March 2026 in Philly: The Biggest Events, Festivals & Exhibitions

Dining deals return to one of Philly’s best foodie streets, with participating restaurants offering three-course fixed lunch and dinner menus at one of three price points ($20, $40 or $60 per person) during the 14th annual East Passyunk Restaurant Week.

More than 20 neighborhood streetfront restaurants get in on the action, including Thanh Nguyen’s James Beard Award-honored Gabriella’s Vietnam, hip burger spot P’unk Burger, Italy-inspired Le Virtù, oenophile fave Barcelona Wine Bar and more.

A city staple since 1829, the annual Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show — the oldest and largest indoor horticultural event in the world — draws tens of thousands to the Pennsylvania Convention Center each year.

The floral spectacle, returning in 2026 for its 197th year, brings together hundreds of florists, landscapers and designers for one of the city’s most anticipated yearly events.

The 2026 theme —  Rooted: Origins of American Gardening — coincides with the Semiquincentennial and looks back at horticultural legacies and cultural practices that shaped our current gardening landscapes.

Through Sunday, March 22, 2026

The Arden Theatre presents the Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ play, Good Bones.

The play confronts issues of gentrification in a humorous yet biting one-act play. As a stadium project severs a community, urban planner Aisha buys a fixer-upper in her rapidly changing old neighborhood.

There’s still time to cash in on the Citywide James Ijames Pass, offering access to three Ijames plays for $130. The Arden, The Wilma Theater and the Philadelphia Theatre Company partner to offer the pass available through the Independence Visitor Center.

Dates vary by event

The horticultural minds at Longwood Gardens prove winter means more than bare trees in their winter slumber. There are a few more days to enjoy winter’s splendor at the Kennett Square attraction before the bulbs start peeking out for spring at these two events:

• Garden Glow: The Conservatory and Main Garden Districts show off their glam glow-up, creating an ethereal world with luminaria, floral installations and biodegradable sparks flickering in the night sky like fireflies. Garden Glow tickets come with all-day admission to Longwood, perfect for a daytime winter wander before the gardens get their glow on (through Sunday, March 8, 2026, Friday through Sunday evenings).

• Winter Wonder: Head indoors and bask in the warmth of the beautiful new West Conservatory — part of Longwood Reimagined: A New Garden Experience — where Cape primroses, Japanese camellias and more fill up the space in bursts of color, while hundreds of bright orchids are in full bloom (through Sunday, March 22, 2026).

Edward Albee won his first Pulitzer with his darkly comic A Delicate Balance, now on stage at Washington Square West’s Walnut Street Theatre.

When old friends show up unannounced and afraid on a night like any other, Agnes and Tobias welcome them to stay. Threatening to upend the delicate balance of their stable, suburban life, the couple must contend with secrets, existential dread and the power of hope.

Through Saturday, April 4, 2026

Channeling the spirit of the 1976 Sin Colonias March (aka “the People’s Bicentennial”), Fairhill Puerto Rican arts and culture organization, Taller Puertorriqueño, marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a year-long slate of programs amplifying Puerto Rican and Afro-Latine perspectives.

Part of the We Will Not Hide exhibition, Taller presents Orisha Santos: An Artistic Interpretation of the Seven African Powers. This exhibition showcases the work of New York sculptor Jorge Luis Rodriguez, who collaborated with members of Philly’s Yoruba Orisha community to inspire his work.

Through Sunday, April 12, 2026 (select dates)

Pressure mounts in March, as the 2025-26 NBA season inches toward the playoffs.

Get ready for a whopping seven home games in March with giveaways galore. The team continues its season-long 25th anniversary celebration of the 2001 Eastern Conference Champions when the first 2,001 fans get free goodies like “sherseys” (Tuesday, March 3, 2026 & Tuesday, March 23, 2026) and player pins mystery packs (Wednesday, March 4, 2026).

Other theme nights include: Jewish Community Night (Tuesday, March 10, 2026), Franklin’s Birthday Bash (Saturday, March 14, 2026), Women’s Empowerment Night (Sunday, March 15, 2026) and Homecoming Night (Wednesday, March 25, 2026).

Through Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (select dates)

Heading into the crucial last months of the NHL season, the Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice at the Xfinity Mobile Arena for six home faceoffs in March and another eight away games.

At home, the Flyers face the following teams in March: the Utah Mammoth (Thursday, March 5, 2026); the New York Rangers (Monday, March 9, 2026); the Washington Capitals (Wednesday, March 11, 2026); the Columbus Blue Jackets (Saturday, March 14 & Tuesday, March 24, 2026); the Chicago Blackhawks (Thursday, March 26, 2026); and the Dallas Stars (Sunday, March 29, 2026).

