The Boston Events Calendar for March 2024 is packed with fun things to do, including Dine Out Boston, the Saint Patrick's Day Parade which normally which attracts around 1 million spectators, and the Boston Red Sox opening day game at Fenway Park.

Looking for Fun Activities in Boston during March?


Look for exciting shows in Boston's Theatre District and plenty of concerts by top performers, including multiple Dropkick Murphys on and around St. Patrick's Day.

March Holidays & Important Dates in Boston:

  • March 5 - Boston Massacre took place in 1770
  • March 10 - Daylight Savings Time begins (set your clocks 1 hour forward!)
  • March 17 - St Patrick's Day - and also Evacuation Day, when the Seige of Boston by the British ended in 1776 (official Boston holiday, so therefore you get free metered parking) 

You'll also see the first hints of spring as early bulbs begin to bloom - and enjoy the return of warm-ish weather.

Check out all our top recommendations for fun things to do in Boston in March, make your hotel reservations (tip: you'll find some attractive rates because March is still shoulder season), and start planning your visit now!

Top Photo:  St Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, (c) Boston Discovery Guide

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St Patrick's Day Parade 2024 

Boston iron workers float in the St Patrick's Day Parade
Boston iron workers float in the St Patrick's Day Parade

Boston's famous St Patrick's Day Parade takes place in South Boston ("Southie"), and starts at the Broadway T station on the Red Line.  The parade will follow its normal (ie, long) route again this year.

Don't forget to wear green!

When:  Sunday, March 17, 1pm
Closest T station: Red Line/Broadway

More about the St Patrick's Day Parade route plus survival tips for getting there

More about other St Patrick's Day events

See our recommendations for the most convenient places to stay


St Patrick's Day Weekend Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston Harbor Sightseeing and Special Event Cruises
  • St Patrick's Brunch Cruise - Savor a delicious 3-course Irish breakfast and Irish drink as you enjoy a live Irish music on board the Northern Lights on this cruise around Boston Harbor - March 16 & 17 - don't wait to book!

Other Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:

  • Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Choose your favorite beverage from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
  • Brunch Cruise - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor

Boston Concerts & Shows - March 2024

Dropkick Murphys in concert in Boston - Photo courtesy of claynferno
Dropkick Murphys in concert in March in Boston - Photo courtesy of claynferno

Top March Concerts in Boston

Get ready for a great lineup of Boston concerts and shows in March 2024 with the Dropkick Murphys, Guster, Burna Boy, the Kooks, Blue October, and more!  Book now:

 

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Schedules & Tickets

More Concerts & Shows during March

Boston Concerts throughout the Year 


Boston Theater & Shows for March 2024

Theater productions and shows for March in Boston

Top March Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets

Check out the Boston theater schedule for March with an exciting mix of touring Broadway shows, musicals, ballet, kids shows, comedy, and even the circus:

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

More Boston Theatre District shows for March

Where to have dinner in Boston's Theatre District


Top Hotels near Boston's Theatre District

Enjoy your Boston performance or show experience to the fullest when you stay in one of the nearby Theatre District hotels, such as the luxurious Hyatt Regency:

Hyatt Regency Boston Hotel, top choice near Boston's Theatre District

More top Theatre District hotels:

Check out more hotels in Boston's Theatre District


Boston Wine Expo 2024

The annual Boston Wine Expo is the largest wine event in New England - a fantastic opportunity experience top vintages made by some of the best winemakers as well as lesser-known labels from around the world. 

Although this is primarily a wine-tasting event for enthusiasts as well as those working in the industry, you can also attend classes, presentations, and seminars. 

In addition to wine, you can also sample other types of beverages such as specialty vodkas as well as treats such as fine chocolates.

For more information and tickets (which you should buy in advance to avoid disappointment if they run out), check Boston Wine Expo's event website.

