The Boston Events Calendar for March 2022 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 kick-off of whale-watching cruise season.
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 13 - 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)
- March 19 - Whale Watching Cruises begin for the season - don't wait to get your tickets)
You may even feel the first hints of spring - and enjoy the return (maybe) of warm weather.
Check out all our top recommendations for fun things to do in Boston in March, make your hotel reservations (you'll find some very attractive rates) - and start planning your visit now!
Top Photo: St Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston
St Patrick's Day Parade 2022
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 route has been shortened this year to about half its usual length - but at least the parade is happening, for the first time in 2 years!
Don't forget to wear green!
When: Sunday, March 20, 1pm
Closest T station: Red Line/Broadway
More about the St Patrick's Day Parade route plus 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 19, 20
- Live Irish Music Cruise - Enjoy live Irish tunes on this fun sightseeing cruise around the Harbor - March 18
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 2022
Top March Concerts in Boston
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Schedules & Tickets
More Concerts & Shows during March
Boston Concerts throughout the Year
Boston Whale Watching Season Begins for 2022!
Boston whale watching cruises start on March 19. Don't wait to get your tickets!
These exciting excursions last about 3.5-4 hours and take you through Boston Harbor and out to Stellwagen Bank, a protected marine area 25 miles east of the city. Marine biologists or naturalists serve as guides to make sure you don't miss a thing.
Be sure to bring your camera!
Get your whale watch tickets and reservations
More about Boston whale watching cruises
Boston Theater & Shows for March 2022
Top March Shows in Boston - Schedules & Tickets
- Blue Man Group - Charles Playhouse - Multiple shows
- Hamilton - Boston Opera House - Jan-March 12, 2023
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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:
Check out more hotels in Boston's Theatre District
March 2022 Boston Red Sox Schedule - Opening Day & Home Games at Fenway
The Red Sox typically play their home field season opener at Fenway Park in early April each year. But this year, their home opening game at Fenway against the Tampa Bay Rays happens on March 31 - see available seats and get your tickets.
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Find all Red Sox games & tickets here
Dine Out! Boston 2022
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 13 - 26
Boston Flower & Garden Events
St Patrick's Day 5K Race in Southie 2022
Just a couple of hours before the big St Patrick's Day Parade starts on Sunday, March 20th, the St Patrick's Day 5K Road Race kicks off at 11am 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.
Live performances by South Boston kids and teens will had to the fun.
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.
Sponsorship money and donations raised by the marathon racers goes to support South Boston youth programs. More details and registration at the South Boston Boys and Girls Club website (click "Get Involved"). 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 2022
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!
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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? Spend the night or the weekend at a nearby hotel, such as the glamorous Onyx (shown in photo), part of the Kimpton hotel family:
More top hotels near the Garden:
Check out more hotels near TD Garden
More about TD Garden: Schedule, directions, best ticket prices
Dropkick Murphys St Patrick's Day Concerts 2022
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 17, 18, 19 - House of Blues - Get your tickets
- March 20 - Roadrunner (Brighton) - 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!
Celtics Basketball at TD Garden - March 2022
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.
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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
Fall Foliage Cruises
- 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
Popular Cruises on the Northern Lights:
- Brunch Cruise on the Northern Lights - Savor a delicious 3-course brunch on this relaxing sightseeing cruise around Boston Harbor (through Oct 1)
- 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! Refreshments are available for purchase at the bar (through Oct 2)
- 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 horizonNO
- Sunday Evening Jazz Cruise on Northern Lights - End your weekend on the perfect note by grooving to live jazz as you watch the ever-changing sunset colors as the sun sets behind Boston's city skyline (Oct 16, 23, 30)
Sail on the Adirondack III (through mid-October)
- Adirondack III Day Sail - Enjoy cool breezes and the afternoon sun on this relaxing sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor and the Inner Harbor Islands (through Oct 16)
- Adirondack III Sunset Sail - Relax as the setting sun turns the sky brilliant colors (through Oct 16)
Fun Boston Tours & Adventures for March
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 2022
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
- Helina Metaferia: Generations: Collage, video, and installations explore how inherited trauma informs present day experiences for women of color - Through April 11, 2022
- New Light: Encounters & Connections - Juxtapositions of contemporary pieces with objects from other places, other times - Through Aug 22, 2022
- The Banner Projects: Lauren Halsey - The artist remixes signs, symbols, and Afrofuturist vistions inspired by her LA neighborhood with works from ancient cultures of Egypt and Nubia from the MFA's collections - Through May 29, 2022
- Turner's Modern World - More than 100 paintings (including some of his most famous), drawings, and sketchbooks - March 27-July 10, 2022; special ticket (and timed-entry) required
- Philip Guston Now - Major retrospective of this late-20th century giant - May 1-Sept 11, 2022
Museum (and show) admission: $25 adults ($27 starting 3/1/22); special exhibits included unless otherwise noted; free entrance with Boston Discount Cards (GoBoston card and 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 Thursday - Monday and closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston - Current & Future Shows
- Raúl de Nieves: The Treasure House of Memory - Fanciful sculptures encrusted with bangles, beads, bells, sequins, and other unexpected materials - Through July 24, 2022
- Eva LeWitt - Huge colorful hanging wall sculpture made from coated mesh fabric - Through Oct 23, 2022
Admission: $15 adults; free entrance with GoBoston card and Boston CityPASS. Closed on Mondays. Free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, & Indigenous Peoples' Day, and every Thursday from 5-9pm. Must have timed tickets for free admission.
