Bring on the official countdown to spring. Blooming with opportunities to explore and engage with the city, the month of renewal and rejuvenation brings a dynamic array of festivals, expos and celebrations. March into spring — with help from more daylight hours — by experiencing something new or visiting an old favorite.

Here are NEXT’s picks for 11 things to do in March. Don’t miss our handy Weekend Event Guides for so much more going on in the Burgh this spring.

1. Legendary: History Uncorked at the Senator John Heinz History Center, March 6

Get your glam — and your game — on when this premier Pittsburgh party enters legendary status. Taking inspiration from the “iconic people, places and moments that define the Steel City,” the benefit bash is packed with programming spanning six floors. Think Friday night lights with a stylish edge. Get groovy during the all-night dance party led by DJ Bonics and DJ Cake, play themed trivia with Pittsburgh Legends, and savor bites from top local restaurants. The highly anticipated 28th annual uncorking is a party with a purpose, with proceeds supporting the center’s educational programs, award-winning exhibitions and preservation of historic artifacts. Co-chaired by Laura Early and F. Dok Harris, the revelry also features a silent auction, expanded bar with signature cocktails and VIP access. Tickets.

The Ultimate Backyard. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show.

2. Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, March 6-15

Every March, the Home & Garden Show rolls out the welcome mat for all those projects you’ve been putting on hold until spring. Whether you’re moving into your first home, updating your apartment or condo or building an addition to accommodate your growing family, the country’s largest home show has you — and every space in your dwelling — covered. Spanning 8 acres, the 44th annual event boasts 1,200 exhibitors. That means this one-stop shop for all the latest products and services is also the best place to hatch new projects, finish old ones and turn ideas into reality. It’s also a rare chance to see, touch and try daily necessities and luxury goods while getting pro tips in real time from trusted experts.

But how to see it all? The Free Re‐Entry Pass allows you to buy a one ticket and return throughout the show’s 10‐day run. Special guests this year are acclaimed antiques appraiser Dr. Lori and Emmy‐winning home makeover celebrity Ty Pennington. Bring your dream schemes to life with the Home Interior Galleries, Construction and Remodeling Center, Garden Pavilion and Kitchen and Cooking Collection. Step into Buckhorn Showcase’s custom‐made rustic ranch and their 400-square-foot tiny house. Highlights not to miss include The Farm to Table Expo, Pennsylvania Food & Wine Festival, Pets at Home Aisle, Biergarten, Children’s Village and more. Schedule and tickets.

Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival stills courtesy of Row House Cinema.

3. Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival at Row House Cinema, March 13-26

Japan has produced some of cinema’s most prolific and pioneering works and remains one of the world’s oldest and largest film industries. The best place to explore Japanese filmmaking is at the Rust Belt region’s largest Asian film festival — and it’s produced right here in Pittsburgh. For its 10th anniversary, the festival is focusing its lens on the innovative cult cinema of Japan, pairing new, classic and obscure films with exciting themed events. The on-screen action kicks off with “Tamala” — about a punk cat living in the Feline Galaxy — and all attendees receive a goodie bag. Not to miss is the watermelon and banana night featuring Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1977 cult classic, “House,” which follows six schoolgirls who trek to a haunted country estate. Beyond the big screen, additional films are complemented by sake and beer tastings, a sandwich pop-up, Japanese snack packs and Cult-O-Rama activities. The closing night party pairs the futuristic punk movie, “Burst City,” with live music, Sapporo beer and Yakitori delights. Schedule and tickets.

Photo courtesy of P3R.

4. Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash throughout Pittsburgh, March 14

Lace up, add some green garb to your getup and shake off the winter blues. For its second annual edition, the vibrant dash is unveiling a new and improved point-to-point course along with a virtual option. Enhancing the participant experience, the event gives runners and walkers the opportunity to kick off Parade Day with a 5K run or 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk ahead of the 10 a.m. start of Pittsburgh’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Take your place at the starting line near Acrisure Stadium, loop around PNC Park and cross the scenic Roberto Clemente Bridge. Continue through Downtown to the finish line festivities on Stanwix Street just before the parade begins. The updated 1-mile course starts on Smithfield Street and finishes on the Boulevard of the Allies. Designed to be fun, accessible and family-friendly, the dash offers excitement for competitors, families and rookie runners alike. Participants receive a limited edition hoodie, finisher medal and bib. Wear your best St. Patrick’s Day outfit and head to the costume contest photo booth after crossing the finish line. Register. See the St. Patrick’s Day Parade details.

