March 2026 Bay Area Event Guide: Spring Blooms, St. Patrick's, and 12 Must-Do Activities

If February was about the fiery energy of the Super Bowl, March 2026 is about the healing power of Green and Color. As the rainy season fades, the Bay Area bursts into life with wildflowers and vibrant cultural festivals.

Highlights include the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 14, the colorful Holi Festival, and the Persian New Year (Nowruz). Here is your curated list of the top announced events for March 2026.

Part 1: Festivals & Parades

1. 175th San Francisco St. Patrick's Day Parade

The largest Irish celebration on the West Coast returns on Saturday, March 14, 2026. It’s a city-wide party featuring over a hundred floats, bagpipe bands, and Irish dancers. The parade marches down Market Street to the Civic Center, where a massive music festival and beer garden await.

• Why Go: It’s the day everyone is Irish. Wear green to avoid getting pinched! Enjoy Guinness and Shepherd's Pie at the Civic Center Plaza festival.

• Time: March 14, 2026 (Sat), 11:30 AM

• Location: Market Street to Civic Center, SF

2. Flower Bulb Day 2026 (Union Square)

One of the best "freebies" in San Francisco. Dutch growers will transform Union Square into a garden of over 100,000 blooming tulips. The best part? The public is invited to pick and take home a bouquet of tulips for free (limit usually 15 per person) by the end of the event.

• Why Go: The visual contrast of colorful tulips against the city skyline is stunning. Arrive by 1:00 PM to beat the line and bring a reusable bag.

• Time: March 7, 2026 (Sat), 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

• Location: Union Square, San Francisco

3. Bay Area Holi Festival of Colors

Celebrating the arrival of spring, the Indian tradition of Holi will paint the Bay Area in vibrant hues. Major events are typically held at Bishop Ranch or Stanford. Participants dance to Bollywood beats while throwing colored powder (Gulal) at each other, symbolizing unity and love.

• Why Go: It’s the most photogenic event of the month. Wear an old white T-shirt and prepare to leave looking like a walking rainbow. Enjoy delicious samosas and mango lassis on-site.

• Time: Mid-March 2026 (Weekend)

• Location: City Center Bishop Ranch (San Ramon) or Stanford Campus

4. Macy's Flower Show

In late March, Macy's Union Square turns into an indoor botanical garden. The 2026 theme, rumored to be "Digital Eden," blends rare flowers with modern light technology. The main floor is carpeted in thousands of blooms, creating a fragrant and artistic wonderland.

• Why Go: It’s a free, sensory escape right in the middle of a shopping trip. Even if you aren't shopping, walking through the floral displays is a breath of fresh air.

• Time: March 22 – April 5, 2026

• Location: Macy's Union Square, San Francisco

Part 2: Lifestyle & Food

5. San Francisco International Chocolate Salon

A paradise for sweet tooths. This premier West Coast chocolate event features dozens of artisanal chocolatiers. Your ticket includes unlimited tastings! Expect unique flavors like chili dark chocolate, lavender truffles, and 2026's trending sugar-free options.

• Why Go: It’s not just eating; it’s learning. Attend talks on cocoa farming and roasting while indulging your palate.

• Time: March 8, 2026 (Sun)

• Location: SF County Fair Building (Golden Gate Park)

6. Nowruz Celebration (Persian New Year)

March 20 marks the Spring Equinox and Persian New Year. Vasona Lake Park or SF City Hall usually hosts large festivals featuring the traditional "fire jumping" ritual (to burn away bad luck), calligraphy, and incredible Middle Eastern food.

• Why Go: Experience the rich culture of the Bay Area’s Iranian community. Don't miss the Sabzi Polo (herb rice) and pomegranate chicken.

• Time: March 21, 2026 (Sat)

• Location: Vasona Lake County Park, Los Gatos

7. The Oakland Marathon 2026

Run the "Town"! The Oakland Marathon is known for its incredible community vibe. The route offers stunning views of Lake Merritt and the Bay Bridge. 2026 adds more accessible 5K and Half Marathon options.

• Why Go: The energy is unmatched, with Funk bands and DJs cheering runners along the course. It’s a celebration of Oakland’s spirit.

• Time: March 22, 2026 (Sun)

• Location: Snow Park, Oakland

8. Spring at Filoli

Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside hits peak bloom in March. Tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms create a scene straight out of Bridgerton. In 2026, they offer "Sunset strolls" with champagne service.

• Why Go: It’s the most elegant garden experience in the Bay. Perfect for a romantic date or family photos. Booking in advance is essential.

• Time: Throughout March

• Location: Filoli, Woodside

Part 3: Shows & Arts

9. Dua Lipa "Radical Optimism" Tour (Projected)

Chase Center is set to host pop superstar Dua Lipa in early March 2026. Expect a high-energy night of disco-pop, fashion, and spectacular stage design.

• Time: Early March 2026

• Location: Chase Center, San Francisco

10. Disney on Ice

A March tradition at the SAP Center. The 2026 show features characters from Frozen, Moana, and Encanto. Watching Elsa glide on real ice is a magical experience for children.

• Time: March 4 – 8, 2026

• Location: SAP Center, San Jose

11. SF Ballet: A Midsummer Night's Dream

March highlights the SF Ballet's spring season with Balanchine’s classic A Midsummer Night's Dream. With lavish sets and a whimsical story, it’s the perfect introduction to ballet for families.

• Time: March 10 – 15, 2026

• Location: War Memorial Opera House, SF

12. Silicon Valley Film Festival (SVFF)

Focused on tech and the future, this festival in Mountain View showcases sci-fi shorts and documentaries about AI and space. 2026 features a special "AI-Generated Film" competition.

• Time: March 27 – 29, 2026

• Location: ShowPlace ICON Theatre, Mountain View

March 2026 Bay Area Event Guide

March 2026 is the month the Bay Area wakes up. Whether you are grabbing free tulips at Union Square or throwing colors at Holi, it’s a time to open your senses. Since most events are outdoors, check the forecast and use public transit to enjoy the spring vibes stress-free.