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**Updated Feb 24, 2026**
March in Metro Detroit hits a sweet spot on the calendar that most people don't see coming. Winter is loosening its grip, the region's biggest venues are booking heavy, and a run of unique local traditions turns the entire metro into one extended celebration. Whether you've been living in Metro Detroit for decades or you're moving to Metro Detroit and still learning the lay of the land, March stacks concerts, comedy, Broadway, professional sports, and community festivals into a month that rivals anything summer has to offer.
The highlights tell the story. Disney's The Lion King opens a month-long run at the Detroit Opera House. The Fox Theatre hosts The Sound of Music and five major concerts. Little Caesars Arena juggles Pistons games, Red Wings matchups, Cardi B, and a comedy special on the same calendar. 313 Day turns the city into one giant party celebrating Detroit's iconic area code. And the 68th Annual Detroit St. Patrick's Parade draws an expected 80,000-plus to Corktown for one of the largest parades in the country.
This guide covers every major event happening across the region in March 2026, organized by category, so you can plan your month and make sure you don't miss the ones that matter most to you.
Concerts
Comedy
Theatre
Sports
Metro Detroit Events
St. Patrick's Day Events
Corktown is Detroit's oldest surviving neighborhood and was recently named one of America's most up-and-coming neighborhoods.
Concerts
Ben Sharkey
The Indigo Room
1020 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Date: March 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 -10:00 pm
Ticket: $25 (+ 3.52 Fees)
Website: Ben Sharkey
The Roxy Rochester
401 Walnut Blvd, Rochester, MI 48307
Date: March 21, 2026
Time: Begins at 8:00 pm
Ticket: $40.00 + $6.00 in Fees
Website: Ben Sharkey
Cliff Bells
2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Date: March 27-28, 2026
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Ticket: $30
Website: Cliff Bells
Little Caesars Arena
2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Brandon Lake
Date: March 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $50-$242+
Website: Brandon Lake
Cardi B
Date: March 15, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $345-$1,361+
Website: Cardi B
Fox Theatre
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Mariah The Scientist
Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $295-$906
Website: Mariah The Scientist
Colter Wall
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $66-$218+
Website: Colter Wall
The 18th Annual Motor City Blues Festival
Date: March 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $87-$276
Website: The 18th Annual Motor City Blues Festival
Lamb of God
Date: March 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $65-$253+
Website: Lamb of God
The Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Stephen Wilson Jr. - Gary The Torch Tour
Date: March 11, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $82-$326+
Website: Stephen Wilson Jr. - Gary The Torch Tour
ERNEST: LIVE FROM THE SOUTH TOUR
Date: March 13, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $31-$144+
Website: ERNEST: LIVE FROM THE SOUTH TOUR
Orchestra Noir Presents - The Culture 2000 Tour
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $66-$115
Website: Orchestra Noir Presents - The Culture 2000 Tour
The Hives
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $56-$171+
Website: The Hives
WRIF Presents: Black Label Society
Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Ticket: $53-$279+
Website: WRIF Presents: Black Label Society
The Machine Shop
3539 Dort Hwy, Flint, MI 48507
Candlebox
Date: March 2, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $45 (Sold Out)
Website: Candlebox
Magic Stick
4120-4140 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Paul Van Dyk
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 9:00 pm
Ticket: $33.91
Website: Paul Van Dyk
Saint Andrew’s Hall
431 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
The Floozies + Too Many Zooz
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Ticket: $44-$68
Website: The Floozies + Too Many Zooz
The Ark
316 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cowboy Junkies
Date: March 16-17, 2026
Time: Tue (7:30pm) | Wed (8:00 pm)
Ticket: $61.50
Website: Cowboy Junkies
District 142
142 Maple St, Wyandotte, MI 48192
PECOS AND THE ROOFTOPS
Date: March 11, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: Starts at $74
Website: PECOS AND THE ROOFTOPS
Sebastian Bach
Date: March 15, 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Ticket: Starts at $64
Website: Sebastian Bach
EVERCLEAR wsg Sponge
Date: March 18, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: Starts at $43.85
Website: EVERCLEAR wsg Sponge
El Club
4114 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Hieroglyphics
Date: March 15, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $47.64
Website: Hieroglyphics
Music Hall Center
350 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226
Melissa Etheridge
Date: March 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $93-$291
Website: Melissa Etheridge
Wings Event Center
3600 Vanrick Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Filter with Finger Eleven and Local H
Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $31-$71
Website: Filter with Finger Eleven and Local H
Comedy
Little Caesars Arena
2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
We Them Ones Comedy
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $103-$313
Website: We Them Ones Comedy
The Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Bridget Everett
Date: March 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $54-$141
Website: Bridget Everett
Sound Board Theater
2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Marlon Wayans
Date: March 8, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $51-$80
Website: Marlon Wayans
Tracy Morgan
Date: March 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $69-$237
Website: Tracy Morgan
Royal Oak Music Theatre
318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Kathy Griffin
Date: March 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm
Ticket: Starts at $78
Website: Kathy Griffin
Whitney Cummings