When:  March 2-3
Where:  Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel - stay here for top convenience - guestrooms come in a wide range of sizes with rates ranging from cheap (for Boston) for small rooms to very pricey for the largest, swankiest suites

More places to stay nearby (so that you can sip as much wine as you'd like):

Find out about other wine tasting events in Boston


Dine Out! Boston 2024

Dine Out Boston
Dine Out Boston meals

Twice each year, you can enjoy fine dining at fixed prices at the best Boston restaurants.  Sample the latest "hot" restaurants, visit old favorites, and explore a few places you've never tried before. 

Check for participating Dine Out Boston restaurants, meals offered and costs, and other information.  And don't forget to check our tips for getting the most value out of Dine Out Week!

When:  March 10 - 23


Dropkick Murphys St Patrick's Day Concerts 2024

Dropkick Murphys at House of Blues Boston on St Patrick's Day
Dropkick Murphys St Patricks Day concert - Photo credit:  Thomas Hawk, cc by-nc 2.0

Boston's favorite Celtic punk rock group, the Dropkick Murphys play their iconic favorites to celebrate St Patrick's Day in their home town in four special concerts this year:

Their Boston shows usually sell out far in advance - maybe because their "Shipping Up To Boston" song is practically the city's official anthem.  So don't wait to get your tickets!


St Patrick's Day 5K Race in Southie

St Patrick's Day 5K race in South Boston
St Patrick's Day 5K Road Race in Southie - Photo credit: Brian Cribb

Just a couple of hours before the big St Patrick's Day Parade starts on Sunday, March 17th, the St Patrick's Day 5K Road Race kicks off at 11am (to be confirmed) from the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys and Girls Club at 230 6th Street. 

Head over to cheer on the 1,750 runners, who are carrying on a long tradition - this race first started back in 1940.  You can identify the first 650 entrants by their official long-sleeved race shirts designed by one of the race's most famous sponsors, the Dropkick Murphys, Celtic punk rock group with Southie origins who will again be playing their annual St Pat concerts in Boston this year. 

The route goes from West 6th Sth Street to Dorchester Street, down E. Broadway to Farragut Statue, back up E. Broadway to W. Broadway, and then down E Street to West 6th.

This is a 100% charity race, run by volunteers, and with all proceeds going to support South Boston youth programs.  More details and registration at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club website (search on "5K road race").  If you don't want to run but want to help, they're also looking for volunteers!

More St Patrick's Day events


Bruins March Home Game Schedule at the Garden - March 2024

Bruins playing at TD Garden
Boston Bruins - Photo courtesy of Dan4th Nicholas

Get your Boston Bruins tickets for March home games, and head over to TD Garden for some fast action on the ice.

The Garden's convenient location next to North Station and close to Faneuil Marketplace makes it super-easy to get to.

Don't miss the chance to see Boston's hockey team, winner of 6 Stanley Cup championships!

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Find Bruins schedule & tickets for March home games at the Garden

Find Bruins schedule & tickets for all home games

Hotels near TD Garden

Coming to an event at the Garden? Consider spending the night or the weekend at one of these top nearby hotels: 

Check out more hotels near TD Garden

More about TD Garden:  Schedule, directions, best ticket prices


Boston Flower & Garden Events


Celtics Basketball at TD Garden - March 2024

Boston Celtics playing at TD Garden
Boston Celtics playing at TD Garden - Photo courtesy of Yzukerman

You can cheer the Boston Celtics home games at TD Garden throughout March - so be sure to get your Celtics tickets, wear green, and go support our home team!

Tickets are affordable, TD Garden's central city location is super-easy to reach (just take the T to North Station), and plenty of neighborhood sports bars and clubs mean you can have a lot of fun before and after the game.

Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets.  Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.