Through Sunday, April 26, 2026

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a survey of African American artist Noah Davis’ body of work, featuring 60 items the artist created from 2007 until his death in 2015. Arranged chronologically for this exhibit, Davis’ art centers on the lived Black experience with themes of politics, family, race and more.

Three museums partnered to organize the show: DAS MINSK in Potsdam, the Barbican in London and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Philadelphia marks the international tour’s final stop.

Through Monday, September 7, 2025

No need to leave the city to enjoy a Universal theme-park experience. This world-premiere exhibition, brought to you by The Franklin Institute and Universal Destinations & Experiences, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation and world-building that goes into each Universal amusement park.

Spanning 18,000 square feet and eight immersive galleries, the experience showcases more than 100 vehicles, props and other original artifacts from world-famous rides, attractions and live shows. And, in true Franklin Institute form, the display has an educational focus, playing up all the technology, engineering and artistry involved in theme park design.

Through Saturday, December 26, 2026

52 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly’s historic achievements — every week, all throughout 2026. The free celebrations take place at the original location of each first (or in spaces that represent where these significant milestones occurred) and include guest speakers, a sculpture, monthly marquee events and historic deep dives by Once Upon a Nation.

This March, celebrate the first flower show (March 7, 2026), the first women’s medical college (March 14, 2026), the first paper match folder (March 21, 2026) and the first medical school in America (March 28, 2026).

Through Sunday, January 3, 2027

A document that needs no introduction, the Declaration of Independence has shaped not only America’s history but also the trajectory of nations across the globe, too.

For America’s 250th birthday, the Museum of the American Revolution presents a special exhibition dedicated to the near and far-reaching impacts of the Declaration, which, of course, was written and signed right here in Philadelphia. The exhibit showcases other rare documents, works of art and artifacts to tell the document’s complex history.

Ongoing

Visitors to the National Constitution Center have a new gallery to explore.

Now open, the America’s Founding gallery tells the story of how early Americans fought for independence and ultimately laid the legal groundwork for our democracy. Visitors to the new space can see an original copy of the U.S. Constitution — one of only 14 surviving — on display throughout 2026, along with rare first printings of 17 constitutional amendments.

The Separation of Powers Gallery, set to open in May 2026, focuses on the three branches of government.

Ongoing

Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s work takes center stage at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s latest exhibition, Afrofuturism in Costume Design.

Carter won Oscars for her costume designs for the Black Panther films and was also just nominated in 2026 for her work on Sinners. She is the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards in any category.

The modular exhibition — with interactive elements — showcases costumes and artifacts from Carter’s esteemed career, including a rare glimpse of the artist’s personal sketches and costumes from Carter’s private collection.

Sunday, March 1, 2026 | Noon and 5 p.m.

For 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained generations of fans and families across the world with mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills and a lot of laughs.

The ambassadors of goodwill and comic kings and queens of hoops tip off against the forever overmatched Washington Generals during their tour stop at Xfinity Mobile Arena, hosting two sessions of unbelievable dunks, alley-oops, looooong shots and a little magic, plus pre- and post-game fan engagement and — if you’re lucky — during-game engagement (just watch out for those buckets of water).

DOOP! On the heels of a stellar season with a hard-fought loss in the playoffs in 2025, Andre Blake, Alejandro Bedoya and local wunderkind, Cavan Sullivan join the rest of the Philadelphia Union crew to kick off their 17th season.

The team faces New York City for the highly anticipated home opener at their Delaware County stadium, Subaru Park.

Fans can cheer on the home team at two more matches in March, as the Union take on San Jose (Saturday, March 7, 2026) and Chicago (Saturday, March 21, 2026).

The Founding Fathers weren’t the only ones who knew how to cause a ruckus. Philadelphia celebrates the revolutionary women of America — past and present — with special events, programming and more during Women’s History Month:

• Women’s History Month at the National Constitution Center: While the National Constitution Center’s 19th Amendment exhibit focuses on revolutionary women in history year-round, March features an additional slate of programs for those who want to dig deeper into the history of women changemakers (March 1 to 29, 2026).

• Women’s History Month at the Science History Institute: Old City’s Science History Institute offers a month of family-friendly free programming devoted to women in science. Each Saturday features a different scientist or theme, including a Saturday Firstival (see above) and activities that spotlight influential female scientists like Rachel Carson (Saturdays only, March 7 to 28, 2026).

• Women’s History Night at the Museum of the American Revolution: Spend an evening learning about the women who joined the fight for independence at this film screening followed by a discussion (Saturday, March 18, 2026 | 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.).

