10 Things to Do in Orlando in March

With the arrival of spring, March is one of the most pleasant times to visit Orlando. Here are the top 10 things to do in "The beautiful City".

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

7 min read

10 Things to Do in Orlando in March

Persona con disfraz |©Craig Adderley

There are many things to see and do in Orlando throughout the year. This great city, known for being the alligator capital of the world or the birthplace of the Backstreet Boys, has important theme parks such as Disney World, Gatorland or Universal Studios.

During the month of March, there are also several festivals that can make your stay even more entertaining, from Mardi Gras to St. Patrick's Day. These events can be joined by other activities such as SeasWorld's Seven Seas food festival or the light, fireflies and candlelight show.

1 Enjoy Saints Patrick's Day at Universal Studio

people walking on St. Patrick's Day|©photocat001
people walking on St. Patrick's Day|©photocat001

If you're in Orlando on these dates, you can't miss celebrating the famous St. Patrick 's Day. A must is the Raglan Road Irish Pub at Disney Springs in Disney Springs. You will find Irish food, dancing and typical Irish music.

On the other hand, you can visit Finnegan's Bar and Grill at Universal Studios and try some of their sandwiches. In addition, you will have the opportunity to taste a very traditional whiskey or buy some souvenirs related to the celebration of this day at Rosie's Irish Shop.

Buy your ticket to Universal Studio Park

2. Experience Mardi Gras at Marketplace

Mardi Gras Information|©Patrick
Mardi Gras Information|©Patrick

If you want to enjoy a major March celebration, the Avalon Part celebrates Mardi Gras for several weeks. This popular festival starts in February and lasts until March, making it a must-see if you are looking for things to do in Orlando in the spring.

At this celebration you will enjoy colorful parades, concerts and shows, souvenir stores and international food. This festival is perfect to enjoy with the whole family, as there are activities for all ages.

3. Attend the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot

FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL AT EPCOT|©laukrume
FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL AT EPCOT|©laukrume

If you travel to Orlando between March and May and you are a fan of gardening, as well as Disney characters, you cannot miss the International Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot.

During this festival, all the gardens in the park are retouched to adopt the shape of the Disney movie characters. On the tour you will be able to see dozens of authentic sculptures made with flowers and plants, all with great detail.

The offer of this festival does not end here: attendees will be able to enjoy various musical performances of all genres, children's games and interactive attractions for all audiences.

Finally, the program also includes rock concerts in its Garden Rocks Concert Series. These usually take place on weekdays, specifically from Tuesday to Thursday at the America Gardens Theater.

4. Be amazed by the lights of the Lantern Jubilee

jubilee lanterns|©Lisa Harding
jubilee lanterns|©Lisa Harding

Some of the best souvenirs you can make in Orlando is the Lantern Jubilee held in early March at Audubon Park.

Although this event is family-friendly, it's a must-do if you've traveled to Orlando with kids. The best thing to do is to have them make their own artificial "fireflies" by hand and be in charge of carrying them.

5. Don't miss Mardi Gras at Universal Studios

Universal Orlando: Mardi Gras Parade|©Shay Tressa DeSimone
Universal Orlando: Mardi Gras Parade|©Shay Tressa DeSimone

If you travel to Orlando in March, you'll have the opportunity to experience a version of another major U.S. city's main party: New Orleans' Mardi Gras. One of Orlando's top theme parks, Universal Studios, organizes a reproduction of this carnival every March for the enjoyment of its visitors.

During Mardi Gras days, Universal Studios is transformed to resemble the streets of New Orleans, with its parades, Cajun food and concerts.

Although you can go during the day, my recommendation is to go to the park at night, as this is when the most activities take place. To enjoy them, you only need to buy a ticket to the park, since Mardi Gras has no additional price.

Buy your ticket to Universal Studio Park

6. Participate in the Once Upon A Spring Celebration

Once Upon A Toy - Disney Springs, Orlando Florida|©Larry Johnson JR
Once Upon A Toy - Disney Springs, Orlando Florida|©Larry Johnson JR

The nice spring weather makes you want to look for activities in Orlando that take place outdoors. Although there are many options, some of the most recommendable are those that take place at the Gaylord Palms Resort within the event called Once Upon A Spring.

