If you find yourself in Raleigh in March, it is likely that some mildly diverting events led you there. And since the future is uncertain, there is no use in sitting in your hotel room staring at the wallpaper (unless it’s particularly interesting wallpaper, and in that case, do let me know what hotel you’re staying in). Therefore, should you find yourself with a free afternoon, or perhaps an entire free week, in Raleigh this March, here are a few suggestions for how to occupy your time.
Some of these activities are tied to holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, or in other years, Easter. Other events are related to cultural celebrations or adrenaline-pumping sports, but there is always a diversion of some sort to be found. Whether this diversion will be to one’s liking is, naturally, a question best left unanswered.
Weather in Raleigh in March
Raleigh in March is a time when winter’s icy grip loosens, only to be replaced by the capricious whims of spring. The days, like a fickle jester, tease with sunshine, then unleash sudden showers that leave puddles reflecting the bewildered faces of passersby. Expect generally moderate temperatures with an average high of 63° F and an average low of 40° F, and moderate rainfall, averaging 4 inches of rain and 10 rainy days. The once-bare branches don tentative green attire, only to be whipped by unpredictable winds, sending pollen swirling in a mischievous yellow-green dance. Pack your tissues, allergy medication, and a sense of adventure for March in Raleigh.
Top Things to Do in Raleigh in March
1. Attend the Big Frosty Craft Beer Festival
When: March 1, 2025 from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Raleigh Beer Garden, 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
Gather ’round, dear friends, and permit me to paint a picture of the Big Frosty Beer Festival. Imagine, if you will, a veritable cornucopia of over fifty – gasp – yes, fifty! exquisite beers, ciders, and brews so unique, they should be locked away in a vault for the protection of humankind. No, wait, better yet, imagine them all merrily assembled in one glorious location, ready to be embraced by your thirsty palate. We’re talking about top-shelf libations from more than two dozen esteemed breweries from across the globe, their names whispered with reverence by aficionados from Asheville to Antarctica.
And while your taste buds waltz on a cloud of hops, your ears will be tickled by the electrifying sounds of the Mysti Mayhem Trio. Imagine, if you can, a symphony of soulful tunes and dynamic rhythms, a soundtrack so delicious it could be bottled and sold alongside the ales.
And within the energetic embrace of the event tent, you shall find fellow pilgrims on the path of perfect pints. Share your stories, swap notes on hops profiles, and raise a toast to the pursuit of hoppiness. And don’t forget to leave a generous tip for your bartender. A happy bartender makes for a happier you, and that is a truth as undeniable as the laws of gravity.
- Tickets are available online for $44.52.
2. Attend the Capital Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Show
When: March 14 and 15, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Kerr Scott Building, NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
The 2025 Quilt Show will be a haven for lovers of fabric, thread, and all things beautifully stitched. It will feature about 200 exquisite, meticulously judged quilts. Cast your own vote for the Viewer’s Choice Award and let your voice be heard, championing the quilt that most sparks your admiration. There will also be a large vendor mall, a quilt raffle, a charity silent auction, and a handmade boutique filled with treasures crafted with love and skill.
- Regular admission is $10 per day, payable at the door.
3. Get caffeinated at Raleigh Roasts
When: March 15, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Moore Square, 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Taste your way through Raleigh’s coffee scene at Raleigh Roasts, a caffeine fueled City of Raleigh Museum fundraiser. In addition to all-you-can-drink samples from Raleigh’s best coffee roasters and coffee shops, expect live music, local vendors, food trucks, and a collectible mug.
- Tickets are available online and cost $14.50 for general admission. If not sold out, tickets may also be available at the door.
4. Watch the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 15, 2025 at 10 a.m.
Where: From the west side of the North Carolina State Capitol building and then down Fayetteville Street
There will be no motorized vehicles or political candidates in the 2025 Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but look for performances by magnificent marching bands, splendid sports teams, charming cheerleaders, and dope dance teams. And expect appearances from cream of the crop cultural and ethnic groups, superb civic groups, and notable non-profit groups.
5. Get caught up in March Madness
When: March 16 to April 7, 2025
Where: Various sports bars throughout the city
March Madness is a time when hope blossoms in the hearts of college basketball fans, only to be mercilessly trampled in the reality of court-storming. It’s a tournament unlike any other, a chaotic dance of buzzer-beaters and dejected mascots, where Cinderella stories and heartbreaking upsets pirouette hand-in-hand.