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: Starts at $53
Website: Whitney Cummings
Heather McMahan
Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: Starts at $78
Website: Heather McMahan
Saint Andrew’s Hall
431 E Congress St, Detroit, MI 48226
Aaron Chen
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $48-$82
Website: Aaron Chen
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
310 S Troy St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Pete Holmes
Date: March 12-14, 2026
Time: Thur (7:30pm) | Fri (7:15pm) | Sat (7:00pm)
Ticket: $47.30
Website: Pete Holmes
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Theatre
Detroit Opera House
1526 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
Disney's The Lion King
Date: March 12-April 5, 2026
Time: Thur (1:00 & 7:30pm) | Wed-Fri (7:30pm) | Sat (2:00 & 7:30pm) | Sun (1:00-6:30pm)
Ticket: $35.10-$204.75
Website: Disney's The Lion King
Fisher Theatre
3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
The Outsiders
Date: March 3-15, 2026
Time: Tue-Fri (7:30) | Sat (2:00 & 7:30pm) | Sun (1:00 & 6:30pm)
Ticket: $58.50-$280.80
Website: The Outsiders
All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Date: March 18, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $47.58-187.88
Website: All Things Equal
Lucy Darling
Date: March 19, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $79.91-$155.55
Website: Lucy Darling
Planning to make a full day of it? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Corktown for pre-parade brunch and post-parade dinner spots
Mamma Mia!
Date: March 24-29, 2026
Time: Tue-Fri (7:30) | Sat (2:00 & 7:30pm) | Sun (1:00 & 6:30pm)
Ticket: $45.63-$250.38
Website: Mamma Mia!
Fox Theatre
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
The Sound of Music
Date: March 5-8, 2026
Time: Thur-Fri (7:30pm) | Sat (2:00pm - 7:30) | Sun (1:00pm)
Ticket: $28-$221
Website: The Sound of Music
Attack on Titan: Beyond the Walls
Date: March 11, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $75-$110
Website: Attack on Titan: Beyond the Walls
The Cat in the Hat
Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 11:00am, 2:00 pm, 5:00pm
Ticket: $45-$105
Website: The Cat in the Hat
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Sports
Detroit Pistons Schedule
Little Caesars Arena | 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit Pistons vs. Brooklyn Nets
Date: March 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm
Ticket: $41-$238+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Date: March 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $26-$157+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Date: March 13, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $36-$220+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Detroit Pistons vs. Golden State Warriors
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $90-$454+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Golden State Warriors
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Date: Mar 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $109-$505+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks
Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $25-$155+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Atlanta Hawks
Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Date: March 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $25-$165+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Detroit Pistons vs. Toronto Raptors
Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $26-$190+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Toronto Raptors
Detroit Red Wings Schedule
Little Caesars Arena | 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit Red Wings vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Date: March 4, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $67-$320
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Detroit Red Wings vs. Florida Panthers
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $91-$416+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Florida Panthers
Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames
Date: March 16, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $38-$221+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Calgary Flames
Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Canadiens
Date: March 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $68+$310+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Montreal Canadiens
Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins
Date: March 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $105-$479+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins
Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $46-$248+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators
Detroit Red Wings vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Date: March 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $91-$419+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Autorama - World of Wheels - Cavalcade of Customs, Facebook
Metro Detroit Events
73rd Annual Detroit Autorama
Date: Feb 27-Mar 1, 2026
Huntington Place | 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Admission: $30 for adults | $10 for children (ages 6 to 12) | Free for children 5 and under
Website: 73rd Annual Detroit Autorama
Get ready for a weekend of horsepower and high-octane excitement as the 73rd Annual Detroit Autorama takes over Huntington Place with nearly one million square feet of jaw-dropping custom cars, trucks, modern muscle, and motorcycles. Known as America's Greatest Hot Rod Show, this year's spectacle features celebrity guest appearances, the prestigious Ridler Award competition honoring the nation's finest new custom build, and Autorama Extreme covering the entire 100,000-square-foot lower level with more than 200 traditional rods, customs, and bikes. Visitors can meet passionate car builders, witness fierce competition across multiple award categories including the Liqui Moly Master Builder Award and CASI Cup, and enjoy live entertainment and the Maven's Pinstriper Panel Jam with exclusive auction items benefiting Leader Dogs for the Blind. With discount tickets available at participating O'Reilly Auto Parts locations starting February 7, Autorama is the ultimate celebration of automotive artistry in the Motor City.
