Top 10 Things To Do Around Rochester in March

March around Rochester lives in the in-between. Winter still lingers, but the region begins to stir. Sap runs through the sugar maples, migrating birds return to the wetlands, waterfalls strengthen with snowmelt and rain, and the first flowers emerge from cold ground.

These ten ideas make the most of that transition, combining late-winter traditions with experiences that help you notice spring beginning.

Because weather conditions, event schedules, and seasonal hours can change throughout March, read the latest Rochester This Week when you’re ready to make a plan.

1. Celebrate Maple Season Across the Region

March is maple season in western New York, when local farms and nature centers invite visitors to see how sap becomes syrup. During New York State Maple Weekends, tour a sugarhouse, watch the boiling process, sample fresh syrup, and look for pancake breakfasts and other maple treats. Each producer offers a slightly different experience, making it easy to visit more than one.

2. Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Rochester’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade fills downtown with marching bands, Irish dancers, community groups, and plenty of green. Choose a spot along East Avenue for a livelier atmosphere or settle near the convention center for a more family-friendly view. Arrive early to find parking, claim your place along the route, and enjoy the energy gathering before the parade begins.

3. Watch Spring Migration Begin

Spring migration begins building in March as waterfowl and raptors return to western New York. Use the spring bird migration guide to follow the season, then visit Braddock Bay for migrating hawks or head to Iroquois and Montezuma national wildlife refuges to watch geese and ducks gather in impressive numbers. Because activity changes throughout the month, these are places worth visiting more than once.

4. Catch a High School Musical

March is peak season for high school musicals throughout Monroe County. Students bring Broadway favorites and contemporary productions to life with impressive performances, costumes, sets, and live music. Tickets are generally affordable, and attending a show is a meaningful way to support young performers. Browse the regional schedule, then pair the performance with dinner nearby for an easy night out.

5. Chase Waterfalls as the Snowmelt Begins

Melting snow and early spring rain strengthen waterfalls around Rochester, making March an exciting time to seek them out. Start close to home with High Falls or Corbett’s Glen, or plan a drive to see Letchworth’s major falls and roadside cascades like Shequaga Falls. Trail conditions and seasonal closures vary, but many powerful waterfalls can be appreciated from established overlooks and viewing areas.

6. Explore Women’s History Across the Region

Women’s History Month offers a timely reason to visit places connected to the people and movements that changed American history. Plan a day in Seneca Falls to explore Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, or travel to Auburn to learn more about Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy. Together, these destinations reveal how much nationally significant history unfolded close to Rochester.

7. Look for Early Signs of Spring at Highland Park

March brings subtle but meaningful changes to Highland Park. Look for snowdrops near the reservoir and Lamberton Conservatory, along with witch hazel, swelling buds, and the first shoots emerging from cold ground. Use the Rochester in Bloom guide to learn what may be flowering. The timing changes with the weather, giving you a reason to return throughout the month.

8. Spend First Friday Exploring Rochester’s Art Scene

On the first Friday of each month, Rochester’s galleries, studios, and cultural spaces welcome visitors for exhibitions, artist talks, demonstrations, and special events. Browse the First Friday listings to create your own route, focusing on one neighborhood or moving between several venues. Many locations are free to visit, making this an easy way to experience Rochester’s creative community and discover an artist or space that is new to you.

9. Choose a Trail for Mud Season

March can be challenging for hiking because repeated freezing and thawing leave natural-surface trails muddy and vulnerable to damage. Instead, choose from the region’s paved, boardwalk, and gravel pathways or look for canal towpaths and other sturdy surfaces. The seasonal trail guide can help you find a route that suits current conditions while protecting softer trails until they have time to dry.

10. Find Inspiration for This Year’s Adventures

March is a good time to begin planning the places you want to explore as the weather improves. Visit one of the region’s independent bookstores or 31 Monroe County libraries to browse regional travel guides, hiking books, maps, local history, and nature writing. My list of favorite books about the Rochester area is another place to start—and may lead you to an adventure you had never considered.

Beyond these ten ideas, March’s annual events offer additional reasons to get out. Runnin’ of the Green marks the unofficial beginning of Rochester’s spring running season, while the Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference brings gardeners and growers together for workshops, seed sharing, and community learning. The Rochester Museum & Science Center also recognizes World Water Day with hands-on activities focused on the freshwater resources that shape our region. Dates and programs vary from year to year, so check each organizer’s website before heading out.

Planning ahead? Explore the April guide or browse things to do around Rochester throughout the year.

What are your favorite things to do in March?

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I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.