• Fierce: Women of West Chester Walking Tour: Uncover the stories of the West Chester women who made important contributions to the law, abolition, suffrage, education, politics and science with the help of a costumed guide during this walking tour through downtown West Chester (March 21 & 28, 2026)

For 11 days this March, the Academy of Music transforms into Belle Époque Paris as the lavishly outfitted dancers at The Philadelphia Ballet present the classic romantic comedy The Merry Widow.

Choreographed by the esteemed Ronald Hynd and set to Franz Lehár’s score arranged by John Lanchbery, the story centers on the escapades of wealthy widow Hanna, as she pirouettes her way through glamorous balls on a mission to find a new husband amidst lost love and political shenanigans.

You know the story — after a chance meeting at the local dance, Romeo and Juliet fall hard for each other, despite the fact that their families hate each other. When their scheme to be together falls apart … well, you know how the timeless tale ends.

Seeing a production of Romeo & Juliet never gets old, especially when the story comes to life for a modern audience. Award-winning director Amina Robinson reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tragedy with fresh takes on the star-crossed lovers’ inevitably tragic journey that always asks: What would you do for love?

Where my Peeps at? The Pennsylvania-made marshmallow treats serve as artistic inspiration for the creation of marshmallow masterpieces — including wall art, dioramas, sculptures and more — at the always-adorable Peeps in the Village annual event at shop-play-dine destination, Peddler’s Village.

2026 marks the seventh year of the beloved springtime tradition at the Bucks County indie shopping haven. View the extremely Instagram-worthy colorful candy creations inside the Visitor & Event Center.

Note: The popular event attracts crowds each year. Visiting mid-week offers easier parking and peeping at the sugar-coated art.

During its 2025-2026 season, Penn Live Arts focuses on the theme of “American Unfinished,” with artist performances embodying America’s journey from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to today, showcasing themes of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Celebrating 25 years of performances, ensemble group Alarm Will Sound takes the stage at the Zellerbach Theatre for American Stories featuring Bora Yoon. The group consists of 20 artists and provides an immersive experience with music, poetry and theatrical elements channeling themes of belonging and identity in America.

Opens Saturday, March 14, 2026

Ministry of Awe (MoA)  — the highly anticipated art space that has transformed an abandoned 19th-century bank in Old City into an immersive, 6-story work of art — opens its doors to the public this month.

The building-wide work of art celebrates “human-ness” with installations, interactive sculptures, immersive soundscapes, live performances and murals. Global artist and creative mind behind the transformative art experience, Meg Saligman, collaborated with more than 100 artists to create the massive work.

As the country’s second-largest Irish heritage city, Philly knows a thing or two about how to put on a top-notch St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The annual Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway returns this year with green fanfare, marching bands, dance troops and epic revelry. This year’s theme — 250 Years of Irish Contributions to America — tips a hat to the Semiquincennial.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at 16th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, heads east around City Hall to Market Street, and continues east until the parade ends at 5th Street.

As she lay dying, First Lady Martha Washington can’t escape the wild visions holding her to account, as the enslaved people who will be freed upon her death put her on trial.

From the Wilma’s HotHouse Acting Company and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames comes The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington, a biting satire that explores history, race and power dynamics.

There’s still time to cash-in on the Citywide James Ijames Pass, offering access to three Ijames plays for $130, including Good Bones (see above). 

The James Beard Foundation — known for its annual culinary awards honoring the best restaurants and chefs in the nation — brings its national tasting series event James Beard Foundation Taste America to the ballroom at The Bellevue Hotel to honor the city’s restaurant community.

Chefs, special guests and diners celebrate independent eateries through tastings from a dozen walk-around food stations curated by some of the region’s top culinary talents, including past James Beard Award semifinalists and nominees (Ange Branca and Sam Pritchard, Nicholas Elmi, Yun Fuentes, Emily Riddell), 2026 emerging chef nominee Frankie Ramirez and so many more.

Established in 1996, South Philly-based non-profit Theatre Exile focuses on new and contemporary works featuring local talent performed in an intimate setting. The highlight of the theater’s calendar is the annual Philly GRIT series, which showcases experimental and boundary-pushing performances by Philadelphia artists across diverse storytelling styles.

This season’s GRIT-y headliners include:

• Vacation, a darkly comedic play that takes viewers on a trip to Purgatory
• The Dangers of Tobacco, a one-act, Chekhovian comedy in the form of a lecture, and
• a bonus performance of Camp Cookie featuring Philly drag star Cookie D’iorio.

