March in California feels like the full arrival of spring. Wildflowers begin blooming across hillsides, gray whales pass along the coast, and mountain towns still hold onto late-season snow. Festivals, food events, and outdoor celebrations start filling the calendar, making it an ideal time to explore different parts of the state.
1. Feb. 26–March 8: North Lake Tahoe Snowfest – Tahoe City
North Lake Tahoe Snowfest brings a fun mix of spring skiing and a small-town celebration. You can spend the day on nearby slopes like Palisades Tahoe or Northstar, then stick around for parades, costume contests, and lively gatherings that give Tahoe City a festive, welcoming feel.
2. Feb. 26–March 1: Frieze Los Angeles Art Fair – Santa Monica
Frieze Los Angeles transforms Santa Monica Airport into a major contemporary art fair featuring international galleries and large-scale installations. Visitors explore exhibits at their own pace, browse pop-up dining options, and experience one of the city’s most talked-about creative gatherings.
3. Feb. 27–March 7: Rogue Festival – Fresno
Fresno’s Rogue Festival fills the Tower District with theater, dance, and spoken-word performances. Known as one of the country’s top fringe festivals, it highlights creative work in a casual setting that encourages audiences to explore new styles of live art.
4. March 1 (Begins): Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch – Carlsbad
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch bloom with rows of bright ranunculus stretching across rolling hills. Walking paths and wagon tours let visitors explore slowly, making it easy to enjoy one of Southern California’s most recognizable and photogenic spring landscapes.
5. March 1–15: BNP Paribas Open – Indian Wells
The BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells attracts top tennis players for two weeks of competition. Spectators watch world-class matches under warm desert skies while enjoying an easygoing tournament atmosphere that blends major sporting energy with a relaxed resort setting.
6. March 5–8: Ojai Food + Wine – Ojai
The Ojai Food and Wine Festival brings chefs and wineries together for tastings, dinners, and demonstrations across a long weekend. Seasonal ingredients and regional flavors guide the experience, creating a relaxed culinary escape set against the scenic hills and quiet charm of Ojai Valley.
7. March 6: LEGO Galaxy Opens – Carlsbad
LEGOLAND California introduces a new space-themed area featuring an indoor roller coaster and interactive attractions. Families explore hands-on play zones, themed dining, and imaginative rides that expand the park with fresh experiences designed especially for younger visitors.
8. March 6 (Begins): Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – Anaheim
Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival adds tasting stations and cooking demonstrations throughout the park. Seasonal menus highlight California ingredients, blending casual food exploration with rides and entertainment inside one of the state’s most popular theme parks.
9. March 6–8: Dana Point Festival of Whales – Dana Point
Dana Point Festival of Whales celebrates gray whale migration with parades, ocean activities, and educational programs along the harbor. Families gather to watch for whales, learn about marine conservation, and enjoy coastal festivities tied closely to the town’s ocean heritage.
10. March 6–8: Jazz Bash by the Bay – Monterey
Monterey Jazz Bash fills several stages with classic ragtime, swing, and traditional jazz performances. The weekend has an intimate, welcoming feel, drawing longtime fans and curious newcomers who gather to enjoy live music in a laid-back coastal setting near the Monterey waterfront.
11. March 7: Lunar New Year Festivities – San Francisco and Isleton
Lunar New Year celebrations continue into March with colorful parades and cultural events across California. San Francisco hosts the Chinese New Year Festival & Parade, the largest celebration outside Asia, while Isleton marks the holiday with lion dances, live music, food vendors, and performances honoring local Asian heritage.
12. March 7: Wine Festival & Chocolate Decadence – Temecula
Temecula’s Wine Festival and Chocolate Decadence pairs gourmet chocolate creations with wines from around the world. Tastings unfold in a relaxed resort setting where visitors can move at their own pace and enjoy a flavorful, indulgent spring outing.
13. March 7: AV ALTA FC Home Opener – Lancaster
Lancaster hosts AV ALTA FC’s home opener with an energetic crowd and strong community spirit. The match brings professional soccer excitement to Antelope Valley and offers a lively local event for sports fans and families alike.
