Things to Do in the San Francisco Bay Area
March 2026
Courtesy of Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
The 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 14th in San Francisco
March 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary month for the San Francisco Bay Area, marked by the arrival of spring and a calendar filled with bold new beginnings. From the iconic Chinese New Year Parade welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse to the intimate jazz sets in Calistoga, our region continues to offer an unparalleled quality of life. While my daily work is rooted in the towns and neighborhoods of Marin County, I’ve always believed that the Marin lifestyle is defined by our access to these world-class experiences—whether it’s a sophisticated film festival in Sonoma or a quiet morning on our local trails.
Catch a Wildflower Hike in Marin County
As the spring weather returns, so do our legendary wildflower displays. If you are looking to balance this month’s festivities with some fresh air, the Ring Mountain Hike is one of my favorite local destinations; the views of the Bay are spectacular, and the rare wildflowers are just beginning to peak. I often share more of these local discoveries on my Marin real estate and lifestyle blog, which includes seasonal updates on the Top 10 Hikes in Marin County.
This month’s curated guide is designed to help you navigate it all. Whether you are catching a Full Moon Sail on the Bay, enjoying the Mill Valley Spring Faire, or heading to Wine Country for the Sonoma International Film Festival, here are the premier events you shouldn’t miss this March.
What’s Happening Around the Bay March 2026
FOG Holi 2026
March 7 Celebrate the Bay Area’s biggest Holi festival with a vibrant, high-energy, and family-friendly event filled with joy, culture, and togetherness. |
Oakland Restaurant Week
March 12-22 Condé Nast’s #1 Best Food City showcases 140+ Restaurant Week participants, from cultural staples to MICHELIN-recognized spots. |
LepreCon Hayward
March 14 Get ready for the 4th LepreCon Hayward 2026, a free pub crawl event organized to raise funds for the Hayward Animal Shelter. |
Alameda Whiskey Stroll
March 27 Sip and stroll through historic downtown, tasting premium craft whiskeys while meeting the distillers and enjoying live entertainment. |
Petty Theft at Sweetwater
March 6-7 Since 2003, SF-based Petty Theft has toured the U.S., performing Tom Petty classics true to the originals and the spirit of the Heartbreakers’ live shows. |
Mill Valley Spring Faire
March 21 This family-friendly event is filled with festive fun, local vendors, a dedicated Toddler Zone, and interactive, hands-on activities for kids and adults alike. |
Food & Farm Tours
Throughout March Intimate day excursions through Marin and Sonoma offer behind-the-scenes access to local makers and tastings of exceptional artisanal food and drink. |
Full Moon Sails on San Francisco Bay
Throughout March Take in views of the SF skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands, along with sunset and moonrise. |
Women’s Heritage Day
March 7 Join this festive, family-friendly gathering honoring the achievements of women throughout Santa Clara Valley’s history. |
Holi Fest 2026 – San Jose
March 7 Celebrate San Jose’s Holi Fest with music, dance, and community as you experience the joy of tossing vibrant colored powders, known as Gulal. |
Hiller Museum St. Patrick’s Fest
March 15 Enjoy free face painting, paint-a-plane green activities, and hunt for hidden Leprechauns in the Museum’s Gallery to earn a treat. |
Introduction to Vegetable Gardening
March 28 Learn the basics of growing your own summer vegetables, including essential tips for cultivating zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more. |
Chinese New Year Parade
March 7 The Bay Area celebrates Lunar New Year with San Francisco’s iconic parade, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse—symbolizing bold new beginnings. |
Pi Day at the Exploratorium
March 14 Celebrate Pi Day at Exploratorium, where the tradition began in 1988. Enjoy pie, the annual Pi Shrine procession, and interactive exhibits that bring math to life. |
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14 A beloved San Francisco tradition honoring milestones and the enduring Ireland–U.S. bond, with festive floats, music, dance, and community spirit. |
Flower Bulb Day
March 21 Tulips are taking over Union Square for a one day spring pop up. Choose from thousands of colorful blooms and arrive early before they are gone. |
Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival
March 7 Celebration of the endangered Steelhead Trout, which annually return to the Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery. |
Quench at Copia: “GOAT”-ed Grapes
March 18 A new wine tasting experience and podcast series, Quench at Copia, with Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson. |
Sonoma International Film Festival
March 25-29 A five-day cinematic experience that draws film connoisseurs and storytellers from around the globe for an immersive celebration of film, creativity, and culture. |
Pasquale Grasso Trio
March 29 The Pasquale Grasso Trio brings the Italian-born virtuoso’s stunning technique to the Brannan Center for a night of timeless jazz. |
Embracing the San Francisco Bay Area Lifestyle
From vibrant cultural celebrations like Holi and the Chinese New Year Parade to world-class film festivals and the first wildflower blooms on the trails, March’s calendar captures the renewing energy of life in the San Francisco Bay Area. These moments—whether festive, international, or quietly local—are the experiences that give the region its distinct rhythm and sense of place.
For those thinking about putting down roots or simply wanting to learn more about the area, I am proud to offer a local perspective grounded in experience, relationships, and a genuine appreciation for Bay Area living.
If making a move to or within Marin County is on your horizon this spring, please reach out at 415-847-5584. I am always here to help you navigate both the market and the lifestyle.
About the Author
Thomas Henthorne is a consistently top-ranked Marin County real estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, known for thoughtful guidance, strong negotiation, and polished marketing. He is the publisher of a widely read Marin real estate blog covering local market insights, neighborhood spotlights, and the lifestyle that makes Marin such an exceptional place to live. Thomas also brings a design and branding background to every listing and client strategy, with an emphasis on presentation, positioning, and results.
You can learn more about Thomas here.
Call or text Thomas at 415-847-5584 to discuss your real estate goals.
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