March is a lively month in the USA, full of festivals that turn ordinary days into exciting celebrations. Across the country, towns and cities host events filled with music, food, art, literature, and cultural traditions that bring people together and create a joyful atmosphere. Big cities and small towns alike come alive as streets and public spaces fill with performances and colorful decorations, with something for everyone to enjoy. These festivals are perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing as attending these festivals also gives you the chance to explore the local neighborhoods, meet people from across the country and even the world, and experience the energy and creativity that only live events can bring.
So in this blog, we’ve listed the top festivals in USA in March this year for you to explore and enjoy. These festivals are highly recommended and ready for you to visit this March and each of them includes details like dates and locations, to aid you plan your trip and make the most of your spring USA getaway. These March festivals check all the boxes that will make your spring travel more fun and full of memorable moments to enjoy and experience.
8 Top Festivals in USA in March
South by Southwest- Austin, Texas
South by Southwest (SXSW) is one of the top festivals in USA in March, known for bringing together music, film, and tech enthusiasts in the lively city of Austin. Over seven days from March 12-18, 2026, the city transforms into a vibrant festival hub, featuring live music performances, film screenings, panel discussions, and interactive tech exhibits. You can walk between downtown venues or hop on shuttles connecting key locations, soaking in the energetic vibes and atmosphere. Families and friends often enjoy exploring the pop-up art installations, street performers, and food trucks serving Texan favorites like tacos, barbecue, and craft drinks.
You can also expect late-night concerts, workshops, and networking events, along with a cheerful, creative vibe that spreads throughout the city. While there’s no single entrance fee, individual events may require passes, and nearby cafés and local eateries make for perfect breaks between festival activities.
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When Celebrated: March 12-18, 2026
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Where: Austin, Texas
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Nearest Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; approx. 15 minutes by car
Ultra Music Festival- Miami, Florida
Ultra Music Festival is one of the top festivals in USA in March, famous for its high-energy electronic dance music and world-class DJs at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. Every year and this year, from March 27-29, 2026, the festival turns the waterfront into a massive music playground, with multiple stages featuring amazing light shows, giant LED screens, pyrotechnics, and sound systems that keep the crowd dancing all day and night. You can explore different areas like the main stage for top DJs, the Resistance stage for techno lovers, and VIP sections with special views and seating. Festival-goers often take photos with the iconic Ultra signage, neon installations, and interactive art around the park, creating memories that last long after the festival ends.
You can also enjoy daily art installations, pop-up merchandise stalls, and themed zones with immersive music experiences. While there are no traditional seating areas, food trucks and nearby restaurants serve a variety of snacks and local favorites, including tropical smoothies, empanadas, fresh seafood, and quick bites, so you can keep dancing without missing a beat. The festival draws an international crowd, creating a lively, multicultural atmosphere that adds to the excitement. Ultra Music Festival is perfect for EDM fans, party lovers, and anyone wanting to experience Miami’s festival culture in March.
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When Celebrated: March 27-29, 2026
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Where: Bayfront Park, Downtown Miami, Florida
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Nearest Airport: Miami International Airport; approx. 20 minutes by car
Tucson Festival of Books- Tucson, Arizona
Next up, Tucson Festival of Books is also one of the top festivals in USA in March, celebrated as the third-largest book festival in the country. From March 14-15, 2026, the University of Arizona campus transforms into a literary wonderland, featuring over 350 authors, interactive panels, book signings, and family-friendly activities. You can stroll through outdoor tents, visit author booths, and enjoy storytelling sessions, making it perfect for book lovers of all ages. Families also often take photos at the main stage area, surrounded by colorful banners and creative displays.
The festival is ideal for readers, families, students, and anyone passionate about literature and you can also expect writing workshops, live performances, and hands-on educational events, all contributing to an inspiring and welcoming atmosphere. While there are no major food courts on-site, nearby cafés and campus vendors offer seasonal treats, coffee, and light bites.
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When Celebrated: March 14-15, 2026
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Where: University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Nearest Airport: Tucson International Airport; approx. 15 minutes by car
Big Ears Festival- Knoxville, Tennessee
Big Ears Festival is another one of the top festivals in USA in March, celebrated for its eclectic mix of music that spans classical, jazz, electronic, and experimental genres. It will be held from March 26-29, 2026, with performances taking place in multiple venues including theaters, outdoor stages, and intimate concert halls. You can explore the city on foot, moving from one unique performance space to another, and experience everything from large orchestral concerts to avant-garde solo acts. Attendees often take photos with festival art installations, murals, and interactive light displays that are scattered throughout downtown Knoxville.
Additionally, you can expect workshops, panel discussions, and meet-and-greets with artists, creating an experience that goes beyond just listening to music. Plus many food trucks, cafés, and local restaurants provide southern-style comfort food and snacks to keep festival-goers fueled between performances. Big Ears Festival is mainly ideal for adventurous music fans, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a culturally rich festival experience in March. Its combination of diversity in music, interactive events, and downtown accessibility makes it a must-visit for anyone in Tennessee during this period.
