As the calendar turns to March and Mother Nature prepares for a new season, the region also gets ready for a brand new slate of spring activities. From cherry blossoms festivities to Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and everything in between, there are the 15 best events happening in Northern Virginia and DC this March.
March 2
Vanessa Carlton
Vanessa Carlton’s Future Pain Tour will be the singer-songwriter’s first U.S. headline tour in five years. She’s kicking off in Annapolis and then heading straight to Alexandria. Buy your ticket to sing along to new gems like “Love Is an Art” and possibly some old favorites like “A Thousand Miles.” The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, $29.50
March 3 – April 1
Fun With One Art Exhibit
This lively new exhibit features local artists experimenting with monochromatic artwork. Attend the opening reception on March 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. to meet the curators and artists, or visit any time during the duration of the exhibit at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery to experience the joy of monochrome. Del Ray Artisans Gallery: 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, free
March 4
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Held annually on the first Saturday in March, the long-beloved St. Patrick’s Day parade in Old Town Alexandria features pipe bands, Irish dance schools, and a host of other musicians and performers. Old Town Alexandria, free
March 7–April 9
Pacific Overtures
One of Stephen Sondheim’s lesser-known musicals, Pacific Overtures is a triumphant exploration of East meets West. In the show, a kaleidoscope of stories explores the reckoning of Japan with new Western influences in the 19th century. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, $40–$98
March 10
Betty Who with Slayyyter and Shea Couleé
Australian-American singer-songwriter Betty Who will take the stage at The Anthem this month alongside pop singer Slayyyter and drag queen Shea Couleé for an evening of unforgettable entertainment. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC, $40–$215
March 10 – April 2
The Cake
A story about a conservative baker who undergoes a change of heart when asked to bake a cake for a same-sex couple’s wedding culminates in a delightfully sweet play about love and acceptance. NextStop Theatre Company: 269 Sunset Park Dr., Herndon, $45
March 11
Family Day: Women’s History Month
To celebrate Women’s History Month, the National Museum of the Marine Corps will hold an event for participants to learn about the history of female trailblazers in the Marines such as Opha May Johnson and Vernice Armour. National Museum of the Marine Corps: 1775 Semper Fidelis Wy., Triangle, free
March 11
Kelli O’Hara
Tony Award–winner Kelli O’Hara, best known for her work on Broadway and the opera, comes to Wolf Trap this month for an exciting performance of musical hits. Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna, $67–$77
March 18
Kodō
The athletic percussionists of Kodō are masters of the Japanese art of taiko drumming. Their performance at the Center for the Arts will bewitch audiences with a stunning display of talent and vivacity. Center for the Arts at George Mason: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $36–$60
Through March 18
Lettice and Lovage
This is the perfect play for those who love witty British humor and compelling satire. The plot follows an enthusiastic tour guide who gets fired from her position at an English country house — but refuses to go without a fight. The Little Theatre of Alexandria: 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, $24–$27
March 20 – April 16
2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival
Attracting tourists from all around the world, the 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival will kick off in March with events that include a Pink Tie Party and an opening ceremony. But, of course, no special event is needed to simply explore the gorgeous pink blossoms of spring in Northern Virginia and DC. Washington, DC, most events are free
March 22
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
The electrifying musical R.E.S.P.E.C.T. takes the audience through Aretha Franklin’s life, exploring the beloved singer’s triumphs and struggles while highlighting her hit songs like “A Natural Woman” and “I Say a Little Prayer.” Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $63.50–$103.50
March 26
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon
Enchantment Theatre Company brings the beloved children’s book to life in this exciting stage adaptation. Adults and children alike will find joy and delight in this heartwarming show following the zany adventures of young Harold and his adored purple crayon. Center for the Arts at George Mason: 4373 Mason Pond Dr., Fairfax, $15
March 27
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band are back to promote their latest studio album, Letter to You, with their first American tour since 2016. Classic rock fans surely won’t be disappointed with this electrifying performance. Capital One Arena: 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC, starting at $330
March 29–30
Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras: Alma
Internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Sara Baras returns to the Kennedy Center. The superstar of flamenco brings her latest show, Alma, which fuses the traditional techniques of flamenco with Baras’ own enchanting touch. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC, $25–$89
Feature image courtesy The Birchmere
This story originally ran in Northern Virginia Magazine’s March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