14. March 7–8: Sacramento Free Museum Weekend – Sacramento
Sacramento Free Museum Weekend offers free access to more than 25 museums across the city, including the California State Railroad Museum, California Museum, and California Automobile Museum. It’s a great chance to explore art, history, and science while getting to know California’s capital.
15. March 7–8: Annual Barrel Tasting – Healdsburg
Sonoma County’s Barrel Tasting invites visitors to sample wines straight from the barrel while chatting with winemakers. Wineries around Healdsburg and nearby towns open their doors for a relaxed weekend that highlights the region’s winemaking craft.
16. March 8–14: OC Restaurant Week – Orange County
OC Restaurant Week features special menus at restaurants throughout Orange County. It is an easy way to try new dining spots, explore different neighborhoods, and sample a wide range of regional flavors at participating eateries.
17. March 12–22: Oakland Restaurant Week – Oakland
Oakland Restaurant Week celebrates the city’s diverse food scene with special menus and pop-up dining experiences. It is a good time to try new restaurants, from casual neighborhood spots to award-winning kitchens that reflect Oakland’s creative culinary culture.
18. March 13 (Begins): Knott’s Boysenberry Festival – Buena Park
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm celebrates the park’s signature fruit with creative sweet and savory dishes. Visitors use tasting tickets to sample seasonal treats around the Buena Park park while enjoying themed entertainment and the relaxed energy of a springtime festival.
19. March 13–18: El Paseo Fashion Week – Palm Desert
El Paseo Fashion Week in Palm Desert presents runway shows, designer showcases, and social events over several days. Fashion fans gather to watch new collections debut while enjoying an atmosphere that mixes style, shopping, and desert glamour.
20. March 20 (Begins): Pliny the Younger Release – Santa Rosa and Windsor
Each spring, beer fans gather in Santa Rosa and Windsor for the limited Pliny the Younger release. The long lines feel more like social events, with visitors enjoying conversation, anticipation, and a rare taste of one of California’s most talked-about craft beers.
21. March 20–22: California Artisan Cheese Festival – Santa Rosa
The California Artisan Cheese Festival in Santa Rosa focuses on handcrafted cheeses paired with wine and beer. Tastings and seminars introduce visitors to local cheesemakers and Sonoma County’s dairy traditions in a weekend centered around regional flavors.
22. March 20–22: Santa Barbara International Orchid Show – Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Orchid Show features large floral displays alongside orchid art and growing demonstrations. Visitors wander through colorful exhibits, learn cultivation tips from experts, and browse rare blooms while enjoying one of the country’s most respected and visually striking flower showcases.
23. March 21: Sundial Film Festival – Redding
Redding’s Sundial Film Festival showcases short films by emerging directors inside the historic Cascade Theatre. Screening sessions and special events create a relaxed setting for discovering new voices in filmmaking while enjoying one of downtown Redding’s classic landmarks.
24. March 21–22: Fort Bragg Whale Fest – Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg Whale Festival celebrates gray whale migration season with races, wine walks, and community gatherings. Visitors can watch for whales along the Mendocino Coast while enjoying festive events that highlight the town’s connection to the ocean.
25. March 27–29: Toyota U.S. Mogul Freestyle Championships – Palisades Tahoe
The Toyota U.S. Mogul Championships bring competitive skiing to Palisades Tahoe. Spectators gather to watch athletes race down steep slopes while enjoying late-season snow and the upbeat energy that comes with springtime in the mountains.
26. March 27–29: WonderCon – Anaheim
WonderCon Anaheim gathers fans of comics, movies, and animation for panels, exhibits, and artist showcases. Cosplay and interactive events create a friendly convention atmosphere focused on creativity and shared enthusiasm for pop culture.
27. March 28: Boardwalk Fun Run – Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk Fun Run offers a scenic 5K along the beach beside classic amusement rides. Participants earn medals and arcade time, turning the race into a mix of exercise and laid-back seaside fun.
28. All Month: Mermaid Month – Ventura
Mermaid Month transforms Ventura Harbor Village into a playful waterfront celebration. Themed weekends include live music, scavenger hunts, and family activities, with visitors often dressing up while browsing shops and enjoying the harbor atmosphere.