Camping World Ultimate RV Show
Date: Mar 5-8, 2026
Huntington Place | 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Admission: Free
Website: Camping World Ultimate RV Show
Over 200 fully staged new and used RVs fill Huntington Place for one of the region's largest RV shows, and the only one with free admission. Top manufacturers including Coleman, Eddie Bauer, Campsite Reserve, Forest River, Keystone, and Grand Design are well represented with compact travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, Class-A motorhomes, and more. Show-only special pricing applies across the floor, making this the ideal starting point for anyone considering the RV lifestyle, from first-time campers to seasoned adventurers. Attendees can also enter to win a brand new RV as part of the 2026 Camping World sweepstakes, and the show runs daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM across all four days.
Michigan Golf Show
Date: Mar 6-8, 2026
Suburban Collection Showplace | 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
Admission: $12 Per Adult | Child 12 and under free | Every Sunday, Ladies $5 off
Website: Michigan Golf Show
Everything golf under one roof as the largest consumer golf show in the country returns to Novi with over 400 exhibitors showcasing equipment deals, course exhibits, lessons from PGA pros, and all the gear needed for the upcoming season. The show features a $25,000 par-3 contest and a $10,000 putting contest sponsored by Garland Lodge and Golf Resort, interactive golf simulators from OptiShot, hitting nets, a ladies' fashion show, and a kids' zone. Retailers, resorts, and travel destinations from across Michigan and beyond offer show-exclusive pricing, and some of the largest golf equipment retailers in the country bring truckloads of inventory with deep discounts. If you've been counting down the days until Michigan courses open, this three-day event will scratch that itch and get your season started right.
313 Day
Date: Mar 13, 2026
Valade Park | 2670 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207
Admission: $28.52
Website: 313 Day
Detroit's unofficial holiday celebrating the 313 area code was officially recognized by Detroit City Council in 2023, and it has grown into one of the most distinctly Detroit days on the calendar. Expect free admission to the Detroit Historical Museum from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, a celebration at Valade Park starting at 3:13 PM featuring live music, comedy, trivia, and kids' activities, and $3.13 specials at businesses all over the city. Participating spots typically include Atwater Brewery (which pours $3.13 pints all day and brings together local brands like Faygo, Better Made, Bon Bon Bon, and McClure's Pickles), Eastern Market Brewing, Mootz Pizzeria (offering $3.13 New York-style slices), Mezcal (serving $3.13 house margaritas), and McDonald's, which brings back the 313 Day Meal featuring a Vernors Boston Cooler (only in Detroit). The Pistons host the Grizzlies that night with special 313 Day celebrations at Little Caesars Arena, including giveaways and pre-game festivities. It's one of those days that only makes sense here, and that's exactly why it works.
