Spring break, St. Patrick’s Day and warmer weather are on the horizon. That can only mean one thing—March is here! There are so many events in Ann Arbor to celebrate the coming of spring, from craft shows to the famous Ann Arbor Film Festival.

We’ve gathered up some of the local events we are most looking forward to, so mark your calendar and get ready for a marvelous March!

Jump Ahead:

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink

 

Arts + Culture

Youth Art Month | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: March 1-30

Youth Art Month is an annual celebration designed to emphasize the value of art education for our youth. It gives locals and business owners alike an opportunity to connect our community with our youth’s creativity, illustrating the importance of fostering artistry and innovation. Organized by the Main Street Area Association, the celebration includes several food and drink deals, educational workshops and special events with topics that include the art of pizza, coloring, painting and sailboat making. For all the details on specials and events, click here.

 

Cat Video Fest | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: March 2, 7:30 p.m.

Cat videos have been a phenomenon ever since the internet was created. So it’s no surprise to us that the Michigan Theater is capitalizing on that fact with an “ameowsing” event for the whole family! This festival will feature a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos sourced from submissions, animations, music videos and classic internet powerhouses. Proceeds go to support cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations and shelters. Click here to watch the trailer and to get your tickets!

 

Saline Craft Show | Saline

Where: Saline Middle School

When: March 14, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

One of the top shows in Michigan, the Saline Craft Show is hosting two events in 2020. Don’t miss the first one of the year taking place this March! Benefitting both the craft show customers and the school community, students get the chance to take on leadership roles and show off their talents. There will also be a gift basket contest where you can vote on your favorite basket by putting money in the voting box. Proceeds for the contest will benefit the Saline Area Social Services. Interested in submitting your own creative basket for the chance to win fabulous prizes? Click here for contest rules and instructions.

 

West Side Story | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: March 21, 8 p.m.

Join the Ann Arbor Symphony as they celebrate Latin American culture’s impact on classical music during an impressive, one-night-only performance this March! Timeless pieces like Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra and Danzón No. 2 will be paired with stunning photographs from Diana Syrse’s Colección de Readlidades. Click here to learn more about the performers and to purchase your tickets.

 

Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show | Ann Arbor

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Farm Grounds

When: March 21-22, Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For the 30th year, this home and garden show is connecting guests with builders, suppliers, designers and tradespeople while inspiring all home improvement endeavors. This year’s event features 150 exhibitors in both interior and exterior work, so there’s plenty to learn over two days! Adult admission of $5 can be paid in cash at the door and children under 12 are admitted for free.

 

58th Ann Arbor Film Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: March 24-29

One of Ann Arbor’s most important annual events, the Ann Arbor Film Festival presents 40 programs with more than 180 films from over 20 countries that highlight all lengths and genres, including experimental, animation, documentary, fiction and performance-based works. Founded by George Manupelli in 1963, the festival is the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. Follow the team on Facebook for updates on tickets and special events.

 

48th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow | Ann Arbor

Where: Skyline High School

When: March 28-29, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

This time-honored tradition is back for the 48th year—and you’re invited! Join the University of Michigan as they put on a powwow to celebrate both the Ann Arbor area and Native American communities alike. The two-day event begins Saturday and will feature vendors, traditional music, dancing and ceremonial outfits.

 

Community Celebrations

Old-time Maple Sugar Festival | Chelsea

Where: Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center

When: March 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Photo courtesy of the Waterloo Natural History Association

Hosted by the Waterloo Natural History Association, the Old Time Maple Sugar Festival celebrates the coming of spring and the tapping of maple trees. The event begins with a short film on the process of making maple syrup, continues with a guided walk, and includes antique syrup-making equipment on display from the Waterloo Farm Museum.

 

Ann Arbor Orchid Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Matthaei Botanical Gardens

When: March 22, 12-4:30 p.m.

Spring is in the air and that means it’s time to enjoy some incredible flowers at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens! This one-day festival will feature several displays showcasing beautiful orchids; free talks and demonstrations on orchid growing; an orchid raffle; and many local vendors selling orchids and orchid-related items.

 

Sports

Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: March 15, 9:45 a.m.

In the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K and Kids’ K winds through downtown Ann Arbor and benefits Save A Heart, an organization that raises funds to benefit patients and their families at the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. You can find registration info here.

 

Waterloo G & G | Chelsea

Where: Big Portage Lake State Park

When: March 15, 10 a.m.

Photo courtesy of Epic Races

This epic bike race offers three options: a rugged, two-loop 100K course, a powerful 50K course and a 10-mile, non-competitive ride. Registration benefits the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and includes a post-race party presented by Short’s Brewing Company. For more information, click here.

 

Probility Ann Arbor Marathon | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Stadium

When: March 22, 8 a.m.

Whether you’re walking your first 5K or running your tenth marathon, this Epic Races event offers something for everyone. Beginning just outside of The Big House, each course winds through downtown Ann Arbor and through the University of Michigan campus. The longer races also traverse stretches of the Huron River, Gallup Park and Nichols Arboretum before returning to downtown. Get all the details and choose your distance here.

 

Food + Drink

Pie & Mash Pop-Up Shop | Dexter

Where: Cornman Farms

When: March 1 to April 5

Photo courtesy of Sarah Fennel via Zingerman’s Cornman Farms

Owner of Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, Kieron Hales hails from England and he’s bringing the culture and food of his homeland to the farm throughout March. Every Sunday from March 1st through April 11th, join the team for a traditional English Pie & Mash shop pop-up. Food will include savory handmade pies with mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, and Chef Kieron’s creamy and indulgent Devon Fudge, a recipe from his hometown. To see all the menus and learn more, click here.

 

English Afternoon Tea | Ann Arbor

Where: Greyline

When: March 15, 1-3 p.m.

Join Greyline for a special spring-themed event and see how great tea can be! They will be serving guests hand-selected teas from around the world to help celebrate spring. And don’t worry—they haven’t forgotten the snacks! Guests will enjoy fresh-baked scones with delicious toppings to match, scrumptious finger sandwiches on Zingerman’s Bakehouse breads, fun bite-sized desserts, and even a slice of cake to top off the afternoon. Tickets cost $50 per person. Click here to reserve your spot!

 

Share your favorites

If we missed your most-anticipated event this month, let us know in the comments!