What To Do in Atlanta in March: Local Guide to Events, Weather & Can’t-Miss Activities

March is one of the best months to be in Atlanta. The weather starts to warm up, trees and flowers bloom, and the city’s parks, festivals, and outdoor spaces come alive again after winter. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, there are plenty of things to do in Atlanta in March that fit every budget and interest.

Below is a practical, locally focused guide to help you plan your month.

What March Is Like in Atlanta

Before picking activities, it helps to know what to expect in March:

• Weather: Mild to warm most days, but it can swing from chilly mornings to sunny afternoons. Occasional rain.
• Crowds: Busier on weekends, especially around big sports games, festivals, and spring break periods.
• Allergies: Atlanta is known for pollen season, which often ramps up in March when trees and flowers bloom.

📝 Quick tips for March in Atlanta:

• Bring layers (light jacket or sweater).
• Keep a small umbrella handy.
• If you’re sensitive to pollen, check local forecasts and consider indoor-heavy days when counts are high.

Classic Atlanta Activities That Shine in March

Stroll and Picnic in Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park in Midtown is one of the best places to be on a mild March afternoon.

Things to do there:

• Walk or jog the park loop with skyline views.
• Have a picnic on the Meadow or near Lake Clara Meer.
• Let kids enjoy the playgrounds and open fields.
• Join casual games on the soccer fields or tennis courts.

Where it is:
Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Explore the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is a network of trails built along former railroad corridors, and March is ideal for walking or biking without the summer heat.

Top sections for March:

• Eastside Trail (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland): Great for people-watching, street art, and easy restaurant stops.
• Westside Trail (Adair Park, West End, Westview): More neighborhood feel, murals, and growing food options.

Things to do:

• Rent a bike or scooter and cruise between neighborhoods.
• Check out art installations and murals along the trail.
• Stop for coffee, ice cream, or patio dining next to the trail.

Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Bloom

In March, the Atlanta Botanical Garden really starts to show off with early spring flowers and greenery.

Highlights:

• Outdoor gardens with blooming trees, tulips, and seasonal beds.
• The Canopy Walk through the Storza Woods.
• The Fuqua Orchid Center for a colorful indoor escape if the weather turns.

Where it is:
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Enjoy Zoo Atlanta on a Mild Day

Cooler spring weather makes it easier to walk the grounds and see more animals active than in hot summer months.

You can:

• Explore habitats for gorillas, pandas, elephants, and more.
• Visit the kids’ area with rides and play spaces.
• Combine your trip with a visit to Grant Park, which surrounds the zoo.

Where it is:
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30315

Big Seasonal Events & Festivals in March

Specific dates change from year to year, but some recurring March events in Atlanta often include:

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Atlanta usually hosts:

• St. Patrick’s Day parades or street events (often downtown or in nearby cities in the metro area).
• Special menus and live music at Irish pubs and bars, especially in neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, and Virginia-Highland.

If you prefer family-friendly options, look for:

• Daytime festivals with kids’ activities
• Public spaces hosting music or cultural showcases

Spring Festivals & Neighborhood Events

Many neighborhoods begin outdoor festivals once the weather improves. Common themes:

• Arts and crafts shows
• Food and drink events
• Local markets with artisans, plants, and seasonal goods

Popular areas that often host spring events:

• Grant Park
• Old Fourth Ward
• Virginia-Highland
• Inman Park (though its largest festival is often later in spring)

Check local calendars as March approaches—dates shift, but weekends in March are often filled with outdoor events if weather cooperates.

Sports: Hawks, United, and More

March is a good time for Atlanta sports fans:

• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) play regular-season home games at State Farm Arena downtown.

  • Address: 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Atlanta United FC (MLS) usually kicks off its season in late winter or early spring with matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

  • Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• Nearby colleges often host baseball, basketball, and spring sports:

  • Georgia Tech (Midtown)
    • Main campus: North Ave NW & Cherry St NW, Atlanta, GA 30332

Tickets and schedules should be checked in advance, especially for weekend games.

Indoor Things To Do in Atlanta in March

March can bring rain or high pollen days, so it’s smart to have indoor plans too.

Explore Downtown Atlanta Attractions

Several major attractions are clustered downtown, making it easy to enjoy multiple in one day:

• Georgia Aquarium

  • Large aquatic displays, interactive experiences, and indoor exhibits suitable for all ages.
  • 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• World of Coca‑Cola

  • Museum-style exhibits about the brand’s history and global presence.
  • 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

  • Focuses on the American civil rights movement and global human rights issues.
  • 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

All are within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, where you can step outside in between visits if the weather is nice.

See a Show, Play, or Concert

Atlanta’s performing arts scene is active year-round, and March calendars are often full.