Get your Celtics tickets now

Where: TD Garden
Nearest public transportation: 
Green Line/Orange Line or Commuter Rail to North Station, next to the Garden
Where to stay:  Hotels near TD Garden


Best Boston Harbor Cruises

Boston Harbor Sightseeing and Special Event Cruises

 Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:

  • Northern Lights Sunset Cruise - Grab a refreshments from the bar and then relax as you watch the sun set on this sail around the Harbor, just in time to catch the USS Constitution fire its cannons as the sun dips down past the horizon
  • Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor
  • Boston Harbor Cruise on Northern Lights - Soak up Boston's unique sites and rich history on this comfortable sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - perfect friends and family experience!  Food and beverages available for purchase at the bar - Starts March 10

Fun St Patrick's Day Brunch Cruise:

  • St Patrick's Brunch Cruise - Savor a delicious 3-course Irish breakfast and Irish drink as you enjoy a live Irish music on board the Northern Lights on this cruise around Boston Harbor - March 16 & 17 - don't wait to book!

Sailing on the Adirondack III:

  • Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands - Starts May 2
  • Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors - Starts May 2
  • Adirondack III 90-Minute Mimosa Day Sail - Soak up the sun on this afternoon sail through the Inner Harbor and Harbor Islands with drinks available for purchase at the bar - Starts July 6

Mothers Day Cruise


Fun Boston Tours & Adventures for March


Anime Boston 2024

Anime cosplayers dressed in 'Kigurumi' style - Photo credit: iStockphotos/ColobusYeti
Anime cosplayers dressed in 'Kigurumi' style - Photo credit: iStockphotos/ColobusYeti

Anime Boston - the largest anime convention in New England - returns to the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel (find rates & reviews) on Marxh 29-31 with music, films, cosplay, and star guests plus lots of exhibits, artists, and special presentations.

The focus is on Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, J-Pop, J-Rock, and live-action Japanese media, plus some aspects of Japanese history and traditional culture.  

More information


Featured New Hotel for March:  Revolution Hotel in Boston's South End

Room with queen bed at Revolution Hotel
Comfortable guestroom at Revolution Hotel

40 Berkeley Street, Boston's South End

A trendy vibe, "micro" guest rooms, and - dare we say it, cheap rates position the new Revolution Hotel as one of Boston's most attractive affordable hotels, especially considering its close distance (5-10 minute walk, depending on where you're going) to Downtown Boston.  Free high-speed wifi is a nice bonus.


What to See in Boston's Museums & Aquarium - March 2024

New England Aquarium

Harbor seals and seal lions, a giant 4-story ocean tank with hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, an Amazon rain forest, sharks, Myrtle the green sea turtle, and frisky penguins are just a few of the thousands of aquatic animals you'll experience here. 

Get your tickets in advance, or find out more about the Aquarium.  Admission also available through the Go Boston Pass, Explorer Pass, and Boston CityPASS discount cards.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Watch the famous tea party event come alive with live actors, immersive exhibits, and a visit to the full-scale replica 18th century sailing ships at this unique living history museum.  Get advance tickets.

Museum of Science Boston Exhibit

MFA Boston - Current & Future Shows

  • Mondrian: Foundations - Paintings & early works from Mondrian's early career - Through April 28
  • Toshiko Takaezu: Shaping Abstraction - Over 20 works exploring how this artist arranged her ceramic sculptures, paintings, and textiles as abstract expressions - Through September 29
  • Thinking Small: Dutch Art to Scale - 17th-century Netherlands paintings, prints, books, and other creations designed to elicit slow looking and contemplation. - Through November 3
  • Hallyu! The Korean Wave - The roots of K-Pop and its impact on beauty and fashion - March 24-July 8
  • Dress Up - A look at how we dress expresses our politics, moods, and personal identities - April 13-September 2
  • Dalí: Disruption & Devotion - How Dalí's Surrealist works took inspiration from the past: 30 of his paintings and prints paired with masterpieces by El Greco, Velazquez, and others - July 6-December 1

Museum of Fine Arts Boston admission: $27; some special exhibits require a timed-entry reservation and/or additional fee; free entrance when you have a GoBoston Discount card or Boston CityPASS).  Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lunar New Year Celebration Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day.  MFA is open everyday except for Tuesday.

