March brings the first glimpse of spring flower blooms, Pi Day, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and events celebrating Women’s History Month.
Read on for some of the best things to do this March in San Francisco that will get you geared up for the spring season.
AURA is an immersive experience that transforms Grace Cathedral into a living canvas of light, sound, and storytelling. Created by Moment Factory, which is known for collaborations with Billie Eilish and U2, this global phenomenon blends projection mapping, symphonic music, and architecture into a powerful 45-minute journey.
San Francisco’s wholesome Flower Bulb Day is officially back on the calendar. The gorgeous outdoor garden will cover Union Square with over 80,000 tulips, all of which are free for visitors to pick and take home.
The Superfair, previously Superfine Art Fair, returns to Fort Mason’s Gateway Pavilion this March. The fair will sell numerous original artworks ranging in price, intended for young art enthusiasts who want to start building their collections. Tickets start at $22 and are on sale now.
Take your place at The Jury Experience, a live theatrical event that places you in the role of a juror in a gripping courtroom drama. Challenge your moral compass and critical thinking skills while passing final judgment in a high-stakes trial.
San Francisco Giants games
Baseball season heats up early as the San Francisco Giants host the New York Yankees for a three-game home series at Oracle Park this March. It’s a rare cross-coast matchup that’s sure to bring big energy to the city, and perfect for an afternoon by the Bay.
Spring flowers around the city
Magnolias
Every year, the San Francisco Botanical Garden explodes into a beautiful spectrum of deep magentas and bright pinks. The “Magnificent Magnolias” event occurs in late January through March, so be sure to find a day soon to see these spectacular blossoms at their best.
Tulips
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden is a quaint spot in the northwest corner of the park, next to an authentic Dutch windmill. Early spring is the best time to see it in full bloom.
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms will soon start to bloom at the Japanese Tea Garden and other key spots in the city. Catch them from March through the beginning of April.
Downtown First Thursdays has another exciting event planned for March 2026. The monthly block party features numerous vendors, performers, and activities that get dozens of local businesses involved.
Explore the history and culture of San Francisco at this captivating performance featuring aerialists, acrobatics, and more. The 90-minute show takes place at Club Fugazi, one of SF’s most historic venues.
Head West Marketplace at the Ferry Building
San Francisco’s Ferry Building is one of the city’s most underrated landmarks, especially if you manage to visit during the farmers market or another event. March brings the return of Head West, a large craft fair with local makers and merchants, live music, and great food. See it on first Sundays from March through September.
St. Patrick’s Day arrives soon in San Francisco, and we’re not about to miss a party. Save the date for SF’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15th, and keep the momentum going with pub crawls, parties, community events, and endless delicious Irish fare.
Did you know that Salesforce Park hosts many free activities every week? They include yoga classes, boot camps, live music, bird walks, garden tours, drum circles, and much more. If you have yet to visit this fascinating rooftop escape, consider checking the event calendar for a one-of-a-kind experience. Get more details here.
The immensely popular Candlelight concert series is putting on some great shows right now in San Francisco. Hear your favorite songs on strings, including classics from Hans Zimmer and major hits like The Beatles. Experience the magic of these intimate concerts by the light of thousands of flickering candles in venues like the International Art Museum of America, the Bayview Opera House, and more.
San Jose Sharks games
Hockey fans, both new and old, have plenty of chances to catch the action this month as the San Jose Sharks play seven home games at SAP Center this March. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just in it for the fast-paced energy and arena experience, it’s a great excuse to make a night of it in downtown San Jose.
Harry Styles album listening parties at local record shops
Harry Styles fans in the Bay Area! While there isn’t a San Francisco proper listening party listed, several Northern California record shops are participating this March 7 to celebrate his newest album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally
For the most convenient options near SF, head to:
📍 Streetlight Records – San Jose
📍 Streetlight Records – Santa Cruz
Expect a full spin of the album, exclusive giveaways, and a room full of fans dancing in the record aisles. Details and entry info vary, so check in with each store directly before heading out.
NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences is one of our favorite ongoing events, and we’re thrilled to see more of these awesome themed soirees on the calendar! The popular Thursday night festivities feature live DJs, outdoor bars, ambiance lighting, and more alongside the Academy’s nearly 40,000 animal residents.
Northern elephant seals inhabit the waters from Baja, California, Mexico to the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. They generally breed from December to March at Point Reyes, Año Nuevo, the Channel Islands, and Piedras Blancas, and now is a great time to see them.
California’s coastline is the perfect spot to catch several whale migration seasons – gray whales from January through April, orcas between February and May, and humpbacks between April and December. Even from land, you’re likely to see them spouting, slapping their tails (known as “lobtailing”), or even breaching. If you want to see them up close, a whale-watching tour will do the trick.
The Exploratorium at Pier 15 in San Francisco is an exciting place for discovery any time of the day, but these 18+ After Dark events are a must for some epic kid-free fun at their exhibits. After Dark happens each Thursday from 6-10 pm with a different weekly theme featuring guest speakers, films, great music, and more.
San Francisco Crystal Fair
The Crystal Fair Marketplace will soon touch down at the San Francisco County Fair Building. This giant event brings over 50 vendors to San Francisco and Walnut Creek on select weekends through November. Peruse thousands of crystals, minerals, geodes, beads, and gems while learning about their properties from the best local and international curators. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet with healers, psychics, aura readers, and masseuses.
As we enter a new month, many museum exhibitions in San Francisco are getting refreshed and replaced. We’re keeping tabs on the best new exhibitions from SFMOMA to the Asian Art Museum, so you’ll never miss an amazing new display! Read on to start planning your next museum visit.
We love San Francisco for its vibrant culture, history, and resources, but just about anyone in SF could benefit from finding new free things to do. Whether you’re a college student on a budget or a bargain hunter wanting to see the sights, this list of free museum days in San Francisco will certainly help you get started.
Bonfires will be allowed once again on Ocean Beach from March 1 through October 31. People are welcome to use the designated fire pits on Ocean Beach to build their bonfires, and you can sit and enjoy the beautiful view while staying warm by the fire. Make sure to check all the guidelines for the fires, including putting the fire out 1 hour after sunset.