March brings exciting early spring and end-of-winter events. From St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to laid-back concerts at local venues, here are 30 Northern Michigan events you won’t want to miss this month.
This is a MyNorth.com exclusive. Want more? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
March 1 | Addison Agen | Traverse City
Performing at the Alluvion, Addison Agen–an Indie-Folk singer-songwriter best known as Season 13’s first runner-up on NBC’s The Voice–is slated to play a show with a local duo, Ben & Jane. Addison is based out of Nashville, Tennessee and has recently shared the stage with artists such as Bob Seger, Gordon Lightfoot, Brandy Clark and Liz Longley.
Photo by Addison Agen via The Alluvion
March 2-3 | International Fly Fishing Film Festival | Manistee
Manistee County is a national hub for fly fishing, so it’s no surprise that the International Fly Fishing Film Festival is set to make its way to Manistee’s Vogue Theatre. Presented by Iron Fish Distillery and Manistee County Tourism Authority, this year’s festival includes nine short films by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe. There will be three showings: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on March 2; 3 to 5 p.m. on March 2; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 3.
March 2 | Rachael Kilgour | Traverse City
Experience the music stylings of Canadian-American songsmith Rachael Kilgour, who will bring her heartfelt new release to The Alluvion stage. Her newest collection of work is an exploration of grief, chronicling the life, death, trials and triumphs of her late father.
March 3-31 (Sundays-Thursdays) | Snow Days Day Pass | Traverse City
Adults deserve snow days, too! Head on over to The Delamar this winter for a relaxing day enjoying amenities including the outdoor heated pool, on-site gym, Cabanas, yoga and more. Get more details!
March 5 | Farm Club Lager Festival | Traverse City
It’s a special season for Farm Club Lagers, a time when some of the best lagers of the year are created. Join brewer Corey Valdez for a discussion around the thought and intention he uses to brew simple, nuanced and drinkable beers.
March 8 | Natural Silk Scarf Dyeing Workshop | Petoskey
Ready to get creative? At this Flora Bae Home workshop, you’ll learn a simple and effective technique called low-immersion cold dyeing. No need to bring materials, attendees will receive a pre-treated silk scarf for transformation and the basics needed to complete the rest of the process at home.
March 8 & 9 | Under the Sea Adventures On Ice | Traverse City
The Traverse City Figure Skating Club will take you on a musical journey for all ages through four Disney tales in this under-the-sea adventure, featuring The Little Mermaid, Moana, Finding Nemo and The Pirates of the Caribbean.
Photo by Traverse City Figure Skating Club
March 9 | Bubble Glazing & Wine Workshop | Suttons Bay
Grab a group of friends for this bubble glazing workshop at Black Star Farms. Sip delicious wine and create unique wine stoppers while hanging out in wine country.
March 9 & 10 | Whither Thou Goest: The Story of Ruth | Traverse City
Join the Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre for Whither Thou Goest: The Story of Ruth, based on the Book of Ruth from the Bible and set in the coal mining town of Bethlehem, West Virginia during The Great Depression. Period costumes, detailed sets and Thomas Morrell’s eclectic choreography combine to unite old-world biblical times with 20th Century Americana in this timeless tale of faith and devotion.
March 9 | Up North PRIDE Silent Disco | Elk Rapids
Get your groove on at this silent disco fundraiser hosted by Ethanology Distillation in support of Up North PRIDE. What to expect: Battling DJs, delish beverages and lots of dancing.
March 9 | The Bob Mintzer Quartet | Traverse City
The Alluvion 2024 Jazz Series continues with another living legend: Bob Mintzer. Get ready for an outstanding show by this all-star Interlochen alumnus and his quartet.
Photo by Moss Manor via The Alluvion
March 10 | Moss Manor | Traverse City
Michael Dause, Seth Bernard and Dan Rickabus will take The Aullivon stage for the first time as a band. All three musicians have played at the venue in different contexts, but now they’ll perform as Moss Manor.
March 13 | Folgarelli’s Tapas & Wine Tasting | Traverse City
This small plate wine pairing is perfect for a couple’s evening out or a night out with friends. Folgarelli’s Chef JD will present a delectable menu including Salmon Tartare, Braised Beef Short Rib, Apricot Tiramisu and more.
March 15 | 5-Course Short’s Beer Dinner | Traverse City
Indulge in extravagance with this special dinner on the top floor of the Park Place Hotel, followed by a night’s stay. Short’s Brewing Company will feature a five-course dinner paired with unique beers.
March 16 | Mardi Gras at Nub’s Nob | Harbor Springs
Mardi Gras at Nub’s Nob is a wild ride–from fat tire biking to costume contests and an epic skiing competition across Lake Nubs.