March 20 & 22, 2026

A college basketball hotbed for over a century, Philly will feel March’s madness first-hand in 2026 as Xfinity Mobile Arena hosts a slate of first- and second-round games during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The six early-round games — hosted by St. Joseph’s University — feature eight top programs from around the nation fighting for a spot in the Sweet 16. This year marks the 29th time Philadelphia has played host to men’s tourney games since 1939, including Christian Laettner’s famous game-winner in 1992 and the 1976 and 1981 Final Fours.

We all know how the American Revolutionary War ended. Now, a brand-new exhibition, — timed to coincide with the year-long Semiquincentennial celebration — at the Independence Seaport Museum explores how our new nation built its economy back up in the aftermath.

Featuring roughly 150 rarely seen objects and artifacts, Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade and the Making of America examines how the dream of America survived (and thrived) through new economic relationships and international trade alliances — and how China helped build America into the global superpower it is today.

Welcome spring with a day of culture and color as the Penn Museum’s signature CultureFest! series celebrates Holi, a Hindu holiday also known as the Festival of Colors. Enjoy an immersive, family-friendly day of fun and cultural exploration of the joyful Indian and Nepalese festival.

The museum honors this tradition through storytelling, art-making, festive live music and dance and the famous throwing of vibrant colored gulal powders. Presented in collaboration with the South Asia Center at the University of Pennsylvania, this program comes with regular museum admission.

March 21 – April 25, 2026 (Saturdays only)

Harriet’s Bookshop owner Jeannine Cook launched this trolley tour in 2021 as a way to uplift her community. Still going strong five years later, the 2026 trolley tour offers two time slots across six Saturdays.

Starting at Cook’s Fishtown bookstore, participants hop on a trolley while host Starfire spins stories and whisks the group to visit four more Black-owned businesses, with different stops on the morning and afternoon tours.

Tour guests can hop off at all the spots to explore each business’s wares, from plants and teas to gifts, art and desserts. Tickets are required and include a complimentary journal.

Through Sunday, September 27, 2026 (select dates)

Oh yeah, the boys of summer are back in town. The twice-consecutive National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies finally return to Citizens Bank Park to tip off the 2026 home season with series against the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals in the waning days of March.

Don’t miss the home opener on March 26, 2026, when the Phils receive their 2025 division championship rings and the team raises a new pennant out in Ashburn Alley. Bonus: All fans in attendance receive a replica of the pennant as well.

Nothing says spring in Philly quite like the bursts of pink and white cherry blossoms in Fairmount Park.

The annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia gets even more magical in 2026 as the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia celebrates both the 100th anniversary of Japan’s gift of 1,600 flowering trees and the nation’s Semiquincentennial with the addition of 250 new trees.

The Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center presents the citywide celebration of blossoms during peak bloom and offers traditional dancing and taiko drumming performances, concerts, tours and so much more.

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson tasked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with exploring the nation’s western territories following the Louisiana Purchase. But did you know that Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences holds nearly all the explorers’ original journals and preserved specimens related to their botanical research in its Lewis & Clark Herbarium?

The museum’s new Botany of Nations exhibit reexamines that rich collection through an Indigenous lens, blending botany (the study of plants) with ethnobotany (the study of how people use plants) to reshape the way we interpret the colonial journey.

The hall is alive with The Sound of Music, as the musical version of one of the most cherished movies of all time comes to Philly’s iconic Academy of Music.

Set in 1930s Austria, the story follows nun Maria and her musical musings with the vonTrapp family. The story of love and resilience features the classic score from Rodgers and Hammerstein, now reinvisioned for the stage.

Part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s buy-two-or-more Family Discovery Series savings package, ticket buyers can save up to 25% when purchasing tickets to two or more shows.

Dates vary by show

While the weather is just starting to heat up outside, the stages and concert halls across the Greater Philadelphia area remain lit year-round. Check out March’s hottest concerts:

• Conan Gray at Xfinity Mobile Arena (Monday, March 2, 2026)
• MANÁ at Xfinity Mobile Arena (Saturday, March 7, 2026)
• Cat Power at Union Transfer (Sunday, March 8, 2026)
• Brandon Lake at Xfinity Mobile Arena (Thursday, March 12, 2026)
• Bad Omens at Xfinity Mobile Arena (Friday, March 13, 2026)
• New Edition With Boyz II Men & Toni Braxton at The Liacouras Center (Sunday, March 15, 2026)
• B2K, Bow Wow & More at The Liacouras Center (Friday, March 27, 2026)
• Zara Larsson at The Fillmore (Monday, March 30, 2026)

March is Women’s History Month, and true to its inclusive and historical spirit, Philadelphia honors the occasion with festivals, events and special exhibits at local museums.