Collage by Kiearra Williams. Photo of Marvin Gaye by Jim Britt and Randall Coleman.

5. Marvin Gaye: A Tribute to the Prince of Soul at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, March 14

Whether you grew up singing “I Heard It Through The Grapevine,” you swoon over his duet “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” or you feel moved by the powerful message of “What’s Going On,” you can’t miss this tribute to musical icon Marvin Gaye. By reimagining Gaye’s trailblazing catalog via a 21st-century interpretation, the venue will also celebrate “the ways Black artists have shaped cultural and social change through sound.”

Led by Musical Director Jerome O. Kirkland Jr., the tribute features vocalists Lyndsey Smith, Twan Moore, Cam Chambers and Kenny Stockard. Musical luminaries bringing Gaye’s music to life include Dennis Garner Jr., Chuck Anderson and Gary Howard. In addition to highlighting his chart-busting hits and pivotal role shaping the Motown Sound, the event will explore how Gaye’s transformative music endures as a “vehicle for social commentary.” Tickets.

Photo courtesy of John Altdorfer Photography.

6. Lights! Glamour! Action! at The Pennsylvanian, March 14

Before making your predictions and crushing hard on your fave A-listers from the comfort of your couch, you too can strike a pose on the red carpet. And if you want to see more shows like “The Pitt” and “Mayor of Kingstown” and more films like “How to Rob a Bank” and “Rustin” made right here in the Burgh, why not help make sure it happens? The night before the 98th Academy Awards means it’s time to slip into something chic for the Pittsburgh Film Office’s see-and-be-seen fundraising gala.

Step through the Beaux Art rotunda to gather under the ceiling inside The Pennsylvanian’s Grand Hall. The Hollywood happening features musical performances, immersive experiences and decadent culinary creations. Sip bubbly cocktails and place bids in the lively auction while dancing the night away. Highlighting the momentum of the film and television industry across Southwestern PA — which has generated $2.5 billion since 1990 — this night in Tinsel Town shines a spotlight on the region’s creative economy. Tickets.

Local cartoonist Angela Oddling shares their work with attendees at the Pittsburgh Indie Expo (PIE), a free community celebration of indie comics and small press culture. Photo by David William.

7. Pittsburgh Indie Expo at the Heinz History Center, March 15

Pittsburgh has long served as a creative hub for innovative comic book and cartoon artists. The best place to explore this vibrant scene is at PIE — the region’s only festival dedicated to indie comics, graphic novels and games, small-press publishing and experimental forms of storytelling. Elevating the “rich ecosystem of creator-owned and self-published comics in the region,” the expo features 100 exhibitors, family-friendly workshops and interactive art spaces.

After debuting in 2025, the grassroots event is on a mission to increase accessible, community-driven arts experiences. Attendees have the rare chance to meet the makers and hold physical media “that someone printed, folded and assembled themselves.” Highlights include a conversation with Frank Santoro and John Kelly exploring DIY zines and comics, and a panel discussion about democracy and civic engagement. Free to all ages from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event also features the Mobile Cartoon Museum presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Information.

Gena y Peña performs at The DE-ICE Ball: A Fundraiser for Casa San José’s Bond Fund March 19. Flyer courtesy of Casa San José.

8. The DE-ICE Ball: A Fundraiser for Casa San José’s Bond Fund, March 19

There’s never been a more critical time to join Casa San José for this “night of community, solidarity and action.” If you’re looking for ways to support Pittsburgh’s immigrant neighbors as violent ICE activities are occurring around the country, the DE-ICE Ball is a positive way to get involved. Ball-goers will enjoy live music from Geña y Peña and savor tasty treats while helping to raise critical funds for Casa San José’s Bond Fund. Immigration bonds can cost thousands of dollars, preventing families from being together while navigating the complicated legal system. Donations directly support the release of community members, giving them the opportunity to “fight their cases with dignity and support.” Casa San José’s Bond Fund helps reunite immigrant families, “ensuring that individuals are not unjustly detained due to financial barriers.” Event location will be provided upon registration.