This resort, located just 20 minutes from Orlando, organizes during the month of March a great variety of activities in a unique environment. If you are up for it, you will find interactive shows, treasure hunts or a buffet to celebrate Easter.

One of the most fun activities, especially for children, is the pirate escape room. Although in Orlando itself there are more experiences of this type, being able to dress up as a buccaneer makes all the difference.

Book your escape room in Orlando

7. Attend the Central Florida Fair

Central Florida Fair|©Kelly Verdeck
Central Florida Fair|©Kelly Verdeck

Within the calendar of events in Orlando during the month of March, the Central Florida Fair stands out. If you are in the city, I recommend that you come to know an event that has been held since 1910 and attracts more than 250,000 people each year.

This fair is one of the most important attractions for all those who visit Orlando in spring, almost competing with the best beaches in the city. The main reason is the wide variety of entertainment activities it offers.

The enclosure is full of stalls where you will be able to try all kinds of dishes, both sweet and savory. In some of them, it is also possible to see the cooks themselves prepare the food.

Another of its strong points is the installation of 3 different stages where up to 100 music groups can perform. Finally, it is a fairly inexpensive event, with admission costing around $12 for adults and only about $7 for children.

8. Tour the Florida Strawberry Festival booths

Florida Strawberry Festival|©Lana Robbins
Florida Strawberry Festival|©Lana Robbins

Although not usually part of the best excursions from Orlando (such as the one to Clearwater Beach), if there is a date that deserves a visit to the town of Plant City is in early March, when the Florida Strawberry Festival is held, an event that is almost 100 years old.

Not only can you find strawberries and other products from nearby farms at its booths and exhibitors, but today the festival has become a real flea market, with crafts and other products.

If you have the chance, the best day to go is when the big annual parade is held throughout the city. More than 30,000 people gather to watch the participants of this parade and the musical bands that accompany it.

The festival grounds, which can be accessed by purchasing a ticket that costs about $ 10, are not only set up with stalls. Numerous concerts and shows take place during the festival.

Book a trip to Clearwater Beach from Orlando

9. Experience the atmosphere of City Walk

city walk|©LunchboxLarry
city walk|©LunchboxLarry

It is very likely that if you have booked a tour in Orlando, you have passed through the area called City Walk. It is possibly the part of the city with the most nightlife, with many restaurants and pubs. In March, the atmosphere multiplies with the arrival of thousands of young people during Spring Break.

If you are looking for things to do in Orlando at night, you can not leave this area aside. Practically every day of the week different activities are organized, so you will be spoiled for choice. Some of the highlights are the following:

  • Saturday night Show Car: numerous vintage cars gather in a festive atmosphere. There is usually live music and DJs.
  • Sunset Live: Fridays and Saturdays, on the Promenade Plaza, regional bands perform every evening.
  • Market on The Promenade at Sunset Walk: on Saturday evenings there is a market of handicrafts and other products.
  • Concerts in bars.
  • St. Patrick's Day Party: look for green clothes and join the party that takes place both on the street and inside many venues.

Book a guided tour of Orlando

10. Swim with manatees and snorkel in Orlando

Discovery Cove - Sea World|©Lee
Discovery Cove - Sea World|©Lee

Although this activity can be done almost all year round, it is possible that if you do not like the crowds of the theme parks, aggravated by the celebration of Spring Break, there comes a time when you want to leave the city and get out into nature.

This type of excursion is ideal for a little oxygenation. Not only will you get to know the Everglades, but you will also be able to do several adventure activities, all in a tropical landscape in the middle of Florida.

Normally, this activity takes place in the Withlacoochee River and consists of a hydrofoil ride and a snorkeling experience in a place where there are usually manatees.

What is the weather like in Orlando in March?

Gardens in Orlando|©Jeff Boyce
Gardens in Orlando|©Jeff Boyce

The weather is one of the most important factors in making the decision to visit a city as a tourist, but here you are going to remove all the doubts so that your arrival in Orlando does not surprise you with a weather that you do not know.

The first weeks of March, you will find a quite pleasant weather. You will be able to feel some heat during the day and maybe a little cold at night.

The rest of the month, temperatures are warmer, so it is highly recommended to use sunscreen during the day.