Institutions that regularly offer special Women’s History Month events include the Museum of the American Revolution, the National Constitution Center and the Betsy Ross House, home to Philly’s most famous historical woman. Or check out one of many women-penned and -centric theatrical productions at area venues, women’s history tours, historical storytelling sessions and pop-up events at hotels, restaurants and more.

As the nation’s second-most Irish city, there are few better places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than Philadelphia. Don’t miss the city’s signature event: the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Elsewhere, you can go bragh aboard Philly’s legendary Erin Express, a six-decade-old city tradition, or just make a stop on your own at McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern (circa 1860) and one of Travel Channel’s best Irish bars in the U.S.

Restaurants across Philadelphia offer seasonal menus filled with warm, hearty selections of soups, stews and roasted entrees. But what really warms the heart (and hands) during this transitional month is a quaint dining space with a roaring fireplace to boot, still crackling for a few more weeks.

Check out some of Philly’s homiest eateries with fireplaces like the wood-burning blaze at The Plough & the Stars, the British-inspired hearths on both floors at The Dandelion, the indoor/outdoor connecting fireplace at Suraya, the exposed brick ingle at 59 Almshouse in Richboro or the poured-concrete spot under the skylight at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons.

While spring has almost sprung, March remains a bit too chilly for outdoor music, so warm up where the action is hot inside cozy Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Open since 1996, the arena is lit as all three of Philadelphia’s indoor pro teams — the NBA’s 76ers, NHL’s Flyers and NLL’s Wings — head into the crucial part of their second-half schedules on the court, ice and turf, respectively.

The 21,000-capacity venue also holds a ton of entertainment events, from big-name live concerts and shows to touring favorites like the circus, ice capades, WWE wrestling, monster trucks and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Bright lights, dramatic turns, big sing-alongs … warm up for a show all March long inside Philly’s plethora of iconic theaters and playhouses.

As spring approaches, a bevy of stage shows and musicals hit the planks with Broadway magic, heartfelt scores, classic texts and world premieres. New runs often take hold at grand lyceums and community auditoriums alike at sites like the Academy of Music, the Miller Theater, The Wilma Theater and the Walnut Street Theatre in the city and Bristol Riverside Theater, The Media Theatre and Bucks County Playhouse in the countryside.

Spring in Philly indeed comes in like a lion and departs like a proverbial lamb. Daytime high temperatures at the start of the month hover around 48 degrees Fahrenheit but climb another 10 degrees by month’s end — even reaching a month-record high of 87 degrees in 1945.

Snow can still occur during the month, historically averaging about four inches in total, with a modern-day March record of almost a foot on March 13, 1993. Heading toward the spring equinox means more sunshine — about six-and-a-half hours per day — with nine-and-a-half March days experiencing at least some rainfall.

As temps rise in March, so do the opportunities to get outside and enjoy first peeks of nice weather.

Bask in the new extra hour of daylight-saving sunlight across Philly’s blooming parks and green spaces for hiking and biking (minus the giant winter coat). Visit one of the many outdoor historic sites that come to life like Valley Forge National Historical Park, Washington Crossing Historic Park and Brandywine Battlefield Park. Or relax and chill at a local brewery’s just-opened outdoor beer garden or a chic restaurant debuting an outside streetery for the season.

The performing arts scene heats up in March, with plays, musicals, dance, kids’ events, comedy and more throughout the region. Catch fresh-from-Broadway shows along with Opera Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Ballet at Academy of Music (plus more Broadway at Forrest Theatre), the Philadelphia Orchestra at The Kimmel Center and music and dance at the Miller Theater and Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Suzanne Roberts Theatre.

Or see the thespians hit the stage at historic Walnut Street Theatre and Tony Award-winning Wilma Theater in the city and Act II Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse and Media Theatre in the countryside.

Philly’s March sports scene definitely heats up as spring hits. At the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the 76ers and Flyers push for key second-half victories in front of enthusiastic fans, as do indoor lacrosse’s Wings.

March means a brand-new Phillies campaign, so head down to Citizens Bank Park to catch new players debut and old faves heat up for a long season. And in Chester, soccer’s Union roll into their schedule’s first full month. But the winner anywhere is you with friends and family enjoying stadium food and drink, cheers and boos and, of course, Gritty.

Spring break in Philly? Sure, why not! It may not be Cancún or Daytona, but as temperatures slowly rise, there’s plenty to see and do in March.

While the month is still technically off-peak in Philly and school breaks vary in timeframe, crowds and lines at historic sites, shopping districts and restaurants tend to be more reasonable.

Annual high-energy March events around the region draw crowds, like Longwood Gardens’ Winter Wonder, the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the quarter-million folks that attend the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show.