When March rolls around in Northern Michigan, we welcome end-of-season skiing, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, outdoor events and more across the region. Here are 17 events you won’t want to miss this March 2023.

March 4 | Steve Stargardt and Crispin Campbell | Williamsburg

The Music House Museum presents a concert featuring Steve Stargardt and Crispin Campbell, who will play selections by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and other songs from The Great American Songbook.

March 4 | Mardi Gras on the Mountain | Thompsonville 

Celebrate Mardi Gras at Crystal Mountain with a barbeque dinner, music, scavenger hunt, outdoor activities and more.

March 9 | Play Reading: Marie Antoinette | Traverse City 

As part of Parallel 45 Theatre’s play reading series, this show features a theatrical and stylistic retelling of the life and final days of Marie Antoinette. This event will be held at The Alluvion in Traverse City.

jazz student playing piano

Photo by The Austin Stoddard Jazz Octet

March 10 | The Austin Stoddard Jazz Octet | Williamsburg

Don’t miss The Austin Stoddard Jazz Octet at The Music House, featuring original arrangements of “swing-era” standards and Interlochen’s first-ever jazz vocal major.

March 11 | Slush Cup | Mancelona

For over 40 years, the Slush Cup at Shanty Creek Resort’s Schuss Mountain has brought a winter thrill to Northern Michigan, as skiers and riders attempt to cross an icy 60-foot pond (and some in crazy costumes). 

 

March 11 | Scenes From a Park | Traverse City

Ballet meets Broadway in this Traverse City performance. Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre presents “Scenes From a Park,” performed by 19 dancers from ages 11-22 at The Dennos Museum Center.

March 11 | Willy Porter | Cadillac 

Catch Willy Porter at the Cadillac Elks Lodge! Porter’s songs weave a universal perspective about the struggles and triumphs of human existence. He’s also logged millions of miles across America, Canada, and Europe, touring solo with the Willy Porter Band and artists like Tori Amos, Paul Simon, Jethro Tull, Sting, and Jeff Beck.

March 11 | Beer and Wine Festival | Gaylord 

Taste Michigan craft beverages at Treetops Resort and learn about the beer and wine-making process during this one-day festival. Between sips, grab a bite at the food stations presented by the resort’s culinary team.

March 17-18 | St. Patrick’s Day Celebration | Ludington 

Head to downtown Ludington for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring the Irish Jog 5K/10K, corned beef and cabbage dinner, line dancing social, pub crawl and more.

March 18 | Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K | Traverse City

Grab your green gear and lucky socks for the 13th annual Fifth Third Bank Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K foot race. This year’s race has a new course starting on Lake Ave in Old Town Traverse City and an after-party at Brady’s Bar. The race starts at 9 a.m. and registration is required.

March 18 | Sips, Chips, Dips | Leelanau County 

Celebrate the last official weekend of winter with Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail’s Sips, Chips and Dips event, where you can enjoy salty snacks paired with delicious dips and wines–hand-selected by the makers themselves.

Four people at a snowy start line at Otsego Resort

Photo by Otsego Resort

March 18 | Beaver Dam Olympics | Gaylord 

It’s back! Take on four exciting outdoor relays at this long-held Otsego Resort event, “The Beaver Dam Olympics.” Plus, it’s the perfect way to kick off St. Patrick’s Day Weekend.

March 23 | Play Reading: Smokefall | Traverse City

Parallel 45 Theatre brings to you a special reading of “Smokefall,” a family drama unlike any you’ve ever seen. 

March 24-25 | Comedy with Stewart Huff | Traverse City

Join Traverse City Comedy Club for a show by Comedian Stewart Huff. Huff reaches past the norm for his genuine (and unexpected) comedy, as he often embraces the foibles of humanity. A storyteller at heart, Huff brings clever material, originality and quick wit to the stage.

March 25 | Winter Dinner Series Featuring Modern Bird | Cadillac

Join NanBop Farm in one of their Igloos for a carefully created five-course meal with Modern Bird’s Chef Andy Elliott. Spots are limited, so be sure you get your tickets now for this unique experience.

March 25 | The Fabulous Horndogs | Traverse City

This popular Northern Michigan group is coming to downtown Traverse City’s Encore 201. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and Early Entry VIP ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet with members of the band before the show.

All Month Long (Sundays-Thursdays) | Snow Days | Traverse City

Have an epic snow day! Spend a winter day warming up at Delamar in Traverse City with the Snow Days pass, available Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. You’ll get to enjoy amenities at the hotel including access to the gym, pool, sauna, cozy cabanas, fire pits and much more. The passes are limited, so book in advance!

Charcuterie board from Delamar Hotel

Photo by Allison Jarrell

Photo(s) by Crystal Mountain