Last Updated on March 1, 2023
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March in North Carolina is filled with transitions from winter to spring. Along with the changing weather, first flowers, and signs of spring, there are tons of fun things to do in North Carolina in March.
Tons of local events and festivals begin popping up all over the state. We’ve handpicked 20 and ordered them by starting date, alphabetizing by city when there are multiple local events going on.
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina
Things to Do in North Carolina in March 2023
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!
Note: If you represent a tourism bureau, destination marketing organization, or PR agency and want placement here, please visit this page for more info.
Women’s ACC Basketball Tournament in Greensboro (March 1-5)
The first of our things to do in North Carolina in March is a true annual tradition.
The Coliseum in Greensboro will again host the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Women’s games will start on Wednesday, March 1 and the championship will determine the ACC’s automatic entry to the NCAA tourney on Sunday, March 5.
Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament in Greensboro (March 7-11)
The ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament has returned to the Greensboro Coliseum for 2023, setting a record for hosting 29 tournaments. The first of 14 games will start Tuesday, March 7.
The ACC Men’s champion will hopefully come from North Carolina, though we’re not publicly picking any sides out of sanity.
Read More: Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More!)
North Carolina Potters Conference in Asheboro (March 2-4)
North Carolina’s pottery tradition lives on in Asheboro, with the 36th North Carolina Potters Conference organized by the Randolph Arts Guild. This year’s theme is “Evolution of a Craft,” 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
Free Autism Family Movie Day in Cary (March 4)
Bierman Autism Centers – Cary revs up for a high-octane family morning with a showing of the movie Cars at 10 am. This free, sensory-friendly event includes a car-themed craft and light refreshments. RSVP on the event’s Facebook page.
Read More: 15 of the Best Things to Do in Cary (Great Food, Beer, and Outdoor Fun!)
St. Patrick’s Lo Tide Run in Carolina Beach (March 11)
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 (March 11)
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with outdoor adventure at the US National Whitewater Center’s 10th Annual Green River Revival. There are tons of festivities throughout the day, including kayaking, rafting, a “Color Me Green” 5K Trail Run, and more.
Read More: Things to Do in Charlotte
Battle of Guilford Courthouse Observance in Greensboro (March 11-12)
The Battle of Guilford Courthouse Observance is one of the longest-running things to do in North Carolina in March, with this year being the battle’s 241st anniversary. The event occurs at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, which is 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
Discover Burke Trails Day in Morganton (March 11)
Celebrate the impact of trails on individuals and the community at Discover Burke County’s Year of the Trail Event. It will take place from noon to 5:00 pm at the City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium (CoMMA) and will feature guest speakers, kids’ activities, and food trucks.
There will also be guided hikes throughout the county all weekend.
Read More: 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Morganton and Around Burke County (Hikes, Food, and More!)
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Wearin’ ‘O the Green Festival in Raleigh (March 11)
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!
Read More: Kid-friendly Events in North Carolina
US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship in Wrightsville Beach (March 11)
Three categories of racers will compete in the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship at Wrightsville Beach. You can sign up for either the Fat (1 Hour) or Super Fat (2 Hour), or join friends and compete in the Super Fat Relay (2 Hour).
The race is free for spectators to come and watch this fun and growing event along one of our most beautiful beaches!
Read More: Amazing Beaches near Wilmington (and Which One is the Best!)
Bull City Food and Beer Experience in Durham (March 12)
For the Bull City Food and Beer Experience, 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
Art in Bloom in Raleigh (March 15-19)
The North Carolina Museum of Art‘s four-day “Art in Bloom” will feature multiple special events and more than 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 1.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Raleigh
My Time to Shine in Lumberton (March 18)
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!)
Birds, Brews & BBQ at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck (March 18)
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
Assault on Blackrock in Sylva (March 18)
A race stretching seven miles and covering over 2,000 feet in elevation, Assault on Blackrock 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
Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival in Hickory (March 24-25)
Enjoy a display of pottery and meet these talented creators at the 26th Annual Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival.
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
Outer Banks Taste of the Beach (March 24-26)
Outer Banks Taste of The Beach hosts numerous events in the Outer Banks, from Corolla all the way down to Hatteras Island. The three-day festival hops from different Outer Banks restaurants and venues, with wine tastings, cooking classes, and definitely something for everyone.
Read More: Off-season on The Outer Banks
Daffodil Festival in Fremont (March 25)
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!
Catawba Valley Gem and Mineral Show in Hickory (March 25-26)
At the Catawba Valley Gem and Mineral Show in Hickory, there will be vendors selling gems, jewelry, fossils, and more. The three-day event looks to be a fun and informative time for all!
Grab some food at one of these amazing restaurants in Hickory while you’re in town for the show!
Read More: The Henry River Mill Village (aka District 12)
Blue, Brew, & ‘Que Festival in Kenansville (March 25)
The Duplin Blue, Brew, & ‘Que Festival is a hub for all things bluegrass, North Carolina craft breweries, and barbecue. There will be five bluegrass bands, award-winning barbecue, and world-famous Muscadine wine!
Organizers advise bringing lawn chairs and having your ID so you can receive a commemorative glass from this awesome event.
Read More: Things to Do in Duplin County
Skyfest in Smithfield (March 25)
Visit this community festival to see professional aerial demonstrations, including parachute team jumps, flyovers and helicopter rappeling at the Johnston Regional Airport in Smithfield. There will also be music, food trucks and a kids zone. It is defintely one of the fun things to do in North Carolina in March.
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do In North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)
Cosmic Rays Film Festival in Chapel Hill (March 30-April 1)
The last (but not least) 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
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.
