12 things to do in Michigan in March 2021

Butterflies emerging, crocuses popping out, NCAA basketball madness, what’s not to love about March? Make your month even better. with our 12 things to do in Michigan in March 2021.

March 1-31 Women’s History Month at the Wright – Detroit

The Charles H. Wright Museum is hosting several programs and events in conjunction with Women’s History Month. Some of these are online, while others are in-person. Each is geared toward celebrating the contributions made by African American women to society as a whole. Events include Women in Cinema, Trailblazers, Quilting, The Crown Series, and an exhibit on the women’s suffrage movement.

March 1-April 30 Butterflies are Blooming – Grand Rapids

One of our favorite spring traditions returns to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park this year. It’s the annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition. This is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. Butterflies from around the world fly freely in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory every March and April. There are special educational programs and activities scheduled throughout the show. The fun and inviting numbers are: 7,000 butterflies of 60 different species, flying and possibly landing on you in a room set at 85 degrees with 70% humidity. It’s like adding a splash of summer to your spring. Entry to the exhibit is included with regular admission.

March 1-June27 Russ Marshall Exhibit at DIA – Detroit

The Detroit Institute of Arts presents a show of over 90 photographs by Russ Marshall. His black-and-white imagery was inspired by the Motor City’s streets, music and people for over 50 years. Marshall was born into a family of coal miners, farmers and factory workers. His family relocated from Pennsylvania to Detroit in 1943. By the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, he photographed incredible sights of the city. Through this exhibit, Marshall interprets over five decades of blue-collar life. He examines Detroit through photographs that capture the city’s heart and soul. Although sometimes reading like a melancholy poem, more often its as an empathetic narrative of resilient people, places and times now past.

March 6-April 25 Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection – Dearborn

The term “Tiffany lamp” has become such a common part of our vocabulary that often people use it to describe any lamp that has a stained glass shade. Yet, it actually refers specifically to a lamp with a glass shade designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Now, a new exhibit at The Henry Ford sheds light on this prolific artist. Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection features more than 60 objects, spanning over 30 years of Tiffany’s career. He worked in glass, ceramic, metalwork, jewelry, and painting. Tiffany’s technical brilliance in so many areas enabled him to transform common household items into one-of-a-kind masterpieces. See some of that work up close.

March 8-21 Hoods Up! Engine on Display – Hickory Corners

The hoods are raised on all the vehicles inside the Gilmore Car Museum for two weeks. As a result, their engines are showcased. You might see 1960s big block muscle, inline fours, vintage V8s, or early air-cooled engines. They’ll all be on display for certified gearheads to explore and enjoy. This special exhibit is included with the regular admission. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for youth ages 11-17. Kids 10 and under are admitted at no cost.

March 11-14 Laughfest – Grand Rapids

Now is definitely a time when we can all use a laugh. Happily, this Grand Rapids tradition is up for the challenge. This year’s festival will feature a total of 30 events, plus social media content and contests. Much of LaughFest will continue to be free. Although, donations to Gilda’s Club are welcome. Premium all-access content is $40. Examples include Ron Funches, Tom Papa, Justin Willman, and Michelle Wolf. The stage play Bunny Bunny: Gilda Radner will be performed live. The play chronicles the relationship between Alan Zweibel and Gilda Radner. Zweibel, a writer on SNL in the first five years wrote with Gilda. Together they created familiar characters like Roseanne Rosannadanna, Baba Wawa and Emily Litella. Get online a get a laugh.

March 11-17 Irish Festival – Clare

This small town is named for the County Clare in Ireland. That’s why it always hosts one of the state’s best St Patrick’s Day celebrations. This year’s event is on a smaller scale. Yet it’s still a great place to enjoy Irish food and drink, alongside unique window displays. There will also be a pet photo contest, and other chances to tap into the luck o’ the Irish and win some prizes. Plus, you can pop into the infamous Cops & Doughnuts for a decadent treat.

March 19-April 18 Bavarian Easter Celebration – Frankenmuth

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Michigan’s Little Bavaria. There they decorate in a style similar to the area of Franconia Germany, which was birthplace to many of Frankenmuth’s early settlers. Trees, buildings and fountains are often decorated with colored Easter eggs. Alternatively to eggs, you might find pine-branch garland and spring flowers. Explore all of Frankenmuth to view the colorful spring decor and take joy in the Bavarian Easter Celebration. Of course, there will be plenty of chicken to be had. If you prefer a change of pace, head into Michigan on Main at the Bavarian Inn for dishes made primarily from Michigan-made or Michigan-grown ingredients.

March 20-21 & 27-28 Maple Row Sugarhouse Maple Festival – Jones

The maple starts flowing, as it stops snowing. You can find maple products during spring at farmers markets and on farms throughout the state. Head to the Maple Row Sugarhouse for some family fun. The kids can enjoy puppet shows, coloring contests, a petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides and other fun. Plus, you can see up close how they make marvelous maple treats like syrup, cream, and candies. Of course, be sure to buy some to take home.

March 12 & 14 The Sound of Music at the Redford Theatre – Detroit

The Redford Theatre reopens at 8pm on Friday, March 12. The flick of the night is The Sound of Music, which is a beloved family favorite. This classic film was the winner of 5 Oscars, including Best Picture. Eventually, by November of 1966, it surpassed Gone With the Wind as the highest grossing film of all time. Amazingly, it held that title for 5 years. Moreover, it helped launch the Redford’s Classic Film Series in 1978. There will also be a screening at 2pm on Sunday, March 14.  It’s a rare opportunity to see Julie Andrews spinning her way through the Alps on a big screen as it was meant to be seen. Tickets are just $5 each.

March 26-April 4 Spring-A-Licious Spring Break – Boyne

Whether you’ve opted out of a spring break to a warmer climate due to pandemic travel concerns, or are just looking to have some serious fun close to home, this experience is for you. Boyne Mountain invited you to pack the sunscreen, shed the layers, and soak up that Vitamin D by spending spring on the slopes. There will be extended lift hours, outdoor movies, a cornhole tournament, and an on-hill Easter egg hunt.

March 29-April 3 Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo – Royal Oak

Another fun family tradition makes its return this month. Guests, both young and old, are invited to celebrate Bunnyville at the Detroit Zoo. This year’s extravaganza will take place over six days instead of two. The change is due to lower capacity limits. Therefore, reservations are available for members-only hours from 9am to 10am daily. The festivities include colorful chalk art drawings, goodie bag giveaways, mascot appearances, photo opportunities and more. The zoo will be hosting virtual Bunny Bingo in place of the Golden Egg Hunt, in order to To ensure a safe experience for all. Bunnyville is included with general admission and membership reservations.

Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Tweet @BuyMichiganNow to tell us about your favorite places or questions you have. We’d especially love to know if you make it out to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in March 2021. For next month’s events, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.