Key venues:

• Fox Theatre

  • Historic theater hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special events.
  • 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

• Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center

  • Known for plays and new productions.
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Tabernacle and Variety Playhouse

  • Concert venues offering a range of music genres.

Plan ahead:

• Check show schedules before your trip or early in the month.
• Weekends can sell out quickly for popular acts and performances.

Visit Museums and Cultural Institutions

If you want a quieter, more reflective day, consider:

• High Museum of Art

  • Major collections plus rotating special exhibits.
  • 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead)

  • Museum exhibits plus historic homes and gardens on the grounds.
  • 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

• Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum (Old Fourth Ward)

  • Displays and archives related to the Carter presidency and public service.
  • 441 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

These can be especially good options on rainy March days or high-pollen afternoons.

Outdoor & Nature Activities Perfect for March

Walk or Hike at Stone Mountain Park

Just east of the city, Stone Mountain Park offers:

• Walking paths around the base of the mountain.
• A hike up the Walk-Up Trail for skyline views on clear days.
• Family areas, picnic spots, and seasonal attractions.

Where it is:
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083

March is often cooler and less crowded than summer, making the climb more comfortable.

Explore Local Nature Preserves and Trails

If you want a break from the city while staying nearby, consider:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (multiple units in the metro area)

  • Popular access near Atlanta: Palisades Unit – Paces Mill
    • 3444 Cobb Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

• Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (east of Atlanta)

  • Exposed rock landscapes and spring wildflowers.
  • Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve: 3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038

These are ideal for:

• Short hikes
• Nature photography
• Quiet escapes from the city

Enjoy Neighborhood Strolls and Street Art

Atlanta’s neighborhoods really come alive in spring. March is great for:

• Old Fourth Ward: BeltLine access, murals, and parks.
• Little Five Points: Vintage shops, record stores, and colorful storefronts.
• Inman Park: Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and easy walking.

Street art and murals are common around:

• Krog Street Tunnel (between Cabbagetown and Inman Park)
• Sections of the Eastside BeltLine

These are easy, low-cost ways to spend a half-day exploring.

Family-Friendly Things To Do in March

If you’re planning around kids or multi-generational groups, these are especially practical in March:

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Hands-on exhibits aimed at younger kids, just off Centennial Olympic Park.

• Where: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Pair it with:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• A picnic or playtime in the park

Fernbank Museum of Natural History & Fernbank Forest

Fernbank Museum offers:

• Dinosaur exhibits
• Science-focused displays
• Rotating special exhibitions

Outside, Fernbank Forest and WildWoods area provide:

• Elevated walkways
• Short trails
• Outdoor learning spaces

Where it is:
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30307

March is especially nice because the forest begins to green up, but temperatures are still comfortable.

College Campus Visits and Tours

For families with teens considering college, March is a good time to tour campuses while classes are in session:

• Georgia Tech – Midtown Atlanta
• Georgia State University – Downtown Atlanta
• Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University – Atlanta University Center (AUC) in the West End

Campus tours often require advance scheduling, especially during spring.

Food, Drinks, and Nightlife in March

Patio Dining and Rooftop Views

As temperatures rise, patios and rooftops become very popular:

Areas with lots of options:

• Midtown (near Piedmont Park and Peachtree St)
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward (especially along the BeltLine)
• Buckhead (around Peachtree Rd)

Tips:

• Weekends can be busy—consider earlier dinners or weekday evenings.
• Many places are walkable from MARTA stations or BeltLine trails.

Coffee Shops and Bakeries

March mornings can still be cool, making cozy coffee shops appealing. Neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, and West End have local spots ideal for:

• Working remotely or reading
• Warming up before or after a walk
• Meeting friends before exploring nearby parks or trails

Evening Entertainment

Beyond bars and clubs, March nightlife in Atlanta can include:

• Live music at small venues across the city
• Comedy nights at local clubs
• Trivia, game nights, and open mic events at neighborhood spots

Look for events in:

• East Atlanta Village
• Edgewood
• Little Five Points
• Midtown

Simple Planning Guide: March in Atlanta at a Glance

Practical Tips for Making the Most of March in Atlanta

• Check event calendars early: Big March events, sports games, and shows can sell out.
• Use MARTA when possible: Downtown and Midtown attractions are often close to MARTA rail stations, which can help you avoid traffic and parking costs.
• Plan backup indoor activities: March is generally pleasant, but weather can change quickly. Have a museum or indoor attraction in mind just in case.
• Watch for spring break timing: Some weeks in March are busier with visitors and families, especially around major attractions.

By mixing outdoor time with indoor attractions, you can enjoy the best of what Atlanta offers in March—mild weather, blooming landscapes, active neighborhoods, and a full slate of events across the city.