March 27, 2024
Spring & Summer Food Festivals Near Sacramento
March 2, 2017
30+ Things To Do This March in the Sacramento Area
With St. Patrick’s Day smack dab in the middle, followed by the start of spring, and pleasant weather throughout, the month of March is an amazing time of year!
To capitalize on the excitement of the month, add a few of these events to your family’s calendar. From musicals to color runs, and everything in between, there is something for everyone on this list!
Skip Ahead to:
The Week of March 4–11
Sacramento Beer Week
Thursday, March 2 – Sunday, March 12
Photo Courtesy of Sacramento Beer Week
Sacramento Beer Week celebrates local breweries with a variety of events throughout this 10-day extravaganza. Check out our extensive guide to Sacramento Beer Week, which describes each participating brewery and highlights important events throughout the week.
Shrek the Musical
Saturday, March 4 | 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. + Sunday, March 5 | 2 p.m.
The El Dorado Musical Theater presents Shrek the Musical at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. Shrek, the infamous ogre, is back in this hilarious stage show based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film. This lively and entertaining performance proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre!
Sacramento Spring Home and Garden Show
Friday, March 3 – Sunday, March 5
As lovers of interior design and home improvement, we are very much looking forward to the 36th Annual Sacramento Home and Garden Show! This enormous home and garden show will take over Cal Expo for three full days of exciting exhibitors, products, beautiful displays, and more.
Mardi Paws Parade
Saturday, March 4 | 11 a.m.
Dog owners and animal lovers alike are invited to join Old Sacramento’s Mardi Paws Parade, a small parade featuring costumed dogs traveling by foot and by float! The procession ends at the 1849 scene, where you’ll encounter event sponsors, food and drink vendors, a doggy play area, and much more! All funds raised at the Mardi Paws Parade will be donated to the Front Street Animal Shelter.
Star Party
Saturday, March 4 | 6:30–8 p.m.
The Star Party in Auburn is a completely free event allowing curious stargazers to observe the moon and planets Venus, Mars and Uranus with local astronomers at the American River Canyon Overlook! Bring your camera so you may capture the moon through their high-tech telescopes.
Blake Shelton Concert
Thursday, March 9 | 7:30 p.m.
Country fans are looking forward to Blake Shelton’s performance at the Golden 1 Center on March 9! His smooth, quirky and heartfelt music has captivated audiences around the globe since his debut in 2001. Get tickets for Blake’s Sacramento show while you still can!
City of Roseville Food Truck Mania
Thursday, March 9 | 5–8 p.m.
On the second Thursday of every month, the City of Roseville and SactoMoFo present Food Truck Mania in downtown Roseville at the beautifully renovated Vernon Street Town Square. Enjoy a delicious selection from gourmet food trucks, wonderful music, and lots of family fun at this free event!
Long Lunch Fridays
Friday, March 10 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Commons (DOCO) is Sacramento’s most vibrant collection of retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. On Long Lunch Fridays, DOCO hosts a public plaza party and activities featuring food trucks and other live entertainment!
Color Vibe 5K
Saturday, March 11 | 9 a.m.
Photo Courtesy of the Color Vibe 5K
The Color Vibe 5K will be one of the most colorful and fun-filled days of your life, as you get blasted with color while you run a 5K course through the beautiful Gibson Ranch Regional Park! Get all the details and register for this thrilling experience ahead of time. Get $4 off your registration price with the code LYON.
Midtown Bizarre
Saturday, March 11 | 12–6 p.m.
Identity Coffees in Midtown hosts this charming micro maker’s bazaar on the second Saturday of every month. Shop from a variety of local makers and vendors from 12–6 p.m. It is free to attend; but bring money for a few gifts for friends and loved ones — or yourself!
Shamrock’n Weekend
Saturday, March 11 + Sunday, March 12
Participate in the fun and active races during Shamrock’n Weekend, benefiting the Triumph Cancer Foundation, a Sacramento-based nonprofit organization that empowers cancer survivors to recapture their lives after cancer treatment through physical fitness. On Saturday, your family can run (or walk!) in the half-mile Kids’ Leprechaun Dash, or the 5K or 10K race. You can even participate in the half marathon on Sunday! Whatever race you’re in, Shamrock’n Weekend is a wonderful way to be active while supporting an amazing cause.
The Week of March 12–18
Tahoe Snow Festival
March 3–12 | 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tahoe Snow Festival is an annual tradition returning to North Lake Tahoe for 10 days of events and activities for all ages. Enjoy on-snow events at resorts, and participate in special events, parades, races, parties, concerts, and more. And what’s a festival without wonderful food? Taste the fine food and wine of the region at the many eateries and bars in North Lake Tahoe. This festival is well worth a trip up to the mountains!
Sacramento Antique Faire
Sunday, March 12
Photo Courtesy of the Sacramento Antique Faire
The Sacramento Antique Faire is an outdoor antiques and collectibles marketplace held the second Sunday of the month in Curtis Park. Shop from over 300 vendors from all over Northern California and beyond. You will encounter antique and vintage goods including furniture, clothing, jewelry, home decor, and much more!
Five for Fighting & String Quartet
Friday, March 17
Reminisce on hits like “Superman,” “100 Years,” and “The Riddle” with a Five for Fighting show at Crest Theatre! Chart-topping singer/songwriter John Ondrasik (also known as Five for Fighting) is a passionate musician with the capacity to put on quite a performance. Get your tickets in advance for his show on St. Patrick’s Day!
Long Lunch Fridays
Friday, March 17 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Commons (DOCO) is Sacramento’s most vibrant collection of retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. On Long Lunch Fridays, DOCO hosts a public plaza party and activities featuring food trucks and other live entertainment!