Museum of African American History - Current Show

  • The Emancipation Proclamation: A Pragmatic Compromise - A close look at this important American document that changed the course of the Civil War, freed enslaved people in the Confederacy, and allowed men of African descent to join the fight for freedom

Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows

  • Wordplay - This show focuses on how contemporary artists have played with words to animate and expand their art - Through Dec 1
  • Wu Tsang: Of Whales - An immersive installation inspired by Melvilles Moby Dick - Through Aug 24
  • Igshaan Adams - A new monumental commissioned work by this South African artist - Through Feb 15, 2025
  • Firelei Baez - Massive works - April 4 - September 2
  • Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon - Retrospective featuring Whitney's small paintings and other works - April 17 - Sept 1, 2025
  • Tau Lewis - Sculptures, quilts, masks, and more made from found materials; her first solo show in the US - Aug 29 - January 26, 2025
  • Charles Atlas - An immersive multimedia exhibit - Oct 10 - March 16, 2025

Admission: $20 adults, 18 and under free; free entrance with GoBostoncard and Boston CityPASS.  Closed on Mondays.  Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and every Thursday from 5-9pm.  

Museum of Science Exhibits

Museum of Science Boston Exhibit
Museum of Science Butterfly Garden - Photo credit: Ted, cc by-sa 2.0

Special Exhibits

  • Changing Landscapes: An Immersive Journey - Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites in this new immersive exhibit about adapting to climate change
  • Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology- Fly a virtual drone and become an Arctic explorer
  • Exploring AI Making the Invisible Visible: Discover how AI is already part of your life, and examine your choices about how and when you use it

With fascinating permanent exhibits for all ages, there's always something to see, do, and learn.  Here are just a few of the most popular: Engineering Design Workshop, Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff, The Light House, Dinosaurs,Hall of Human Life, Animal Sculptures, Live Animal Care Center, a Rock Garden, Mathematica, New England Habitats, Garden Walk & Insect Zoo.

Where:   Boston's Museum of Science
When:   Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission:  $29 general museum admission ($24 for kids; children under 3 free; seniors 60+ $25).  Reserve your tickets, or get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or CityPASS card. 


Not Sure about Boston Neighborhood Locations?

Map of Boston showing central neighborhoods

This neighborhood map should help you get oriented. You can find a list of top attractions in each neighborhood here.

Need a more details?  Here are our favorite free and low-cost Boston maps.


2 Easy Ways to Save BIG in Boston on Tours, Cruises, Admissions

Save BIG with Go Boston discount card
CityPASS Boston discount card at www.boston-discovery-guide.com

Best way to save in Boston.  Save up to 50% when you take a Boston Harbor cruise or Duck Boat tour, visit Plimouth Plantation, the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park Tour, and more.  

Compare to find out which one is best for you.


Boston's Irish Pubs:  More Places to Hear Irish Music 2024

Hennessey's Irish Pub in Boston near Faneuil Marketplace
Hennessey's Irish Pub in Boston near Faneuil Marketplace

Boston has the best Irish pubs in the world, outside of Ireland - and almost as many to choose from. 

Thanks to the large number of Boston residents who hail from the Emerald Isle, you'll hear plenty of Irish accents on both sides of the bar in many of these pubs. 

Needless to say, St. Patrick's Day is a huge event at Boston's Irish pubs . . . expect Irish music, dancing, green beer, and week-long celebrations.

Almost every Boston neighborhood has several or more Irish pubs - the Italian North End and Chinatown are the only 2 exceptions that come to mind. 

Although some of these pubs feature live Irish music at least some of the time, almost all of them normally bring in terrific musicians around St. Patrick's Day.  Even without live music, though, you'll have a lot of fun!

Use our guide to Boston Irish pubs to find a spot to celebrate St. Patrick's Day - and be sure to wear green!


Boston Underground Film Festival 2024

When:  March 20 - 24
Where:  Brattle Theatre, Harvard Square, Cambridge
Closest T station: Red Line/Harvard
More information: website

The Boston Underground Film Festival screens independent, provocative, and experimental films and videos that deliberately push the envelope in style, content, and form.  

