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?
- Boston Duck Tour & Cruise - See Boston the fun way!
- Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Trolley Tour - Choose 1 or 2 days
- Historical Pub Crawl Tour along the Freedom Trail - Visit Paul Revere's favorite tavern
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
Boston Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you. Learn more
St Patrick's Day Parade 2024
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
- 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
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:
- All Irish Comedy Tour - Laugh Boston - March 14
- Dropkick Murphys & Pennywise - House of Blues - March 14
- Big Irish Jay - Laugh Boston - March 15, 16 (2 shows on the 16th)
- Dropkick Murphys - House of Blues - March 15, 16, 17
- Celebrity Series of Boston: Nathalie Joachim - Crystal Ballroom @ Somerville Theatre - March 20
- Blue October - Orpheum Theatre - March 23
- Nate Bargatze - TD Garden - March 24 (2 shows)
- Guster - MGM Music Hall- March 30
Enter DISCOVERY10 to save 10% on TicketLiquidator & TicketNetwork tickets. Good for purchases made through 12/31/24.
Schedules & Tickets
Boston Theater & Shows for March 2024
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:
- Boston Ballet: Swan Lake - Boston Opera House - Through March 16
- Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Multiple shows
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:
More top Theatre District hotels:
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):
- Hotel AKA Back Bay - 2 blocks away from the Park Plaza
- Revere Hotel Boston Common - 3 blocks away from the Boston Wine Expo
- The Newbury Boston - 2 blocks away on Newbury Street; overlooks Boston's Public Garden
Find out about other wine tasting events in Boston
Dine Out! Boston 2024
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
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:
- March 14 - House of Blues - Get your tickets
- March 15, 16, 17- MGM Music Hall at Fenway Park - Get your tickets
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
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!
Bruins March Home Game Schedule at the Garden - March 2024
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
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.
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
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
Sailing on the Adirondack III & IV (through mid-October):
- Adirondack III & IV Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands
- Adirondack III & IV Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors
Fall Foliage Cruises - Starting October 5
- Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Enjoy a tasty gourmet brunch, fall foliage, and panoramic views as you cruise around Boston Harbor
- Fall Foliage Lunch Cruise on Northern Lights - Sip hot cider as you enjoy lunch on this relaxing fall foliage cruise to celebrate seasonal colors
Fun Boston Tours & Adventures for March
Anime Boston 2024
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.
Featured New Hotel for March: Revolution Hotel in Boston's South End
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.
MFA Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Dress Up - A look at how we dress expresses our politics, moods, and personal identities - Through 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
- 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
- Georgia O'Keefe and Henry Moore - Juxtapositions between the work of these two 20th century icons - October 13 - January 20, 2025; timed-entry tickets required. Reserve online
- Deep Waters: Four Artists & the Sea - Compare the visions of four disparate artists with unique perspectives - Nov 9, 2024 - Nov 9, 2025
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 to 1) U.S. active duty military and veterans, 2) Boston Public Schools students and up to 3 family members ever first and second Sunday each month, plus $7 for some special exhibitions 3) Massachusetts residents on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and 4) thanks to UNIQLO, everyone on September 14, 2024. MFA is open every day 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
- 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 -Through September 2
- Wordplay - This show focuses on how contemporary artists have played with words to animate and expand their art - Through Jan 5, 2025
- Stanley Whitney: How High the Moon - Retrospective featuring Whitney's small paintings and other works - Through Sept 1, 2025
- Gun Violence Memorial Project - A living memorial to the 700 lives typically lost each week by gun violence in the US - Aug 29 - January 20, 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, and on Thursday evenings (tickets available at 10am on the day of your visit; recommended due to limited space). 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
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, Electricity.
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?
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
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
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
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
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, 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.
Boston Events Each Month
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Year at a Glance
More Articles about Things to Do in Boston
- Interested in getting some exercise while you sightsee? Check out Boston bike tours
- Boston Marathon - Happening next month!
- Boston Harbor cruises start up again this month - Find out more
- April Events - More about what to see and do next month