With spring on the horizon and St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, you’re not going to want to miss these March events in Northern Michigan. From indoor and outdoor events to musical performances and all-day celebrations, here’s how to kick off spring Up North.

Hand-Tied Bouquets Workshop // March 2, 23 // Kingsley

Join Olds Floral & Design for their first bouquet workshop. All supplies needed will be provided. Bring a few friends and enjoy this guided class, and take home a gorgeous centerpiece or bouquet for a loved one.

Everbody: A Play Reading // March 3 // Traverse City

Attend this riveting play reading of Branden Jacobs Jenkins’ “Everybody” by Parallel 45 Theatre. A modern adaptation of the fifteenth-century morality play “The Summoning of Everyman,” the reading will take place at The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park. Play readings are directed and produced by members of P45’s 2022 Resident Company.

Sing! High School Musicals on Ice // March 4-5 // Traverse City

The Traverse City Figure Skating Club presents “Sing! High School Musicals on Ice” brought to you by Shoreline Endodontics. This year’s talented cast of skaters and coaches are bringing a high-energy show featuring fantastic music from big screen and Broadway favorites “High School Musical,” “Sing!,” “Hairspray” and “Grease” to Traverse City’s Centre Ice Arena.

Mardi Gras on the Mountain // March 5 // Thompsonville

Enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, scavenger hunts, costume contests and more when you celebrate Mardi Gras at Crystal Mountain this year! You can learn about this event and their Spring Carnival on March 12, Celts and Kayaks on March 19 and Retro Day on March 26 on the official Crystal Mountain website.

Snowboarding at Crystal Mountain

Photo by Crystal Mountain

Michigan Outdoor Summit // March 5 // Traverse City

Land of Outsiders will host the inaugural Michigan Outdoor Summit in Traverse City, a two-day event allowing all sectors of the outdoor industry to connect and grow.

Learn more about this event on the Land of Outsiders Facebook page.

Magic Show // March 5 // Gaylord

Looking for a fun time in Northern Michigan with the kids? Join Otsego Resort for a magic show featuring Gordon Russ the magician. The event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are only $10 per person.

The Accidentals // March 6 // Leland

Local favorites, The Accidentals, Kim Richey, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Maia Sharp will play a show following the release of the album “Time Out.” Reminiscent of a night at the legendary Bluebird Cafe where award-winning writers swap personal stories and inspirational songs, Time Out is a lyric lover’s dream.

Musical Performances at Encore 201 // March 10, 11, 12, 17, 19, 25 // Traverse City

Spend a night out at Encore 201, a unique industrial event space overlooking downtown Traverse City. The venue will host several exciting shows throughout March, featuring bands like Project 6, the Drew Hale Band, Jabo Bihlman Band, the Pistil Whips and more.

Kid’s Festival Weekend // March 11 to 13 // Boyne Falls

Head to Boyne Mountain for a weekend full of family-friendly activities. From face painting to rock wall climbing, there are exciting activities for all ages. Learn more about this event on the official Boyne Mountain website.

Willy Wonka Jr. // March 11-13 // Manistee

Coming to the Manistee Middle/High School, “Willy Wonka Jr.” is this year’s featured spring show. A timeless classic, this musical is a must-see for families and people of all ages.

Learn more about this event on the official Manistee Area Public Schools website.

Song of Wyoming // March 12 // Traverse City

The Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre presents “Song of Wyoming,” a story featuring romance, action, and paying homage to Western classic characters and scenes. Dancers will perform in period costumes created from scratch by Laura Bremer and realistic sets designed by Amy Cyr.

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration // March 12 // Gaylord

Come join the Saint Patrick’s Day fun at Otsego Resort during this all-day celebration. This year’s event will feature the annual Splashdown, a bead hunt and costume contest, live music, Irish food and an outdoor bar.

Learn more about this event at the official Otsego Resort website.

Mari Vineyards Dinner at The Cooks’ House // March 15 // Traverse City

Head to The Cooks’ House in Traverse City for an evening of delicious food and wine! Enjoy a 5-course pairing in collaboration with Mari Vineyards.

Ring in Spring at The Highlands // March 18 to 20 // Harbor Springs

Head to The Highlands at Harbor Springs for a weekend full of events to kick-off spring. From their annual Slush Cup challenge to live music, learn all about the full weekend of events on The Highlands official website.

Drew Nelson & Highway 2 // March 19 // Cadillac

Gopherwood concerts are back for 2022! Enjoy a live performance at the Cadillac Elks Lodge by Drew Nelson, a storytelling songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Drew has toured with artists Melissa Etheridge and Edwin McCain.

Gary: A Play Reading // March 24 // Traverse City

Head to The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park for a stunning reading of “Gary, a Sequel to Titus Andronicus” by Taylor Mac. P45 hopes to champion Mac’s work locally by partnering with the Traverse Area District Library, which operates The Queer Tales Book Club. Play readings are directed and produced by members of P45’s 2022 Resident Company.

Photo(s) by Crystal Mountain