“An American Not in Paris.” Photo by Marissa Moorhead courtesy of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival.“Starlight and Songbird.” Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival.“Flamencodanza.” Photo by Richard Clark courtesy of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival.“Trad Wife.” Photo by Kim Newmoney courtesy of the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival.

9. Pittsburgh Fringe Festival at multiple venues, March 19-28

A shadow puppet show weaving the myth of Krampus with the rock music of The Cramps. A performance-based escape room inviting the audience to save a life in 60 minutes or less. A psychological dramedy set in a prison where incarcerated women join a storytelling workshop. These are just some of the provocative productions on tap for the 13th annual Fringe Festival. Activating venues across the East End, the multi-genre lineup features 50 events (and counting!), from world premieres, circus arts and comedy, to musicals, company debuts, cabaret and more. Transforming all kinds of venues, from cafes and storefronts and theaters, Fringe brings international touring acts to the Burgh, while showcasing prolific local talent. New this year, the ambitious Fringe footprint will stretch to include venues in Allentown, Sharpsburg and Downtown Pittsburgh.

For 10 days, audiences can catch high-caliber productions exploring bold ideas and nurturing creative risk-taking. Find out what happens when President Donald Trump is about to be replaced or when two comics and a drag queen walk into a bar. Discover shows about the remarkable life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and the mission of the Grin Reapers Club grief podcast. Don’t miss “Jawsica,” a one-woman show about the iconic summer movie, a performance at the new queer-friendly Soft Spot Cafe and a “gluten-free musical comedy about an overachieving American Gen-Zer.” Attendees can also share their own tales with Story Club PGH, join the Yinzer Variety Show or dance freely at the Fringe Silent Disco. This is your chance to forge new connections, have fun and discover something new. Schedule and tickets.

Photo by Paul Vladuchick.

10. Spring Flower Show: True Colors at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, opens March 28

The bursts of color, fragrance and radiance we’ve been craving all winter long are finally here. Just as spring starts to bloom around us, this signature flower show takes root at the Oakland landmark. Revealing its “True Colors,” the newest iteration boasts eye-catching displays highlighting the quintessential spring flora we all look forward to this time of year.

In a unique twist, each room will include photography and information about a display in the very same room from the historic Phipps archives. Be dazzled by a rainbow-hued living plant wall featuring 195 plants, listen to cheerfully chirping birds and activate your senses as your sweet spring memories come to life. Look for multicolored kites, be lulled by the drips of oversized raindrops and gaze upon an oversized garden with giant watering cans. Get tickets soon because you have only four weeks to show your “true colors.”

11. Handmade Arcade’s Modern Craft Market at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, March 27-29


If you love shopping for handmade goods at their long-standing holiday event, you should mark your calendar now for Handmade Arcade’s latest market experience. With support from Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh Glass Center and PA Creative Industries, the new juried market features “contemporary handcrafted goods created with traditional materials” by makers from 12 states. Attendees can expect to find products from artisans specializing in traditional handcrafts such as metal, wood, fiber, ceramics and glass.

Wares for sale at the region’s first market of its kind will span furniture, clothing, accessories, home decor and more. Elevating Pittsburgh as a “national destination for craft,” the market also explores the intersection of traditional skills and forward-thinking design. Attendees can engage in the creative process firsthand during live demonstrations led by Pittsburgh Glass Center and Turners Anonymous. The weekend also offers a VIP preview party, early bird session and sensory-friendly hour. Tickets.

4 more things to do in March

STAND BY ME: The Film and Its Stars 40 Years Later at Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland, March 13

South Side Kids Fish Fry Food Truck Palooza at Velum Fermentation, March 13

Empty Bowls Dinner at Rodef Shalom Congregation, March 15

Pittsburgh Opera’s It’s About Time Fashion Show at the Bitz Opera Factory, March 23

For more things to do with NEXT in March, don’t miss our Weekend Event Guides, NEXT in the Gallery series and Date Night series.

February 25, 2026February 26, 2026

February 25, 2026February 25, 2026

February 18, 2026February 18, 2026