Events

10 free things to do in Boston in March

From live music to art classes to a famous parade.

Vehicles in Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade make their way along the parade route
Vehicles in the Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade make their way along the parade route. AP Photo/Steven Senne

By Cheryl Fenton

4 minutes to read

With spring on the horizon and winter slowly beginning its exit, March is a month of decisions — do we do something outside or inside? With plenty of activities throughout the city, from talented musicians to art classes to a famous parade that attracts over a million spectators to Southie, why not enjoy it all without shelling out a penny? Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this March.

1. Celebrate the Chinese New Year

Boston’s Chinatown celebrates the Year of the Horse in 2026, with major events
like the Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade on March 1, starting at Phillips
Square (Harrison Ave & Beach St.) at 10:30 a.m., with lion dances, cultural
performances, Chinese calligraphy, and a festival atmosphere alongside other
community events at Chinese New Year Cultural Village, running through 3:30
p.m. (China Trade Center, 2 Boylston St., Boston)

2. Enjoy Bach while you read

Add a little something to your Boston Public Library visit with a live performance of the works of J. S. Bach by musicians from Emmanuel Music. Supporting their goal of adding their touch to the Boston community’s wellbeing, their “Breathe with Bach” program gives you a chance to enjoy the feeling of connection during an hour of live music on March 2 at 4:30 p.m. Treat it like a soundtrack while you work, read, or relax. (30 South St., Jamaica Plain)

3. Eat pizza and get artistic

Tuesday evenings at Zone 3 are all about “Drinking + Drawing.” These free weekly artmaking sessions run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and are led by different local artists who bring fresh prompts to guide you through hands-on activities, from drawing to 3D art. They’ll provide the pizza (from nearby FiDO Pizza), drinks, and supplies; you just bring your imagination. March 3 is a hands-on workshop with Riley Halliday during which you’ll design playful paper puppets that double as greeting cards, complete with movable parts and hidden messages tucked behind hand-drawn features. On March 10, you’ll spend time with Des Bennett for a relaxed collage and zine-making session that encourages cutting, layering, and storytelling through mixed materials. All skill levels are welcome, but the sessions are 21+ and guests must RSVP. (267 Western Ave., Allston)

4. Practice your own poetry (with a crowd)

Bring your own works and perform them in front of a supportive crowd during an evening of open mic poetry at Trident Booksellers. There’s no better place to find your voice and share it with the world than at these popular weekly Sundays nights, beginning on March 4. The sign-up list opens at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs café, and the mic opens at 7 p.m. Seating for the two-hour show is first come, first served, and each open mic slot gives you three minutes of stage time. (338 Newbury St., Boston)

5. Cheer on the runners

Cheer on the 1,750 runners of the St Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race. The long-
standing race tradition (the first was run in 1940) kicks off a couple of hours
before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15 at 11 a.m. The first 500 entrants proudly don the official long-sleeved race shirts designed by one of the race’s most famous sponsors, Southie’s own Celtic punk rock group, The Dropkick Murphys. All proceeds from the race go to support South Boston youth programs. (Edgerley Family South Boston Boys and Girls Club, 230 6th St.,
Boston)

Participants at “Drinking + Drawing,” free weekly artmaking sessions, at Zone 3 in Boston.

6. Wear green at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

What began in 1737 as a gesture of solidarity among the city’s new Irish
immigrants still keeps Southie’s street alive for Boston’s famous St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15 at 11:30 a.m. The parade route will be reversed this year. Instead of ending at Andrew Square, the parade will begin there. Organizers said the change is to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day and to better accommodate the large crowds. Don’t forget to wear green. (Pick your spot along the parade route in Boston)

7. Watch your favorite actors walk the Red Carpet

The man in gold awaits his spotlight, as all eyes are on the 2026 Oscars on
March 15. Gather with friends and fellow film lovers for the Roslindale Film
Society’s Oscar Watch Party from 6 to 10:30 p.m. This annual gathering is a great way to make your predictions and watch them come true during the big night. You may even win a prize. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The event is free, but you’ll need to register here. (Square Root, 2 Corinth St., Roslindale)

8. Get crafty with local textiles

Visit the Boston Public Market FiberFest March 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. for a celebration of New England fiber artists and farmers. At this free
festival, you can browse through all New England grown, raised, landed,
produced, and made fiber art and goods and enjoy craft workshops, skill
demonstrations, and drop-in activities. The day’s event is free, but you must
register here. (100 Hanover St., Boston)

9. Find joy during Holi Mela

Get ready to splash into all the colors of Holi Mela during a celebration hosted by Shanti Indian Cuisine and Roslindale Village. Happening at Adams Park on
March 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this event is all about vibrant vibes, Indian
music, food, crafts, and delicious treats. Whether you want to dance, eat, or
just soak in the lively atmosphere, bring your energy and dress to get colorful.
While this spring “Festival of Colors” is celebrated primarily by Hindus, its themes of joy, renewal, and community are there for all to share. (Adams Park, 4225 Washington St., Boston)

10. Celebrate your pup’s special bond

Join New York Times bestselling author and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy
Collins for a special conversation that celebrates the unique bond between
humans and dogs through his poetry collection, “Dog Show.” On March 30 from 7 to 8 p.m., you’ll explore his take on the many ways these furry friends warm our hearts and the roles they play in our lives. This program complements the Kennedy Library’s special exhibit “Presidential Pets,” which will also be open free of charge from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Register here. (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston)

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