While March is definitely still winter in Vermont, spring makes a few guest appearances if you know where to look.
The sun is rising earlier. Buds are swelling on the trees. And the distinct smell of maple syrup is on the air all over the state.
Whether you’re hoping to hang on to those special snow days for a bit longer or are itching for sandal weather, March in Vermont is likely to give you a taste of both.
These spectacular March events are perfect for embracing both winter and spring in Vermont. So pack your winter boots and your sandals and get ready to celebrate March in Vermont.
Ice Bar 2024 in Burlington, Vermont
March 1 and 2, 2024
Burlington’s most anticipated and lively winter event happens in early March at Hotel Vermont, where you can spend four hours sipping frosty cocktails, rubbing shoulders with giant ice sculptures, and listening to tunes with hundreds of other lively patrons.
This is the 12th annual Ice Bar, and they just keep getting better. As of this posting, Saturday’s tickets are sold out, but there are still a few left for Friday night.
This is one weekend when you hope for freezing temps – let’s hope the weather cooperates. This is a 21+ event.
Where to stay in Burlington: For this event, you will want to stay at Hotel Vermont and take advantage of their special Ice Bar packages.
Circus Spectacular in Brattleboro, Vermont
March 9 and 10, 2024
Join the New England Center for Circus Arts for an evening of incredible, world-class entertainment for the entire family.
The Circus Spectacular is a dazzling fundraising event and a unique opportunity to see some of today’s most renowned high-flying aerialists, acrobats, and jugglers.
Offered live on the Latchis Theater stage and via LiveStream if you prefer to watch from the comfort of your own home.
For those who don’t know, the New England Center for Circus Arts in Brattleboro offers a fantastic selection of classes and workshops for all skill levels. NECCA’s mission is to empower a community of artists, students, and staff to strengthen their skills and achieve their goals through the joyful and transformative power of circus arts.
Hope on the Slopes at Jay Peak, Vermont
March 3, 2024
Join the American Cancer Society Hope On The Slopes At Jay Peak, an annual event where participants and volunteers come together to honor cancer survivors, spread the word about reducing cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives.
This is the 14th annual Hope on the Slopes, and there are numerous ways to participate. You can join an existing team, start your own, or volunteer at the event.
However you choose to become involved, this is a fun event working towards meaningful change.
Also Read: 10 Fun Things to Do During Mud Season in Vermont
Burlington Irish Heritage Festival
March 2-17, 2024
The annual Burlington Irish Heritage Festival takes place each March with a full line-up of festivities including a community ceili, music workshops, dances, singalongs, live concerts, children’s crafts, movies, and the grand finale, a Festival Ceili at City Hall, Burlington.
This year’s festival will also include a special tribute concert to Irish-American musician and author, Mick Maloney, who passed away in 2022. Come celebrate all things Irish with celebrations throughout northern Vermont in the weeks that lead up to St. Patrick’s Day.
Check out Burlington Irish Heritage Festival for this year’s line-up of events.
Vermont Film Festival in Montpelier, Vermont
March 14 – 17, 2024
We are so excited to announce the return of the Green Mountain Film Festival (GMFF) to Montpelier, now in its 23rd year. Established in 1997, the Green Mountain Film Festival is a non-competitive festival showcasing narrative, documentary, and experimental features and shorts from all over the world.
Montpelier’s Savoy Theater is the host venue (a portion of Festival proceeds will benefit The Savoy) with some films hosted by other local establishments.
Montpelier is the perfect place to celebrate the beginning of spring in Vermont!
Homesick Shred and Culture Festival at Stratton Mountain, Vermont
March 22-24, 2024
You may or may not know that the sport of snowboarding is said to have gotten its start at Stratton Mountain in southern Vermont. Come celebrate the history, tradition, and progression of snowboarding with an event that brings the community together through a shared love of a beloved winter sport.
HOMESICK returns from March 22-24 with three days of competition for all ages and abilities, art, photography, speaker series, vintage board room, and more.
Come check out on-snow events, peruse the WITNESS Photo Gallery, peek into the Vintage Board Room, ride demo snowboards, and après with live music and legends of the sport.
Maple Open House Weekend, Statewide
March 23-24, 2024
Maple syrup, how I love thee! I can’t imagine life without this iconic and decadent sweetener. Help me pay tribute to my favorite food and visit a local Vermont sugarhouse for Maple Open House Weekend (actually, it’s two weekends because maple syrup is ALL THAT).
Spring Maple Open House Weekends celebrate the first crop of the season as Vermont’s sugar makers open the doors of their sugarhouses and invite visitors in to experience the joys and traditions of pure maple syrup.
Wherever you happen to be in Vermont, there’s a sugarhouse ready to welcome you. Because March in Vermont definitely means maple syrup!
No matter how you feel about March in Vermont, you’re sure to appreciate these almost-spring events throughout the state. Did we forget your favorite event? Send us an email, and we’ll check it out!
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Vermont Explored and Back Road Ramblers, an American road trip blog. She is also the co-author of the 3rd edition of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont, released in May 2023, and the author of 100+ Wonderful Ways to Experience Vermont.