Published by Carl. Last Updated on February 24, 2025.
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North Carolina in March is a time of transition from winter to spring. There are many fun things to do in North Carolina in March along with the changing weather, first flowers, and signs of spring.
Tons of local events and festivals begin popping up all over the state. We’ve handpicked more than 15 and ordered them by starting date, alphabetizing by city when multiple local events occur.
Read More: The NC Tripping Events Calendar
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Things to Do in North Carolina in March 2025
This post covering things to do in North Carolina in March is part of our series of monthly events in North Carolina. We included a few of these March events (along with April and May) in our Spring Things to Do in North Carolina, too!
- Mardi Gras in New Bern (March 1)
- Bull City Food and Beer Experience in Durham (March 2)
- Women’s ACC Basketball Tournament in Greensboro (March 5-9)
- North Carolina Potters Conference in Asheboro (March 6-8)
- Bentonville Battlefield Anniversary (March 15)
- St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run in Carolina Beach (March 15)
- Green River Revival at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte (March 15)
- Battle of Guilford Courthouse Observance in Greensboro (March 15-16)
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Wearin’ O’ the Green Festival in Raleigh (March 15)
- Art in Bloom at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh (March 19-23)
- Cosmic Rays Film Festival in Chapel Hill (March 21-23)
- NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Games in Raleigh (March 21 and March 23)
- The Fremont Daffodil Festival (March 22)
- My Time to Shine in Lumberton (March 22)
- Assault on Blackrock in Sylva (March 22)
- Feast Wilmington (March 24-30)
- Birds, Brews & BBQ at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck (March 25)
- Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival in Hickory (March 28-29)
Mardi Gras in New Bern
2025 Event Date: March 1, 2025
Event Info
New Bern’s Ghent Neighborhood Association is putting on its seventh annual Mardi Gras. The festival will start at 11:00 a.m. with fun throughout the day until 4:00 p.m.
The Mardi Gras Mile race along the parade route allows you to run in the middle of the festival with the crowds cheering you on. The race starts at 12:00 p.m.
Read More: 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!)
Bull City Food and Beer Experience in Durham
2025 Event Dates: March 2, 2025
Event Info
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For the Bull City Food and Beer Experience (previously held in February), 30 of Durham’s restaurants will be paired with 30 breweries from all over the US at DPAC.
The “On Stage Experience” showcases local food and live music, and proceeds go to the Inter-faith Food Shuttle.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Durham
Women’s ACC Basketball Tournament in Greensboro
2025 Event Dates: March 5-9, 2025
Event Info
An annual tradition for basketball fans in North Carolina during March comes back to The Coliseum in Greensboro.
The ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament games will start on Wednesday, March 6, and the championship will determine the ACC’s automatic entry to the NCAA tourney.
Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)
North Carolina Potters Conference in Asheboro
2025 Event Dates: March 6-8, 2025
Event Info
North Carolina’s pottery tradition lives on in Asheboro, with the North Carolina Potters Conference organized by the Randolph Arts Guild. This year’s theme is Addition Through Reduction, and potters and non-potters alike are encouraged to attend.
If you missed registration this year, check back earlier next year for availability.
We know pottery and the NC Zoo are huge draws for this area. If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Asheboro and beyond in Randolph County, read this guide!
Read More: The Best Day Trips from Greensboro
Bentonville Battlefield Anniversary
2025 Event Dates: March 15, 2025
Event Info
Bentonville commemorates the anniversary of the largest battle on North Carolina soil, fought March 19-21, 1865. Presented in collaboration with the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, explore the journey of surgeons, stewards, and the wounded during and in the aftermath of the battle of Bentonville.
Living history demonstrations include medical care in and around the Harper House field hospital, as well as weapons demonstrations.
Read More: 20+ Great Things to Do in Johnston County (JoCo’s Best Places!)
St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run in Carolina Beach
2025 Event Dates: March 15, 2025
Event Info
The Steve Haydu St Patrick’s Lo Tide Run in Carolina Beach raises money for New Hanover County residents fighting cancer who need financial assistance. Register to run or walk to raise money and compete for individual or team awards.
Read More: Carolina Beach State Park (and 7 Great Things to Do There!)
Green River Revival at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte
2025 Event Dates: March 15, 2025
Event Info
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Charlotte with outdoor adventure at the US National Whitewater Center’s 10th Annual Green River Revival. There are many festivities throughout the day, including kayaking, rafting, a “Color Me Green” 5K Trail Run, and more.
Read More: 21+ Amazing Restaurants in Charlotte (Where to Eat in Queen City!)