St. Patrick’s Day River Cruise
Saturday, March 18 | 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day from one of our favorite vantage points in the city — atop the Hornblower River Cruise along the Sacramento River. On St. Patrick’s Day, this one-hour cruise will even include a face painter and balloon artist for the kids! This is a fun way to experience the wildlife and natural beauty that this historic waterway has to offer. Choose the 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. cruise, depending on your family’s Saturday schedule.
Old Sacramento St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 18 | 12 p.m.
Photo Courtesy of Old Sacramento
The Old Sacramento St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of Northern California’s largest and most colorful parades, uniting all cultures each year in Old Sacramento. The day begins with entertainment and activities starting at 12 p.m. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at the corner of Neasham and Front Streets, and proceeds throughout the national historic landmark district. The parade is filled with hundreds of colorful marchers dressed in green, Irish and Highland dancers, pipe and drum bands, historic re-enactors, and much more. This family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day event should not be missed!
Old Town Elk Grove Vintage Trailer & Antique Show
Saturday, March 18 | 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Head to Old Town Elk Grove for an up-close look at fantastic vintage trailers that are now part of the “glamping” world. You can even peek inside some trailers and visit with their owners, as you shop from dozens of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage items, and flea market finds. Grab a drink from the beer and wine garden and a bite to eat from local food trucks parked on site! Admission for adults costs $5 and is completely free for children 16 and under.
The Ugly Duckling
Saturday, March 18 | 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.
The enchanting Hans Christian Andersen story comes to life with this heartwarming musical production at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom! Purchase tickets for the whole family for the 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. performance.
Davis Flea Market
Sunday, March 19 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Find a treasure for your home at the Davis Flea Market! Explore the creative and quirky vendor collections on the third Sunday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Third Space Art Collective in Davis.
The Week of March 19–25
Bike Party Davis
Friday, March 24 | 8 p.m.
On the fourth Friday of every month, join fellow biking enthusiasts for a non-athletic experience with lots of stops, laughter and talk. This party on wheels is a collection of bikes and trikes, dogs and kids, traveling on a 3–5-mile route starting at Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board in Davis.
Long Lunch Fridays
Friday, March 24 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Commons (DOCO) is Sacramento’s most vibrant collection of retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. On Long Lunch Fridays, DOCO hosts a public plaza party and activities featuring food trucks and other live entertainment!
Peter Pan
Friday, March 24 – Sunday, March 26
Join Peter, Wendy, Tinkerbell, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys as they outwit the nefarious Captain Hook in this stunning performance of “Peter Pan” at Sacramento’s Community Center Theater. With a variety of performances throughout the weekend, you and your family have several options to choose from:
Friday, March 24 | 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 25 | 2 pm or 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 26 | 2 pm
The Week of March 26–April 1
Mother Son Wacky Golf Tournament
Sunday, March 26 | 8 a.m.
Mothers and sons are invited to join the Cosumnes CSD 2nd Annual Mother Son Wacky Golf Tournament! Leave your golf clubs at home and use the provided equipment as you make your way down the fairway with provided tennis racquets, baseballs, frisbees, and other sports equipment. This fun and quirky tournament costs $60 for a group of four!
ZooZoom
Sunday, March 26 | 8 a.m.
Photo Courtesy of Randy Wehner Photography
Support the Sacramento Zoo and stick to your fitness goals by participating in the 37th Annual ZooZoom, benefiting animal care and enrichment at the Sacramento Zoo. The event features a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, and kids’ fun runs, leading participants through the beautiful Land Park. Register now to secure your spot!
Ariana Grande Concert
Sunday, March 26 | 7:30 p.m.
Multi-platinum selling and Grammy Award-nominated artist, Ariana Grande, is gracing the Golden 1 Center stage on Sunday, March 26. Hear hit songs from her debut album, “Yours Truly” and her latest release, “Dangerous Woman.” Get your tickets in advance!
Eric Church
Thursday, March 30 | 8 p.m.
Return to the Golden 1 Center for a captivating performance from country star Eric Church. For the first time ever, Eric is traveling without a support act, and will instead play two full sets with an intermission in between. That means more Eric Church songs for his adoring fans! Get your tickets to this fun, toe-tapping performance.
Long Lunch Fridays
Friday, March 31 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Commons (DOCO) is Sacramento’s most vibrant collection of retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. On Long Lunch Fridays, DOCO hosts a public plaza party and activities featuring food trucks and other live entertainment!
Ongoing Events Throughout March
Little Peeps at the Sacramento Zoo
Photo Courtesy of the Sacramento Zoo
Keep the little ones entertained with Little Peeps at the Sacramento Zoo. Each class focuses on a different theme and includes a mini lesson, fun craft, and other activities for those ages 3–5.
Jaguars: Friday, March 3 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Fish: Thursday, March 9 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Fish: Friday, March 10 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Bats: Thursday, March 16 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Bats:Friday, March 17 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Giraffes: Thursday, March 23 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Giraffes: Friday, March 24 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
James and the Giant Peach
Watch Roald Dahl’s classic tale come to life with a “James and the Giant Peach” musical performance at the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy. Follow the adventure of a boy, his insect friends, and their journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit. Tickets cost $13, and are available for a variety of performances throughout the month:
Friday, March 10 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 12 | 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 17 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 18 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 19 | 2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 24 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 | 7:30 p.m.
Sacramento Kings Game
Watching the Sacramento Kings play at home in the beautiful Golden 1 Center is an exciting experience for the entire family. Get tickets to any of their upcoming games:
Saturday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m.
Category Local Events
