Flowers are blooming and St. Patrick’s beer is flowing… It must be March! There’s so much to do this month in the South Bay and Peninsula, and we’ve compiled the best events and activities from Pacifica to San Jose to Gilroy. Whether you’re looking for sports events, museum days or walks among the wildflowers, we’ve got you covered.
We have plenty of lists for more of the best things to do in the South Bay. Feeling hungry? We also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in the South Bay. If you’re planning a weekend, you should also check out the best places to stay.
Featured photo courtesy of Gilroy Gardens.
Wildflower Hikes
Mid-March through end of spring
In recent years, wildflower superblooms have drawn flocks of people to Mori Point in Pacifica to see fields of golden flowers. Though we can’t depend on getting the exact same superbloom this year, wildflowers sprout yearly in parks on the Peninsula and in South Bay. Santa Clara County Parks even created an interactive map of the best trails for wildflower sightings in 2023.
March 15
Kids get the chance to finally catch a leprechaun at this yearly Shamrock Run, which includes a 5K, a 10K to run or walk and the frenetic kids’ Leprechaun Chase. This yearly run benefits the San José-Dublin Sister City Scholarship Program — a cooperation between the cities of San José, CA, and Dublin, Ireland. Stick around for the O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub & Five Points post-race party right after.
March 15
The Association of Indo Americans (AIA) is holding a San Jose celebration for the Hindu festival of colors, Holi. If you’ve never celebrated before, Holi entails a massive color fight with vibrant powders known as gulal. Wear your least loved white t-shirt and see just how many hues you can catch.
March 22
Springtime has arrived, and the local Gilroy theme park is reopening. Enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions at the garlic capital of the world. This year marks the 25th anniversary season for the theme park, so look out for celebratory banners, historical exhibits and memorabilia for the occasion.
March 29
The Children’s Discovery Museum in San José is adding another cultural New Year festival to its calendar with Nowruz, the Persian New Year celebration of spring equinox. Hands-on activities and educational exhibits will make this an opportunity to celebrate nature and family while having fun.
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the South Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