Battle of Guilford Courthouse Observance in Greensboro
2025 Event Dates: March 15-16, 2025
Event Info
The Battle of Guilford Courthouse Observance is a truly historic way to commemorate North Carolina in March. The event occurs at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, one of our favorite National Parks sites.
Both days are packed with events starting at 10 a.m. with music, programs, and vendors.
Read More: Interesting Facts about North Carolina You Should Know
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Wearin’ O’ the Green Festival in Raleigh
2025 Event Dates: March 15, 2025
Event Info
Raleigh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will paint downtown Raleigh green on Lane St. and Salisbury St. The parade begins at 10:00 am and is one of the most anticipated Raleigh events in March!
Read More: Kid-friendly Events in North Carolina
Art in Bloom at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh
2025 Event Dates: March 19-23, 2025
Event Info
The North Carolina Museum of Art‘s four-day “Art in Bloom” will feature multiple special events and over 50 floral art interpretive pieces. During this event, the museum will extend its hours and offer food to those in attendance.
General tickets go on sale on February 6.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Raleigh
Cosmic Rays Film Festival in Chapel Hill
2025 Event Dates: March 21-23, 2025
Event Info
The first of our things to do in North Carolina in March is happening in Chapel Hill. The Cosmic Rays Film Festival is an annual showcase of short films by some of today’s most exciting filmmakers and artists.
Screenings and live audiovisual performances await at this exciting event in Central NC!
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Chapel Hill and Orange County
NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Games in Raleigh
2025 Event Dates: March 21 and March 23, 2025
Event Info
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament returns to Raleigh, and will be played at the Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena) for the fifth time since 2004.
Four first-round games will be played on Friday, March 21, split over two sessions (early and late)—both with two games played. One session of two second-round games will be played Sunday, March 23.
Game times will be announced a few days prior to this event.
The Fremont Daffodil Festival
2025 Event Dates: March 22, 2025
Event Info
For a day of flowers, fun, and fun, take a trip to the Fremont Daffodil Festival, just north of Goldsboro in Wayne County. Celebrate spring’s arrival with music, food, crafts, entertainment, history, and more!
Read More: 21 Amazing Things to Do in Goldsboro and Wayne County
My Time to Shine in Lumberton
2025 Event Dates: March 22, 2025
Event Info
The popular talent competition, “My Time to Shine,” is back at Lumberton’s Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater. You’ll see contestants showing off their singing, dancing, and musical skills. There are cash and gift prize winnings and a grand prize of $1,000.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
Assault on Blackrock in Sylva
2025 Event Dates: March 22, 2025
Event Info
A race stretching seven miles and covering over 2,000 feet in elevation, Assault on Blackrock in Sylva will push trail runners to the extreme. Proceeds from this event will go to the Jackson County Public Schools Back to School Bash.
Read More: Bear Lake Reserve in Jackson County
Feast Wilmington
2025 Event Dates: March 24-30, 2025
Event Info
Three days of food and drink excitement await at Feast Wilmington at Riverfront Park.
Starting with a VIP Event on Friday, the fun rolls into the weekend with two Saturday events (Brunch Elevated and Pier Party) and concludes with Craft + Cuisine on Sunday.
Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to Do in Wilmington and Nearby (Bucket List)
Birds, Brews & BBQ at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck
2025 Event Date: March 25, 2025
Event Info
Sylvan Heights Bird Park is back with Birds, Brews, and BBQ in March. This event brings together Eastern NC Barbecue, NC craft beer, and the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered waterfowl.
Local barbecue cooks will compete in a BBQ cook-off, which you can vote on after trying them all. A ticket to this event also includes admission to Sylvan Heights Bird Park.
Games, music, and more fun await, too!
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Medoc Mountain State Park
Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival in Hickory
2025 Event Dates: March 28-29, 2025
Event Info
Enjoy a display of pottery and meet these talented creators at the annual Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival in Hickory.
The festival kicks off on Friday with a special Preview Party for VIP and Premiere ticketholders with the opportunity to purchase early. The public can attend the event at the Hickory Metro Convention Center on Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Read More: The Best Day Trips from Boone
Ready For These Fun Things to Do in North Carolina in March?
We hope you’re as excited as we are to experience these fun things to do in North Carolina in March. If you are, too, which one is your favorite?
Also, is there something we should add to this list of March events in North Carolina? We’d love to know about it. Kindly send us an email and we’ll take a look!
Note: If you’re reaching out on behalf of a business, PR agency, or DMO, please visit this page.
More Things to Do in North Carolina in March (and Beyond!)
We’ve featured these March events in many of our NC Travel guides. Here are a few examples.
