March 2026 in Florida: The Best Can’t-Miss Events
March in Florida is where your calendar begs for mercy and your camera roll explodes. From strawberry shortcake highs to bass drops under the Miami skyline, the month stacks can not miss experiences across the state.
Plan smart, chase the sunshine, and build a route that actually works. Here is your skimmable, insider guide to what is worth your weekend and how to squeeze in more than you thought possible.
1. EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival (Walt Disney World, Orlando) — Mar 4–Jun 1, 2026
Spring in Orlando hits different when EPCOT turns into a living photo-op—think giant character topiaries, beds of fresh blooms, and that little “wait, this smells amazing” moment as you pass herb gardens and flowering trees.
Weekdays are the sweet spot if you want to actually stroll World Showcase without playing bumper cars with strollers.
The outdoor kitchens are the real power move here: snack-size plates that let you sample your way around the lagoon without committing to one big meal. Start early, loop once for gardens and displays, then do a second lap for food when lines thin.
If a concert night is on your radar, grab your festival wandering first and save the show for later—crowds swell as the sun drops and everyone magically decides it’s time for a “quick” lap.
2. Florida Strawberry Festival (Plant City) — Feb 26–Mar 8, 2026
Just outside Tampa, Plant City goes full hometown proud during strawberry season, and it’s the kind of fair where you can watch a livestock show, grab a deep-fried something, then end up at a legit concert the same night.
The strawberry shortcake is the headline act for a reason—don’t overthink it, just get it early before the lines get serious.
If you’re rolling in with kids or you hate chaos, aim for an earlier arrival; the midway and food stands get louder and tighter after late afternoon.
Parking is easier when you’re not trying to squeeze in right before prime time, and you’ll actually have time to check out the agriculture exhibits and craft vendors instead of speed-walking past them.
Wear shoes you’re fine sacrificing to fairground dust and plan a “one last snack” budget—Plant City will test your willpower.
3. Daytona Beach Bike Week (Daytona Beach) — Feb 27–Mar 8, 2026
You’ll hear it before you see it—the low rumble of bikes rolling in from every direction, turning Daytona into a moving parade. The best way to enjoy Bike Week isn’t to camp in one spot; bounce between the beach, the vendor villages, and a couple of scenic rides that remind you Florida can still look wild.
The coastal stretches are obvious, but the back roads west of town can be surprisingly pretty when you want fewer crowds and more Spanish moss. If you’re not riding, grab a curb-side viewing spot on a main drag and treat it like people-watching with chrome.
Races and shows pull big energy, so decide whether you want that packed-in excitement or a more relaxed day trip vibe. Bonus: sunrise on the beach the morning after a late night feels like a secret reset button.
4. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (St. Pete) — Feb 27–Mar 1, 2026
Downtown St. Pete turns into a street-course playground for a weekend, and the mix is part of the fun: waterfront views, screaming engines, and palm trees acting like they’ve seen this chaos before.
Pick your viewing strategy based on your patience—some corners reward you with nonstop action, while other areas are better for quick glimpses and easy wandering.
The track runs right by the city’s best “walk off the noise” options, so you can slip out for a Cuban sandwich, a cold drink, or a quiet lap along the bay when you need a breather. After the checkered flag, don’t rush out of town; St. Pete’s breweries, murals, and beachy neighborhoods are basically built for decompression.
If you want the cleanest photos, go earlier in the day when the light is sharp and the crowds haven’t stacked up shoulder-to-shoulder.
5. Jazz in the Gardens (Miami Gardens) — Mar 7–8, 2026
Miami Gardens brings big music energy without pretending to be subtle—two days of R&B, soul, hip-hop, and a crowd that treats outfits like part of the ticket. Getting in smoothly is half the battle, so build extra time for entry lines and don’t assume you’ll “just Uber” without a plan; traffic thickens fast around the stadium area.
If you want a less frantic base, look at staying in pockets like North Miami, Aventura, or even parts of Miami Shores—close enough to move, far enough to sleep. Inside, the vibe is equal parts concert and reunion: you’ll hear people singing full choruses like it’s their job.
Hydration matters in March, especially if you’re dancing the whole set list, and a light layer can save you when the evening breeze kicks up. Come hungry, because the food scene around a Miami festival does not play small.
6. St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival (St. Augustine) — Mar 13–15, 2026
Old stone streets and Celtic music are a surprisingly perfect match, and St. Augustine leans into it with the kind of weekend that makes you forget what day it is. You’ll catch fiddles and drums echoing off historic buildings, then turn a corner and find dancers, workshops, and plenty of reasons to linger.
The trick is to stay close to the Old City if you can—walking beats fighting for parking when everyone decides to “just pop by” for St. Patrick’s weekend. Between sets, use the festival as an excuse to explore: grab a coffee, wander the waterfront, and let the city’s oldest-in-the-U.S. vibe do its thing.
Families can keep it easy with daytime performances and quick breaks in shady spots; night owls will find the pubs and patios buzzing. If you want the sweet spot, aim for late afternoon when the energy’s high but you still have daylight for exploring.
