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March in Rochester lives in the in-between. Winter still lingers, but the region begins to stir—sap runs in the sugar maples, migrating birds fill the skies, waterfalls surge with snowmelt and rainfall, and locals start thinking ahead to warmer days. It’s a month for savoring the earliest hints of what’s to come.
1. Celebrate Maple Season Across the Region
New York State Maple Weekend
March 21, 22, 28, and 29, 2026
New York State Maple Weekends take place over two March weekends and offer one of the most delicious ways to explore the region. Visit maple farms and nature centers to watch sap being boiled into syrup, sample fresh pours, and discover unique flavors like coffee-infused and bourbon-barrel-aged maple syrup. Some locations even serve pancake breakfasts—making this a perfect late-winter tradition for families and food lovers alike.
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2. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 14
Rochester’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade brings tens of thousands of people downtown in a sea of green. The parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. from East Avenue and Alexander Street, continues down East Avenue, turns onto Main Street, crosses the Genesee River, and wraps up near State Street. East Avenue offers lively pub energy, while the area near the Hyatt Regency hotel and the Rochester Riverside Convention Center tends to be more family-friendly.
3. Watch the First Waves of Migrating Waterfowl
Beginning in late February and building through March, thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—of Canada geese, snow geese, and ducks pass through western New York. Migration often peaks from early March into early April, making this one of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles of the year. Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge are prime viewing locations, especially at sunrise and sunset.
4. Catch a High School Musical
March is peak season for high school musicals across Monroe County. From classic Broadway favorites to contemporary productions, these shows are energetic, affordable, and deeply community-oriented. Attending a local performance is a great way to support student performers while enjoying a night out close to home.
5. Chase Waterfalls as the Snowmelt Begins
As temperatures rise and snow melts upstream, waterfalls around Rochester roar back to life. March brings powerful flows to local favorites like High Falls and Corbett’s Glen, as well as regional gems such as Letchworth and Shequaga Falls.
6. Warm Up With Cozy Local Food & Drink
When March winds cut sharp, Rochester’s cafés, bakeries, breweries, and restaurants offer welcome refuge. This is the season for lingering brunches, hearty soups, fireplaces, and maple-inspired menus. Whether you’re ducking in after a walk or planning a dedicated food stop, cozy dining is a March essential.
7. Look for Early Signs of Spring at Highland Park
March brings subtle but meaningful change to Highland Park. Buds begin to swell, early bloomers like witch hazel appear, and the park slowly shifts from winter dormancy toward spring color. It’s a quieter, contemplative time to explore the paths and notice the small details that signal the season ahead.
Highland Park
Frederick Law Olmsted’s Living Landscape in Rochester, New York
by Debi Bower
Ebook also available in Kindle Unlimited
A hardcover and paperback edition will be released on April 26, 2026—Frederick Law Olmsted’s birthday.
8. Check Out the Art Galleries
March’s First Friday (March 6, 2026) invites visitors to explore galleries, studios, and cultural spaces throughout the city. With new exhibitions, open studios, and special events, it’s an easy way to spend an evening discovering Rochester’s creative energy—often within walking distance of restaurants and cafés.
9. Browse Independent Bookstores for Spring Inspiration
March is the perfect time to slow down and browse. Rochester’s independent bookstores offer thoughtful escapes—whether you’re planning spring travels, refreshing your reading list, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon among the shelves. Look for locally written books, regional history, nature titles, and staff-recommended reads that spark ideas for the months ahead. Pair your visit with a nearby café and turn a simple errand into a restorative outing.
10. Start Planning Your Spring Adventures
With gardens, trails, festivals, and canal towns preparing to reopen, March is an ideal moment to look ahead. Use the slower pace to map out spring hikes, scenic drives, day trips, and seasonal events. A little planning now makes it easier to savor the busy months once spring truly arrives.
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Explore things to do around Rochester in February or start planning ahead with things to do in April.
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What are your favorite things to do in March?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Enjoy the Journey Together!