Marche du Nain Rouge
Date: Mar 22, 2026
Downtown Detroit | Cass Corridor, Detroit, MI 48201
Admission: Free
Website: Marche du Nain Rouge
One of the weirdest and most beloved traditions in Detroit returns as thousands march through Midtown in costumes to chase away the Nain Rouge, the legendary red dwarf said to bring bad luck to the city since its founding in 1701. Each year around the Spring Equinox, krewes representing Detroit neighborhoods build spectacular human-powered floats, marching bands perform, and the gathered masses become the parade as they march down Second Avenue toward the Masonic Temple for the closing ceremony and symbolic banishment. Costumes are encouraged (the weirder the better), the event is entirely free, and a free afterparty follows in the Masonic Temple's Fountain Ballroom with DJs and vendors. The Marche du Nain Rouge is a nonprofit run primarily by volunteers, and it remains one of the most uniquely Detroit experiences on the calendar, blending folklore, community art, and Mardi Gras energy into something no other city could pull off.
64th Ann Arbor Film Festival
Date: Mar 24-29, 2026
Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Admission: $125 for general admission, $110 for seniors, and $75 for students
Website: 64th Ann Arbor Film Festival
The oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America returns for its 64th edition, presenting six days of boundary-pushing cinema that draws filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world. Founded in 1963 by George Manupelli, the Academy Award-qualifying festival screens 40 programs with more than 180 films from over 20 countries spanning experimental, animation, documentary, narrative, and hybrid works. The festival presents approximately $39,000 in awards to filmmakers through cash and in-kind prizes including the Ken Burns Award for Best of the Festival ($6,000) and the Tom Berman Award for Most Promising Filmmaker ($5,000), with filmmaker Q&As and curated programs throughout the week. Essential viewing if you're into film as art, and a reminder that world-class cultural events thrive just 45 minutes west of Detroit on I-94.
DaVinci The Exhibition
Date: Ongoing through May 3, 2026
Henry Ford Museum | 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
Admission: $34 for 12 and older | $25.50 for ages 5 to 11 | Free for ages 4 and under
Website: DaVinci The Exhibition
Step into the mind of history's greatest polymath with this 7,500-square-foot exhibition featuring over 65 full-scale inventions handcrafted by skilled artisans from da Vinci's original two-dimensional drawings and modern translations of his Codices, plus more than 20 fine art studies including detailed investigations of the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Virgin of the Rocks. Each machine was designed for military use, civil engineering, flight, or music-making, and the exhibition explores da Vinci's discoveries across art, engineering, science, anatomy, and more. Renaissance-inspired cuisine is available at the museum's Plum Market Kitchen during the exhibition's run, and a dedicated Genius At Play store offers related books, models, and merchandise. Access is included with standard Henry Ford Museum admission, making it one of the best value cultural experiences in Metro Detroit this spring.
St. Practice Bar Crawl, Facebook
St. Patrick's Day Events
Royal Oak St. Practice Bar Crawl
Date: March 7, 2026
Downtown Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Admission: $30 advance | $40 at the door
Website: Royal Oak St. Practice Bar Crawl
Think of it as a warm-up lap for St. Patrick's Day. Over 2,000 holiday enthusiasts descend on downtown Royal Oak to hit 19 participating bars including Ye Olde Saloon, Bar Louie, Fifth Ave, Rock and Brews, HopCat, and O'Tooles, with your wristband unlocking $4, $5, and $6 beer, cocktail, and shot specials at every stop. The crawl includes St. Paddy's themed swag (beads, headbands, derby hats), keepsake photos, ShamROCK Karaoke, face painting, and contests with free drawings for prizes at multiple locations. A Leprechaun Bus shuttle runs between select stops, and Hotel Royal Oak offers 20% off stays with a promo code for crawlers staying overnight. It's called "St. Practice" for a reason: get the chaos out of your system before the main event.
Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5k
Date: March 8, 2026
Conor O'Neill's | 318 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Admission: $41
Website: Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5k
A festive Kids' 1K and 5K Run/Walk through downtown Ann Arbor that starts and finishes at Conor O'Neill's, with all proceeds benefiting Save A Heart at Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Congenital Heart Center. All 5K finishers receive custom medals, with overall awards for the top three male and female runners and age group awards three deep in all five-year male and female age groups based on chip time. Kids' 1K Dash participants get a festive medal plus ice cream at the finish line. Following the race, Conor O'Neill's hosts an afterparty with live Irish music and Irish dancers, making it a morning celebration that combines fitness, charity, and St. Patrick's Day spirit.
