With the return of spring and longer days ahead, it’s time to put the winter cold behind us and start prepping for seasonal fun. Whether you want to catch Styx, Issa Rae, or one of the other big names coming into town, or plan on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day like the Irish, these are the must-visit events to add to your March datebook.
March 1–April 24
She Loves Me
Valentine’s Day may have passed, but this love story is sure to make you swoon. This musical is a true enemies-to-lovers plot, following two co-workers who constantly bicker while on the job, but unknowingly send the sweetest words to each other through their pen-pal romance. Signature Theatre: 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington; $40–$108

March 2
Ben Platt
Make your way to EagleBank Arena for the live performance of the Broadway darling’s sophomore album, Reverie. The Tony- and Grammy Award–winning artist is best known for his roles in Pitch Perfect and Dear Evan Hansen. EagleBank Arena: 4500 Patriot Cir., Fairfax; $49.50–$160
March 5
Fairfax Mini-Con
Whether you’re a part of the fandom for Marvel, DC, or another franchise, you need to visit Mini-Con. The one-day event will feature vendors, artists, and writers, including Ian McGinty from Steven Universe and Rocko’s Modern Life. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $10
March 5, 13 & 29
Great British Baking
Superfans of The Great British Bake Off, test your culinary skills at this workshop. From fluffy Victoria sponge cake to a flaky sausage roll, master classics from across the pond to earn the title of master baker in no time. Sur la Table: 1101 S. Joyce St., Ste. B-20, Arlington; $79

March 9 &10
Jim Brickman
The best-selling solo pianist of all time is performing at Wolf Trap. The Cleveland native’s catalog includes a variety of genres and projects, including pop, country, holiday music, and Disney covers. The Barns: 1635 Trap Rd., Vienna; $37–$42
March 11–13
Fiddler on the Roof
While the story behind the villagers of Anatevka is over 100 years old, Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher’s rendition will make it feel like new once again. Based on the heartwarming story of a father and his daughters, see how faith, family, and, of course, tradition define one family’s journey during the early 20th century. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons Corner; $59.50–$129.50
March 11–27
Noises Off
Get ready for an evening full of laughter with the cast of Noises Off. The play, which follows a group of actors rehearsing a flop of a show, Nothing’s On, is full of slamming doors, mysterious props, and chaos both onstage and off. Fauquier Community Theatre: 4225 Aiken Dr., Warrenton; $16–$18

March 13
KT Tunstall
The Scottish musician is heading back to NoVA. Releasing three separate albums in 2021—The Chasing Wonders LP, Tiger Suite (Untamed Edition), and Drastic Fantastic (Ultimate Edition), the singer’s set is sure to be full of new and classic hits. The State Theatre: 220 N. Washington St., Falls Church; $35–$38
March 15
NSO at Mount Vernon
Join the National Symphony Orchestra for a magical evening at the historic estate. The second concert of a three-part series will feature a variety of string musicians performing Morten Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium” and Franz Schubert’s String Quintet in C major D 956. After the show, stop by the champagne-and-chocolate reception to meet the musicians. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon; $65

March 15–27
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show
Celebrate Irish and international dance just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Immerse yourself in the Grammy Award–winning score, spectacular costumes, and incredible storytelling that make Riverdance the worldwide sensation that it is today. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC; $39–$125
March 16–May 8
Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot
Join King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table for this award-winning musical. Looking to build his kingdom, the idealistic royal is tested when his queen falls for the young Lancelot. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts: 95 Riverside Pkwy., Fredericksburg; $55–$75
March 17
Edwin McCain
This musical heartthrob is bringing his act to Alexandria. His chart-topping songs “I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More” will transport fans of all ages back to the ’90s with just the stroke of a chord. The Birchmere: 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria; $35

March 17
Styx
You’ll want to rock like it’s the 1970s once Styx hits the Warner Theatre stage. The Chicago band will blow you away with their classics “Renegade,” “Come Sail Away,” and “Mr. Roboto” (just to name a few). Warner Theatre: 513 13th St. NW, Washington, DC; $55–$236.50
March 18–20
Super Pet Expo
Pet lovers unite at this annual expo. Every year, the Dulles Expo Center fills with furry, featured, and scaly friends of all sizes for a weekend full of fun. With more than 150 vendors, training workshops, and the new butterfly exhibit, animal lovers will find everything they want and need for their beloved pets. Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $10–$15
March 19
St. Patrick’s Day Tea
Enjoy a belated St. Paddy’s Day celebration with a traditional afternoon tea. As you sit down for your reservation, sip on English tea and pair it with scrumptious English scones, Devon cream, classic tea sandwiches, and more. Oatlands Historic House & Gardens: 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln., Leesburg; $70

March 25–27
10th Annual Canstruction
Cans become artwork every year at this competition. Hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, the event brings together teams of students, teachers, businesses, and volunteers to create magnificent structures. Spotsylvania Towne Centre: 137 Spotsylvania Mall, Fredericksburg; free
March 25–September 5
Watergate: Portraiture and Intrigue
On the 50th anniversary of the Watergate break-in, relive the historic moment through art. Travel back to the 1970s to meet the major players in the scandal with a variety of sculptures, paintings, and more as this visual biography presents the issue through a new lens. National Portrait Gallery: Eighth and G St. NW, Washington, DC; free

March 27
A Sip with Issa Rae
Join the ever-talented Issa Rae for a “fireside chat” with some of the most influential voices in music and movies. Past guests include Regina King, Ava DuVernay, and Michael B. Jordan. The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC; $29–$89
March 28
America’s Requiem: A Knee on the Neck
This brand-new show commemorates the life and tragic loss of George Floyd, composed around the poetry of Dr. Herbert Martin and performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorale, along with members of The Washington Chorus and The Howard University Chorale. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons Corner; $39–$89
This story originally ran in our March issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.