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 Visit San Jose.
San Jose Earthquakes Opening Day
March 2
San Jose’s PayPal Park lights up for another year of Major League Soccer. Watch as the Earthquakes face off against their biggest rivals, the LA Galaxy, for the first home game of their 50th anniversary season. Last year’s team made it all the way to the playoffs, so we’ll be cheering on San Jose as they start that journey once again.
More info: sjearthquakes.com
Persian New Year at CDM
March 9
The Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose 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!
More info: cdm.org
Wildflower Hikes
Mid-March through end of spring
Last year’s wildflower super bloom drew flocks of people to Mori Point in Pacifica to see fields of golden flowers. Though we can’t depend on getting the exact same super bloom 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.
Shamrock Run
March 16
The San Jose Shamrock Run 5K & 10K Run/Walk benefits the San Jose-Dublin Sister City Scholarship Program. The run starts and finishes at San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose. Come run/walk and then enjoy the O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub & Five Points post-race party right after.
More info: sanjoseshamrockrun.com
Holi Fest
March 23
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!
More info: eventbrite.com
Opening Day at Gilroy Gardens
March 23
Springtime has arrived, and the local Gilroy theme park is reopening. Enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions at the garlic capital of the world. Springtime at Gilroy Gardens means Fantastical Flowers, their series of events featuring giant flowers and themed activities. The park will also hold a free Easter egg hunt on March 31.
More info: gilroygardens.org
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!