March 16 & 17 | Vino-Madness | Leelanau Peninsula
So, you’ve probably heard of March Madness–and maybe, you’ve won a bracket competition or two. Well, Northern Michigan wine country has a unique celebration: Vino-Madness. This wine pairing event held on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail kicks off the first weekend of March Madness, promising to deliver a diverse range of wines, snacks and no shortage of fun.
March 16 | Whiskey and Bourbon Cocktail Class | Traverse City
Warm up with a finely crafted whiskey and bourbon cocktail made right at home, using techniques from the experts at The Bartending Co.
Photo by Crystal Mountain
March 16 | Celts and Kayaks | Thompsonville
Cheers to a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Thompsonville with plenty of activities for all at Crystal Mountain’s Celts & Kayaks event. Choose your adventure: downhill kayak racing, a scavenger hunt or braving the Slush Cup (a giant pit of icy slush).
March 16 | Full Cord | Traverse City
Full Cord returns to The Alluvion! When it comes to movers and shakers in the bluegrass world, Full Cord is a super-group on the rise.
March 16 | St. Patrick’s Day Crawl For a Cure | Bellaire
Put on your favorite green attire and go on a pub crawl for a good cause. Chain of Lakes Relay For Life is hosting its annual St. Patrick’s Day Crawl For a Cure in downtown Bellaire. Slated for 5-9 p.m., this unique event combines the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day while raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
March 16 | Carnival Weekend | Boyne Falls
Celebrate 75 Years of Boyne Mountain Magic! The beloved Carnival Weekend invites attendees to step into a bygone era with a vintage ski fashion contest, nostalgic tunes from live DJs, and a chance to win the Slush Cup.
Photo by Mickey Fivenson
March 16 | Fifth Third Bank Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K | Traverse City
If you’re on the hunt for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, join the Fifth Third Bank Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K. The run will start and end on Lake Street next to Brady’s Bar. Plus, participants be invited to enjoy free beer at the after-party!
March 17 | Caley Conway & Cathedral Becomes Tomb | Traverse City
Two of Milwaukee’s finest artists and members of Field Report return to The Alluvion stage for an all-new experience.
March 19 | Spring Equinox Day of Dance | Traverse City
Celebrate the Spring Equinox at the Cathedral Barn in Traverse City with workshops, restful integrations, dances, delicious food and an opportunity to explore the grounds that surround the Historic Barns.
Photo by The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park
March 22 | Comedy with Sam Tallent | Traverse City
Don’t miss Sam Tallent at the Traverse City Comedy Club. Sam is a comedian, novelist and host of the Chubby Behemoth Podcast, and has performed more than 45 weekends per year in North America, Asia, Australia and Europe.
March 22 | The Bayberry String Quartet | Traverse City
The Bayberry String Quartet will play a show at The Alluvion you won’t want to miss. Through their individual and collaborative work, the four musicians have impacted the lives of thousands of musicians.
March 22 | 5-Course Bell’s Beer Dinner | Traverse City
Have dinner at the Top of the Park! If you’re on the hunt for a night out for two, check out this beer dinner with Bell’s Brewery hosted at Park Place Hotel, followed by a night’s stay.
March 23 | Peter Madcat Ruth’s C.A.R.Ma. Quartet | Traverse City
Making his first Traverse City performance in over a decade, Grammy award winner and true Michigan music scene veteran Peter Madcat Ruth is bringing his all-star band, The C.A.R.Ma. Quartet, to The Alluvion.
Photo by Markus Spiske
March 27 | Planning your 2024 Vegetable Garden | Cadillac
Join NanBop’s farm director, Andrea Bushre, for an interactive two-hour home garden planning class — learn the foundational knowledge for a great garden layout, how to choose your seeds, what vegetables are right for your space, and more.
March 29 | Levitator & Tai Drury | Traverse City
Northern Michigan-based psych-rock band Levitator is slated to play at The Alluvion with special guest Tai Drury, who will open the night with a solo performance.
March 31 | Black Star Farms Easter Brunch | Suttons Bay
Have an Easter brunch in the heart of wine country! Gather your friends and family for a strolling brunch and egg hunt—there will be plenty of sweets to go around.
Photo by Gabe Pierce
March 31 | “Marqueetown” Documentary World Premiere | Traverse City
Transforming into a cozy movie theater, The Alluvion is hosting a one-night-only World Premiere screening of the documentary Marqueetown—88 years after the opening night of The Nordic Theater (one of the subjects in the film). There will be a full bar available and special concessions.