long been regarded as an influential and celebrated frontman, with hits like “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You” and “Waiting For My Real Life to Begin.” He has inspired a wide range of artists covering a variety of genres, from heavy metal to Americana, speaking to his broad appeal and relevance over many decades. See him perform live at Royal Oak Music Theatre on March 24! Tickets are available here.

 

Ann Arbor Film Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater 

When: March 26–31, 2024

One of Ann Arbor’s most important annual events, the Ann Arbor Film Festival, presents 40 programs with more than 180 films from over 20 countries that highlight all lengths and genres, including experimental, animation, documentary, fiction and performance-based works. Founded by George Manupelli in 1963, the festival is the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. This year, the festival will be offered both in person (March 26–31) and virtually (March 26–April 7). Click here for more information about the 62nd annual festival!

 

Community Celebrations

Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show | Saline

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

When: March 16 + 17, 2024

Photo Courtesy of BRAG Ann Arbor

Don’t miss the Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds! This is your opportunity to connect with builders, suppliers, designers and tradespeople to help with your at-home projects. Visit with nearly 130 exhibitors specializing in both interior and exterior work, enjoy concessions, and sit in on a presentation or two. The show is happening all day Saturday and Sunday — from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is just $5 cash or check at the door for adults and is free for children under 12. Or subscribe to their email list to receive free admission!

 

Spring Bluebird Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Washtenaw Community College

When: March 23, 2024

The Michigan Bluebird Society is hosting the highly anticipated 2024 Spring Bluebird Festival, returning to Ann Arbor at the Morris Lawrence Building on Washtenaw Community College’s campus. Marking the 20th anniversary, this celebration promises a day filled with appreciation for the Eastern Bluebird, emblematic of Michigan’s skies. This family-friendly affair will feature expert speakers illuminating the importance of fostering native nesting birds, including the beloved bluebird. Engage in a lively bluebird expert panel discussion to quench your curiosity, peruse the bluebird/nature expo for invaluable insights into bird-friendly practices, and explore the MBS Store for all your nesting needs. With engaging kids nature activities, thrilling prize drawings, and more, this event is a must for those seeking to attract and support the vibrant ecosystem of Michigan’s winged wonders. Admission and parking are free! And lunch may be purchased in advance; place your order here.

 

Sports

Time to Paddy 5K/10K and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon | Ypsilanti

Where: Rolling Hills Water Park

When: March 9, 2024

The annual Time to Paddy 5K/10K and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon is a St. Patrick’s Day-themed run perfect for the whole family. This fun race features cool swag (including a designer shirt and custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, a “biggest team” contest, a kids’ dash, post-race food, and fun all around. If you can’t make the in-person race at Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsi, don’t worry — there is a virtual option as well! Assemble your team and sign up for this festive race here.

 

Shamrocks & Shenanigans | Ann Arbor

Where: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub

When: March 10, 2024

Photo Courtesy of Shamrocks & Shenanigans

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K! This fun and exciting race winds through downtown Ann Arbor and benefits Save a Heart, an organization that raises funds to benefit patients and their families who come to the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. All 5K entries include custom medals for all finishers and participants in the Kids’ 1K dash will receive a festive medal and ice cream at the finish! Register for either race here.

 

Food + Drink

Old Time Maple Sugar Festival | Chelsea

Where: Eddy Discover Center

When: March 9, 2024

Hosted by the Waterloo Natural History Association, the Old Time Maple Sugar Festival celebrates the coming of spring and the tapping of maple trees. Take a guided walk through the Waterloo Recreation Area to see various methods of collecting sap and learn how to boil it down to create maple syrup. Plus, antique syrup-making equipment will be on display and maple products will be available for purchase! This event is completely free to attend.

 

Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl | Ann Arbor

Where: Multiple Venues

When: March 16, 2024

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a day early with the 7th Annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl in the heart of Ann Arbor. The crawl includes five venues, including The Blue Leprechaun, Pizza House, Scorekeepers, The Garage Bar, and The Study Hall Lounge! Your ticket purchase includes 2–3 drinks or shots, a custom badge and lanyard, exclusive drink and food specials at participating bars, waived covers, and more perks. Purchase your tickets here for a St. Patrick’s Day you won’t forget!

 

Happy March!

What events are on your calendar this month? Let us know in the comments!