By March, things are typically starting to warm up a bit in Ohio and we’re ready to get out of our homes and experience all the fun events we can find.
Or that’s how I imagine everyone feels. Lord knows I do!
March Events in Ohio
This month our March in Ohio events are an eclectic mix.
From the month-long Ice Wine Festival to the Arnold to Dublin’s famed St. Patricks Day Parade and celebrations to various maple syrup festivals and even ghost hunts, we think we have something for everyone.
Ongoing Events Throughout the Month
- The first two weekends of March bring the Maple Syrup Festival to Malabar Farm State Park. This free Ohio event is now in its 46th year of celebrating sugar camp! Enjoy historical demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, food, games, and lots of maple syrup!
- Oxford also has its Maple Syrup Festival at Hueston Woods State Park on the first two weekends of March. Each day kicks off with an all-you-can-eat pancake buffet at the Hueston Woods Lodge, followed by hayrides, tours, and food, beverages, and maple syrup for sale.
- Hale Farm & Village will also be celebrating the maple harvest as well, with their Maple Sugar Festival on the first two weekends of March. Learn about the history of maple production in the area and hear Native American stories of maple uses. There’s also a pancake breakfast and glass-blowing opportunities at the glass barn.
- The vineyards of Grand River Valley will be celebrating the 20th annual Ice Wine Festival daily from March 1 through March 31. Seven vineyards will be participating, offering an appetizer and wine tasting for $8 per person. You may want to check out lodging options at the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake.
- The Ohio State Reformatory will host ghost walks and ghost hunts this month.
- The ghost walk, scheduled for Friday, March 10, and Friday, March 17, is a two-hour guided night tour of the facility.
- The ghost hunt, scheduled for Saturday, March 11, and Saturday, March 18, is a public paranormal investigation for adults 18 and older only!
March 3 through March 5
- Dillon State Park near Zanesville hosts The Park After Dark on several dates throughout the winter. Friday, March 3 features a coyote presentation, followed by a night hike, starting at 6:30 pm.
- March 3 kicks off the First Friday Concert Series in downtown Middletown. Head to Governor’s Square for live music starting at 6:00; local restaurants will be offering specials as well.
- The Artist Colony of Zanesville presents the First Friday Art Walk, a great opportunity to stroll through local galleries and meet the artists. Enjoy live music, food, and drink specials, and of course, art!
- March 3 marks the first day of the 31st Annual Sonder Brewing Bockfest in Cincinnati. The event features a variety of bock beers from local breweries, historic brewery tours, a fun run, goat yoga, and more! The event kicks off with a parade on Friday evening.
- There’s a First Friday in Dayton, too! This free art hop features exhibit openings, street performances, live music, roaming entertainers, plus dining and shopping specials. You can even go for a spin on the ice at The MetroParks Ice Rink.
- Columbus will host the Arnold Sports Festival from March 2 through March 5 at the Ohio Expo Center and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. In homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger, contestants will compete in bodybuilding, combat sports, and strongman contests.
- Sunday, March 5th brings Slice of the Valley to the Eastwood Event Center in Niles. Celebrity judges will choose the best of the best from local pizza parlors and breweries. Adult entry ticket includes three slices of pizza.
March 10 through March 12
- Ever wanted to experience COSI without kids? COSI After Dark is the perfect opportunity. This month’s event on March 9 is Mardi Gras themed. King cake, beads, drinks, and music make this a fun adults-only party!
- The Columbus Brew Festival also takes place at COSI After Dark, on March 11. Admission includes beer samples and museum entry.
- The Cincinnati International Wine Festival brings over 800 wines to this weekend event which includes wine tastings, winery dinners, a golf tournament, and a silent auction.
- Of course, Dublin is going to have spectacular St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 11 am on March 11 and will feature bagpipers and Irish dances. Fuel up beforehand at the pancake breakfast at Sells Middle School.
- In northwest Ohio, Toledo hosts the Spring Festival of Crafts at Premier Banquet Hall on March 11 and 12. Dozens of juried artists and crafters will be on hand with home decor, jewelry, accessories, and tons of other craft items for sale.
March 17 through March 19
- Downtown Sidney will host a St Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl on March 17th with a featured mocktail at each location. Collect stamps at each stop and enter to win prizes at the end of the pub crawl.
- This weekend marks the 30th River City Blues Festival at the Lafayette Hotel in Marietta. Enjoy two days of live blues, jazz, and folk music near the Marietta waterfront.
- The Industrial Strength Bluegrass Festival launches at the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington. Doors open Thursday at 4:00 and the music continues through Saturday evening. Food concessions are available, and this is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event.
- Indian Lake State Park will host a Maple Syrup Festival this weekend, with maple syrup samples and demonstrations, along with wagon rides through the park. Each day starts with a pancake and sausage breakfast.
- Dublin will close out a week of festivities on March 18, with the St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl in the downtown district. Get your pub crawl passport stamped along the way as you enjoy themed cocktails and drink specials at over a dozen local bars.
March 24 through March 26
- The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center in Mansfield is hosting ARTaPalooza starting March 24th through the 29th. Over 500 area students from public and private schools will have the chance to show their art in the show.
- On Saturday, March 25th in Montpelier, the Williams County Fairgrounds will host their Maple Syrup Festival. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, followed by horse-drawn wagon rides, tractor rides, tree tapping and collecting, as well as maple products for sale.
Do you know of an event that should be included in our March event list? Leave a comment below and I’ll check it out.
