March in Colorado delivers it all: sun, snow (hopefully) and exciting ways to celebrate, whatever the weather.

Whether you’re embracing the last of winter activities or eagerly welcoming the first signs of spring, Colorado communities offer many ways to enjoy fun in March – from quirky festivals and vibrant parades to delicious cuisine and fascinating learning opportunities. Check out these March events in Colorado:

March 14 (and beyond): Show support at a ‘polar plunge’ in communities throughout Colorado

Support Special Olympics Colorado by donning your best costume and plunging into an ice-cold reservoir or pool. Register as a team or as an individual and start fundraising early. Participants also can register on the day of the events but must meet fundraising minimums to take a plunge. Here is where you can join in the fun:

• The Denver Plunge and 5K take place at Wash Park on March 1.
• The Colorado Springs Polar Plunge and 5K is at the Rock Ledge Ranch on March 7.
• The Pueblo Polar Plunge is at Pueblo Reservoir on March 14.
• The Aurora Polar Plunge and 5K are at the Aurora Reservoir on March 28.

If you miss the Polar Plunge events in March, you can also participate in April at events held in Boulder and Windsor, Colorado.

March 1-22: Embrace your inner foodie in Denver, Fort Collins, Estes Park and Pueblo

From March 1-14, savor special menus at 50 Fort Collins restaurants during Great Plates of Downtown. This popular event has taken place for more than 20 years and features limited-time deals on breakfast, lunch, dinner and all-day menus at various restaurants. It’s also a fundraiser. In 2025, the Great Plates event raised more than $104,000 for the Food Bank for Larimer County.

Denver Restaurant Week is a 10-day event from March 6-15 featuring award-winning restaurants with creative and exciting menus from around the world.

Both events offer special menu prices so you can get a deal that’s just right for your budget. Reservations are recommended.

Estes Park holds Dine Around Estes in March, encouraging patrons to visit participating restaurants from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays for $6 tasting plates.

If you’d rather learn about where food comes from, consider attending the Sun Soil Water Summit 2026 in Pueblo. This weekend event takes place on March 20-22. Pueblo County’s Colorado State Extension program and the Pueblo Food Project host the event. Organizers aim to help people understand more about food sytems. The summit includes a day-long conference. Participants then can explore the Makers’ Market to see new ideas and products. This year’s event includes a “youth experience” for middle and high school students, which allows them to work alongside organizers and speakers, providing real-world connections and leadership skills.

March 6-8: Be awed at the Monte Vista Crane Festival in the San Luis Valley

If you want to see “where the cranes meet the mountains,” this is the spot. Sandhill Cranes and other migratory birds are on their seasonal route and make a stop in the San Luis Valley. The Monte Vista Cane Festival features expert speakers, special tours and an abundance of viewing locations.

March 6: Enjoy a ‘First Friday’ event in communities throughout Colorado

March is a perfect time to explore Colorado’s local scene. Many cities offer “First Friday” events and provide the perfect opportunity to head out and enjoy your community.

Denver: Rain or shine, join hundreds of others for The First Friday Art Walk in the Denver Art District on Santa Fe Drive from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Check out galleries, studios, co-ops and art in the streets and alleys.

Colorado Springs: In Colorado Springs, celebrate Colorado Springs’ First Friday Downtown from 5-9 p.m. and Old Colorado City First Friday from 5-8 p.m.

Pueblo: Experience the rich culture of Pueblo through art during its First Friday Art Walk from 4-6 p.m. Your self-guided tour includes free admission to all the galleries.

Fort Collins: In Fort Collins, the First Friday Art Walk offers a self-guided walking tour celebrating creativity, culture and community in historic Downtown.

Estes Park: Check out the First Friday Art Groove from 5-8 p.m. In March, the event lines up with Frozen Dead Guy Days (see details on that fun festival below). This is a self-guided tour (catch the free town trolley or walk), that includes artist meet and greets, food and refreshments, and live music.

March 14: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in communities throughout Colorado

Tradition says wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day makes you invisible to leprechauns, who would otherwise pinch anyone they notice. According to Irish folklore, green offers protection.

Volunteers run the Denver St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of Colorado’s largest, featuring vibrant floats, dancers, performers and live music. Families can enjoy activities for all ages.

The Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates its 42nd year. The city’s largest parade begins at noon on March 14 along Tejon Street in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Start the day off early with the event’s fun run.

Boulder boasts the “world’s shortest” St. Patrick’s Day parade. But don’t worry, there is nothing “short” about this block-long celebration. Enjoy fun on 16th Street, between Pearl and Spruce streets.

In Greeley, everyone is Irish on March 14 and invited to the Blarney on the Block celebration from 2-6 p.m. at the Downtown 9th Street Plazas. The event begins with a short parade featuring a pipe and drum band and Irish dancers, plus local music and activities for all.

Fort Collins has brought back its St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration. It will start with a parade at 10 a.m., followed by the Old Town Irish Celebration that will include live music, adult scavenger hunts and kid-friendly activities.

March 20-22: Honor culture at the Denver March Powwow in Denver

The Denver March Powwow is a vibrant three-day celebration that brings thousands of Native American dancers, drummers and community members from across the United States and Canada to downtown Denver.

Experience grand entries with vibrant regalia, high-energy dance competitions, and showcases of Native art, unique jewelry, intricate beadwork and traditional foods. The event invites people to learn, connect and celebrate Indigenous culture.

March 28: Take in the fun at Frozen Dead Guy Days in Estes Park

Craving something “weird” for St. Patrick’s weekend? Frozen Dead Guy Days in Estes Park delivers with its quirky backstory and unique charm.

After his grandfather died in Norway, Trygve Bauge had the body shipped to the United States in hopes that science might one day bring him back to life. “Grandpa Bredo” was preserved on dry ice for the trip and then stored for three years in liquid nitrogen at the Trans Time cryonics facility in California. In 1993, Trygve moved the body to a shed on his property in Nederland, Colorado, where he and his mother continued to keep Grandpa frozen. This move, along with a lot of other publicity Trygve acquired from other actions near Boulder, made for great stories and, for about 20 years, a local festival. Grandpa Bredo is still “on ice” today.

Previously held in Nederland, the festival now takes place in Estes Park. Events begin March 27 and run through March 29 at the Estes Park Events Complex, The Stanley Hotel and other locations throughout town.

Don’t miss the coffin races, polar plunge (Trygve once broke the ice bathing world record), frostbite fashion show and more. All ages welcome. Save on admission with promo code “FAMILY20.”