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When Celebrated: March 26-29, 2026
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Where: Knoxville, Tennessee
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Nearest Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport; approx. 20 minutes by car
National Cherry Blossom Festival- Washington, D.C.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the top festivals in USA in March, celebrated as a stunning welcome to spring with breathtaking cherry blossoms and cultural events. It will be held this year from March 20-April 12, 2026. During this festival, Washington D.C. transforms into a canvas of pink and white blooms along the Tidal Basin and city streets. You can stroll along scenic pathways, take boat rides, or join guided tours to admire the iconic trees and capture perfect photos near the Jefferson Memorial or other landmarks. Families often gather here for picnics and group photos under the blooming cherry trees.
You can also expect traditional performances, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities, along with a cheerful and festive atmosphere throughout the city. While official food stalls are limited, nearby cafés, food trucks, and local restaurants serve seasonal favorites like sakura-inspired pastries, hot beverages, and snacks. The festival is a beautiful experience and highly recommended for families, couples, photographers, and anyone looking to enjoy springtime beauty in March.
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When Celebrated: March 20-April 12, 2026
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Where: Washington, D.C.
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Nearest Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; approx. 20 minutes by car
CRSSD Festival- San Diego, California
Next, CRSSD Festival is yet another one of the top festivals in USA in March, celebrated for its high-energy electronic music and vibrant waterfront setting at Waterfront Park, San Diego. The festival takes place twice a year, once in September and once in March, and draws fans of edm, techno, and indie dance music from across the country. You can explore multiple stages featuring world-class DJs and live electronic acts, while enjoying the scenic views of the bay. Attendees often gather near art installations, neon-lit tents, and festival signage for photos, creating a lively and Instagram-worthy environment.
You can also expect interactive experiences, pop-up lounges, and themed bars that add to the immersive festival vibe. Nearby food vendors and cafés offer refreshing drinks, snacks, and casual bites to keep you energized between sets. With a capacity of approx 15,000 attendees per day, CRSSD Festival is perfect for music lovers, party enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a social and energetic experience in San Diego during March. Its combination of cutting-edge music, beautiful waterfront views, and festival culture makes it an absolute must-visit for electronic music fans.
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When Celebrated: March 2026 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
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Where: Waterfront Park, San Diego, California
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Nearest Airport: San Diego International Airport; approx. 10 minutes by car
CoastCon 48- Biloxi, Mississippi
CoastCon 48 is one of the top festivals in USA in March, recognized as Mississippi’s longest-running science fiction, fantasy, and gaming convention. It will be held from March 6-8 this year, and you will witness Biloxi transform into a hub for fans of comics, sci-fi, cosplay, and tabletop gaming. You can explore multiple panels, workshops, and vendor halls, as well as meet authors, artists, and industry professionals. Attendees often gather for the costume contest and cosplay events, taking photos with elaborate displays and themed décor that bring favorite characters to life.
You can also expect gaming tournaments, film screenings, and interactive experiences, creating an engaging and immersive environment for visitors of all ages. Plus local cafés, restaurants, and food trucks offer seasonal treats and beverages to fuel long days of exploring the convention. CoastCon 48 is perfect for fans of science fiction, fantasy, board games, and cosplay, as well as families and anyone curious to experience geek culture in March. Its combination of panels, contests, and hands-on activities makes it a must-visit event for enthusiasts in the Gulf Coast region.
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When Celebrated: March 6-8, 2026
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Where: Biloxi, Mississippi
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Nearest Airport: Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport; approx. 20 minutes by car
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo- Houston, Texas
Last on our list is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo which is hands-down one of the top festivals in USA in March, famous for combining thrilling rodeo competitions with concerts, carnival rides, and family-friendly entertainment. During this festival, from March 2-22, 2026, NRG Stadium and surrounding grounds transform into a lively festival hub, attracting visitors from all over the country. You can watch professional rodeo events like bull riding, barrel racing, and roping competitions, or enjoy live performances from top country, pop, and rock artists on the main stage. Families and friends often gather near the carnival area, snapping photos with mascots, prize-winning livestock, and colorful fair decorations.
You can also expect educational exhibits about agriculture, animal husbandry, and Texas heritage, making it a learning experience for kids and adults alike. The festival grounds feature a variety of food stalls and local vendors serving classic Texan treats like BBQ, funnel cakes, corn dogs, and refreshing beverages. Rodeo-themed merchandise shops add to the festive vibe, and nightly fireworks illuminate the sky, creating a memorable experience for everyone. The festival is perfect for families, rodeo enthusiasts, music fans, and anyone who wants to experience authentic Texan culture in March.
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When Celebrated: March 2-22, 2026
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Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
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Nearest Airport: George Bush Intercontinental Airport; approx. 30 minutes by car
Conclusion
All in all, these top 8 festivals in the USA show how lively and exciting March can be. Each event brings music, art, literature, food, and cultural experiences to explore and enjoy. These celebrations turn cities and towns into lively hubs of energy and creativity, offering experiences that stay with you long after the event ends. So plan your March visit to the USA and make this spring fun, festive and full of unforgettable memories with these epic festivals.