What can you expect to see?  An exciting mixture of experimental feature films, music videos, animations, documentaries, and shorts that celebrate and embrace the controversial, the confrontational, the political, and the alternative visions of their makers and their audiences.

You can also join the nightly 21+ parties (10pm until midnight - 2pm, depending on the night) at several local venues in Cambridge and Somerville.

If you're coming to Boston/Cambridge specifically for the festival, here are several hotels convenient to Harvard Square to consider:


St Patrick's Day at Harpoon Brewery 2024

Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave, South Boston Waterfront) kicks off their St Patrick's Day celebrations with a pre-Parade brunch at their brewery starting at 10am.

You can enjoy their large selection of Harpoon and UFO beers as well as bagels and Irish beef stew available for purchase, and the Blarney Beats will be onhand to provide musical cheer.

You can find all the details plus advance ticket purchase information on their website.  (Click on Events)

Age: 21+

More Things to Do in Boston in March

Events and things to do in Boston in March

More Ways to Experience Boston in March

March marks the beginning of spring in Boston - a perfect time to get out and see the city!  These fun trolley tours, bus tours, and special destinations let you enjoy the best of Boston!


Boston Massacre Reenactment

Boston Massacre
Paul Revere's inflammatory engraving of the Boston Massacre

March 5 marks the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre, an explosion of tension between Boston Colonists and the occupying British troops in 1770 that ended with five dead Bostonians and set the stage for the American Revolution five years later. 

The annual reenactment during a day-long event on Saturday, March 5.  From 1pm-5pm, look for costumed reenactors portraying a variety of citizens from 1770 Boston who will share their experiences with British troops who landed in the city in October 1768 and stayed on as no-so-welcome "guests." 

These historical vignettes occur between in the areas along the Freedom Trail between the Old State House (206 Washington Street) and Old South Meeting House (310 Washington Street).

The Boston Massacre reenactment will take place near the Old State House at about 7pm. 

For more information, see the event website.

Find out more about what really happened at the Boston Massacre & where to find the memorial


First Fridays at MFA - 2024

Art exhibition at MFA
Art exhibition at MFA

Art, music, and a cash bar featuring signature cocktails, wine, and tapas provide the perfect setting for meeting up with friends and making new connections, relaxing, and enjoying the MFA's elegant ambiance. 

This popular event is part social experience, part opportunity to enjoy the Museum and the art within it.  The typical format involves an exhibition, discussions (if you're inclined) with the curator, music from a local DJ, and of course, just a chance to enjoy some wonderful art with a drink in hand.

When:  March 1, 6-9pm (and also the first Friday of most months)
Where:  Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston's Fenway neighborhood
Nearest T station:  Green Line/Museum
Cost:  Tickets required (includes museum admission)
Must be:   21+
Boston Insider's Tip:  Arrive early to get your ticket - they do sell out for this event


Utopia Festival 2024 - Cancelled

Utopia Seaport, a gala garden and food festival, takes place on March 23-24 at the Flynn Cruiseport Terminal.

Look for the Massport's Cruise Terminal three floors to be filled with fantastic new experiences and entertainment, including immersive horticultural displays, a chef demonstration stage, free tastings, workshops, a gardener's "toolbench," a cafe, a food hall, a "Mainstreet Marketplace" with artisans and makers, and even a live DJ.

Don't miss this unique event, designed to welcome spring while also offering some of Boston's best culinary, beverage, and artisan delights.

Dates & hours:  March 23-24; Thursday-Saturday, 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm
Location: Flynn (Black Falcon) Cruiseport Terminal, 1 Black Falcon Ave, Boston's Seaport neighborhood.

More information & tickets 


Boston Events Each Month

January   |   February   |     March   |  April   |    May    |    June   |   July   |    August   |    September  |  October   |    November   |    December  |  Year at a Glance 



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