Place 68 teams in your bracket with reckless optimism, predictions based on nothing more than mascot cuteness or a player’s hotness. With each game, brackets are ripped to shreds, dreams are dashed, and tears mingle with popcorn butter. What begins as a field of sixty-eight hopefuls dwindles to a mere two, locked in a final dance for the coveted championship trophy. March Madness is a spectacle to behold where the only guarantee is that nothing is guaranteed.
Selection Sunday is March 16, 2025, after which you should fill out a bracket. The first four games take place on March 18-19. Those games lead right into the first and second rounds from March 20-23.
You can watch from home (or work) on CBS and its associated app.
Or join the masses for the best experience. Check out these great sports bars.
6. Check out Art In Bloom
When: March 19 to 23, 2025
Where: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Art in Bloom is an annual event filled with fragrant blossoms and artistic expression. Floral interpreters from across the state and nation venture into the depths of NCMA’s People’s Collection armed with nothing but shears and spritz bottles. The result? Imagine a Renaissance portrait reimagined in roses, a cubist sculpture bursting with azaleas, or a minimalist canvas adorned with a single, artfully wilted dandelion.
Unique for 2025 is the theme of Art in the Park, featuring six large installations, each inspired by artworks residing within the Museum’s 164-acre Park.
- Tickets are $40 for NCMA members and $50 for non-members and are available online. Look for Art in Bloom themed menus at the museum cafes and other related events.
7. Laugh out loud at the Raleigh Comedy Festival
When: March 20 to 22, 2025
Where: Various venues in Downtown Raleigh
The Raleigh Comedy Festival is a three-night affair of merriment with some of the most prominent comedians in the business, alongside a veritable horde of aspiring comedians from various corners of the nation. Across six venues and nineteen separate venues, one can experience the full spectrum of humor, from the subtly amusing to the bewilderingly offensive.
- Tickets are now available online. General admission weekend passes are $100, VIP passes are $150, and individual show tickets go for $21.91.
8. Attend KoreaFest
When: March 29, 2025
Where: Kerr Scott Building at NC State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607
KoreaFest is a celebration of all aspects of Korean culture. Expect a full day of captivating experiences. Witness the awe-inspiring skill and dedication of talented dancers competing in K-Pop dance competitions. Lend your ears to the unique voices and melodies in the Korean singing contest, Explore the vibrant stalls of friendly vendors selling intriguing trinkets and unique treasures that represent Korean culture. Indulge your taste buds in a culinary adventure at the tempting Korean food stalls.
9. See some live music
When: All month long
Where: Venues throughout the city
Whether a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, Raleigh’s musical tapestry promises a vibrant evening woven with the threads of diverse genres and passionate performers. Like a box of chocolates, each venue offers a unique flavor – sweet melodies, lively rhythms, and the occasional off-key surprise. You, intrepid music lover, can waltz through bustling amphitheaters, tap your toes in intimate clubs, or simply sway to the sounds drifting from hidden alleyways. Here are some venues to check out:
- Lenovo Center – This stadium with 20,000 person capacity is perfect for large touring acts.
- The Ritz – This mid-size venue has multiple bars and VIP seating so it’s worth checking out who might be performing.
- Lincoln Theater – This is a small venue with state of the art sound and light systems that enhance the music, making it a favourite among locals.
- The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop – This is a small music venue with a bar and record shop.
- KINGS – Another small venue with a large stage, great acoustics, and a beautiful bar, now open 7 days a week.
- Slim’s – This is an intimate Rock N’ Roll venue and dive bar.
- House of Art – This is a historic house that hosts occasional super intimate concerts, although it’s currently closed due to arson.
- Ruby Deluxe / The Night Rider / The Wicked Witch – These are small queer dive bars and event venues, all with different vibes.
- Tin Roof Raleigh – This restaurant and bar has daily live music from various genres.
- Uncle Jessie’s Honkytonk – This bar has live country music every Thursday through Sunday.
So, dust off your dancing shoes, and prepare to be swept away by the city’s infectious rhythm! Remember, the only wrong note is the one you don’t dance to.
What are you most excited for in Raleigh in March?
Please leave a reply as proof you were here