7. Calle Ocho Music Festival (Little Havana, Miami) — Mar 15, 2026
One minute you’re stepping onto SW 8th Street, the next you’re in a full-on neighborhood block party that stretches as far as your ears can handle. The music hits from multiple stages, the dancing spills into the street, and the food smells alone could guide you with your eyes closed.
Arrive earlier than you think you need to—midday brings the biggest surge, and the easiest walking happens before the crowds pack in. When hunger kicks in, go classic: grab a cafecito, hunt down a solid croqueta situation, and don’t skip the fresh-pressed juice stands when the Miami sun starts flexing.
Different blocks feel like different moods, so move around until you find your rhythm—some areas are all about the stage, others are better for grazing and people-watching. Leave the car out of it if possible; transit, rideshares to the edges, and a lot of walking are your friends here.
8. Miami Open (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens) — Mar 15–29, 2026
Tennis at the Miami Open isn’t just “watch a match and go home”—it’s a whole-day hang with sunshine, snacks, and the occasional jaw-drop rally that makes you forget to blink.
Day sessions give you bright light and a more family-friendly pace; night sessions feel sharper, louder, and a little more dramatic when the stadium lights flip on.
If you’re trying to stretch your ticket, wander the grounds between matches—practice courts can be gold because you’re close enough to hear the pop of the ball and the players’ chatter. The weather is usually kind in March, but the sun still means business, so hats and sunscreen aren’t optional if you plan to stay awhile.
Outside the gates, your easiest add-ons are simple: grab a meal in nearby neighborhoods or make it a beach day on a non-match morning. The best plan is flexible—let the schedule and the upsets guide you.
9. Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (Winter Park, near Orlando) — Mar 20–22, 2026
Winter Park shows off during this weekend, and the art festival fits the town’s vibe like it was designed in-house: polished, walkable, and packed with talent.
You’ll find everything from bold modern pieces to quiet, meticulous work that makes you lean in close, and the best part is how easy it is to drift between booths without feeling trapped.
Go earlier if you want breathing room and serious browsing; later in the day turns into more of a social scene with bigger crowds and more “I’ll meet you by the fountain” energy. Park Avenue is right there when you need a reset—coffee, a quick lunch, or a shady bench moment before you dive back in.
If you’re driving, expect festival logistics; use any shuttle or designated parking options available and don’t try to outsmart the neighborhood streets. Even if you’re “not an art person,” the people-watching alone is worth the stroll.
10. Florida Renaissance Festival (Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach) — weekends through Mar 29, 2026
Costumes are everywhere, accents appear out of thin air, and suddenly you’re debating whether a turkey leg counts as lunch or a lifestyle choice.
The Florida Renaissance Festival is best enjoyed when you commit to the bit—no need for a full suit of armor, but a simple outfit or even a playful accessory makes you feel less like a spectator and more like part of the scene.
Themed weekends keep things fresh, so check what’s on before you go and lean into whatever vibe is happening. Jousting and stage shows pull crowds, while the artisan areas reward slow wandering; carve out time for both so you don’t spend the whole day queueing.
South Florida weather can swing from sunny to sticky, so breathable clothes under costumes and comfortable shoes are the real insider move. Arrive earlier for easier entry, then save the heaviest eating for later—wandering first makes the food lines feel less brutal.
11. MLB Spring Training: Florida Grapefruit League (statewide) — games throughout March
Spring Training is Florida’s best “pro sports without the chaos” deal—smaller ballparks, closer views, and a vibe that’s more laid-back than regular season.
Pick your home base based on what else you want to do: Tampa Bay makes it easy to stack beaches and breweries onto game day, while other clusters let you turn a couple of matchups into a mini road trip.
Afternoon games can be hot in the stands, so shade matters; if you’re choosing seats, think about sun angles unless you enjoy slow-roasting.
The fun isn’t only the scoreboard either—practice fields and pregame routines can be just as entertaining, especially if you’re traveling with someone who likes the behind-the-scenes rhythm of baseball.
Keep plans flexible because traffic and start times can sneak up on you, and a quick stadium snack run can turn into its own little adventure. The win is leaving with sun on your face and no stress hangover.
12. Ultra Music Festival (Bayfront Park, Miami) — Mar 27–29, 2026
Miami goes into high-voltage mode for Ultra, and Bayfront Park becomes a thumping city-center playground where the skyline feels like part of the stage design. Getting around is the main puzzle—downtown streets clog up fast, so think transit-first, walking, or rideshares to the edges instead of trying to be a hero with a car.
Where you stay matters too: Brickell and Downtown keep you close but busy, while slightly farther spots can make sleep possible if your ears want mercy.
Inside the festival, pace yourself; the temptation is to sprint from set to set, but the best moments happen when you settle in, catch a full run of music, and let the crowd energy build.
Nights bring cooler air and bigger intensity, so a light layer can save you. Post-festival, Miami’s late-night food options are your best friend—plan a quick bite route so you’re not wandering hungry in a sea of glitter.