Museum of Science Exhibits
Special Exhibits
- Project Vaccine - Learn more about vaccines and their development in the Museum's newest exhibition
- Design Engineering Workshop - Design, build, and test solutions for everyday problems
- Resilient Venice: Adapting to Climate Change - Learn how we can implement solutions in this new pilot gallery
Permanent Exhibits
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: Butterfly Garden (extra fee), Colossal Fossil: Triceratops Cliff, Cosmic Light, Dinosaurs, Arctic Adventure, Hall of Human Life, Live Animal Care Center, Mathematica, Nanotechnology, Natural Mysteries, New England Habitats, The Light House - plus 17 more!
Where: Boston's Museum of Science
When: Daily, 9am-5pm; open until 9pm on Fridays
Admission: $29 general museum admission ($24 for kids). Buy online to skip the line. Get free museum admission when you have a GoBoston Discount card or Boston CityPASS card.
Imax Theater and Planetarium: Additional fees apply
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 2022
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 2022
When: March 23-27, 2022
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.
If you're coming specifically for the festival, here are several hotels convenient to Harvard Square to consider:
- Harvard Square Hotel Rates & Reviews
- Charles Hotel Rates & Reviews
- Hotel Veritas Rates & Reviews
Harpoon St Patrick's Day
Normally, Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave, South Boston Waterfront) kicks off their St Patrick's Day Festival with a 2-day beer festival at their brewery featuring a large selection of Harpoon and UFO beers, handmade brewery pretzels and food for purchase, and non-stop live music from Joshua Tree, Colum Cille Pipes & Drums, Dicey Riley with Dicey Riley and the Celtic Rock Band, and other local bands throughout the weekend.
This year? Still TBD, thanks to Covid. So stay tuned for updates.
Check their website for all the details!
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 will take place 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
A St Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn - 2022
If you're a fan of Brian O'Donovan's Celtic Sojourn program on Boston's WGBH radio or his Celtic Sojourn Christmas celebration, you'll want to be sure to get to his celebration of Irish and Celtic music, dance, and storytelling in A St. Patrick's Day Celtic Sojourn at the Somerville Theatre, plus four other venues in the Greater Boston/Worcester area.
When: March 16-20
Ticket information: website
Boston Irish Film Festival
The 4-day Boston Irish Film Festival at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square will make you think you're back in the Emerald Isle. This year's fest features 30 Irish productions, with A Bump Along the Way directed by Shelly Love, The Last Right directed by Aoife Crehan, The Bird and the Whale by Carol Freeman, and 27 more films you may not see anywhere else in the US.
Films focus on Ireland and Irish culture, and what it means to be Irish in the 21st century. More than 3,000 fans attend this popular film series.
Coming to Boston specifically for the Festival? Here are three Cambridge hotels on the T's Red Line (1-2 stops from Davis Square, but also within easy walking distance) to consider:
- Porter Square Hotel - Rates & Reviews
- Charles Hotel Rates & Reviews
- Harvard Square Hotel Rates & Reviews
When: TBD
Closest T stations: Red Line/Davis Square (Somerville Theatre)
Cost: Tickets start at $15 and multi-film packages are available at a discount
Tickets & full schedule: www.irishfilmfestival.com
Boston Flower & Garden Show
Sad news: The Boston Flower and Garden Show, which let us dream about spring as we gazed at the show's lush gardens and gorgeous floral displays, will not take place this year. Organizers have announced that the show is on hold until an appropriate space and location can be found to host it, as the Seaport World Trade Center, the show's former venue, is undergoing renovations to turn it into retail and office space only - no exhibition hall.
We will announce the new venue, dates, and times as soon as they find a space, and are also leaving up information about the previous show, in case you'd like to know what to expect in the future.
Meanwhile, here are more ways to welcome spring to Boston:
First Fridays at MFA - On Hold Right Now
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. Part social event, part opportunity to enjoy the Museum and the art within it.
When: March 5, 6-9:30pm (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; get free ticket with museum admission ($25)
Must be: 21+
Boston Insider's Tip: Arrive early to get your ticket - they do sell out for this event
Boston Irish Film Festival - Not in 2022
This information was from two years ago: March is the month for all things Irish, and the 4-day Boston Irish Film Festival at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square will make you think you're back in the Emerald Isle. This year's fest features 30 Irish productions, with A Bump Along the Way directed by Shelly Love, The Last Right directed by Aoife Crehan, The Bird and the Whale by Carol Freeman, and 27 more films you may not see anywhere else in the US.
Films focus on Ireland and Irish culture, and what it means to be Irish in the 21st century. More than 3,000 fans attend this popular film series.
Coming to Boston specifically for the Festival? Here are three Cambridge hotels on the T's Red Line (1-2 stops from Davis Square, but also within easy walking distance) to consider:
- Porter Square Hotel - Rates & Reviews
- Charles Hotel Rates & Reviews
- Harvard Square Hotel Rates & Reviews
When: March 19-22
Closest T stations: Red Line/Davis Square (Somerville Theatre)
Cost: Tickets start at $15 and multi-film packages are available at a discount
Tickets & full schedule: www.irishfilmfestival.com
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