The 5K finishes in Roosevelt Park in front of the beautifully restored Michigan Central Station, one of several major development projects reshaping Detroit in 2026.
Official Detroit St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl
Date: March 14, 2026
Various venues in Greektown, Detroit, MI zipcode 48226
Admission: General Admission $25
Website: Official Detroit St. Patrick's Day Bar Crawl
The Detroit crawl hits Greektown on the Saturday before the parade, with multiple bars offering drink specials and a crowd ready to kick off the holiday weekend in one of downtown Detroit's most walkable entertainment districts. Participating venues, wristband details, and specials are available through the event listing, and the Greektown location means easy access to restaurants, the People Mover, and parking structures along Monroe Street.
Royal Oak St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: March 14, 2026
Downtown Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Admission: Free
Website: Royal Oak St. Patrick's Day Parade
One of the biggest St. Patrick's Day parades in the state transforms downtown Royal Oak with floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, and thousands of spectators lining the route through the heart of the city. The bars and restaurants of downtown Royal Oak are ready for crowds before and after the parade, making this a full-day celebration in one of Metro Detroit's most walkable entertainment districts. Arrive early to secure your spot along the parade route and plan to stay for food and festivities after the last float passes.
Ann Arbor St. Patrick's Day Weekend Bar Crawl
Date: March 14, 2026
Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann ARbor, 48104 MI
Admission: BEgins at $24.99
Website: Ann Arbor St. Patrick's Day Weekend Bar Crawl
Raise a pint and celebrate in style at the Ann Arbor St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, a lively event that takes over downtown Ann Arbor with festive cheer. Participants can explore the city’s top bars, enjoying exclusive drink specials, creative Irish-themed cocktails, and vibrant decorations at each stop. With live DJs spinning throughout the day and a sea of green-clad revelers filling the streets, the crawl offers a perfect mix of socializing and spirited fun. Whether you’re out with friends or meeting new ones, it’s an exciting way to soak up the St. Paddy’s Day festivities and experience Ann Arbor’s dynamic nightlife.
Ann Arbor Official St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
Date: March 17, 2026
Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Admission: $16.84
Website: Ann Arbor Official St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl
The actual day. For those who want to celebrate on March 17 itself, this crawl offers access to Ann Arbor's top bars with exclusive drink specials, St. Patrick's Day-themed cocktails, food deals at select locations, after party entry, a wristband for access, and a digital map of the route. The downtown Ann Arbor bar scene concentrates enough options within walking distance to make a pub crawl feel natural rather than forced, and the college-town energy on the holiday itself delivers an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else in the metro.
Leprechaun Days
Date: March 14-15, 2026
Canterbury Village | 2359 Joslyn Ct., Orion Township, MI 48360
Admission: $5 per person at the gate | Free parking
Website: Leprechaun Days
A family-friendly St. Patrick's celebration perfect for those who want the holiday spirit without the bar crawl energy. Leprechauns scatter their lucky coins throughout the 21-acre village grounds, and kids can explore the shops and pathways to collect up to 10 coins, then bring them back to participating merchants for small prizes and treats. The weekend features friendly leprechaun characters, magic shows, Irish dancers, festive photo ops, carousel rides, and shopping throughout the village's unique storefronts. Canterbury Village in Lake Orion has transformed into one of Oakland County's top family event destinations, and Leprechaun Days is one of its most popular annual traditions.
Corktown Races
Date: March 15, 2026
Roosevelt Park | 2209 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Admission: 5k $50 | 1 Mile: $25 | Dublin Double (1 Mile & 5K) $60 | Kids Run: $20
Website: Corktown Races
Start your St. Patrick's Day with a run through Detroit's oldest neighborhood before the parade kicks off. The 5K is capped at 4,000 participants and finishes in Roosevelt Park in front of the beautifully restored Michigan Central Station, where a beer garden, costume contest, food vendors, and live entertainment await finishers. The top three overall male and female runners, plus overall masters, grandmasters, and senior runners receive unique Irish gifts, and the kids' quarter-mile gives little ones their own race experience. All proceeds benefit the St. Patrick's Senior Center, which has served Detroit's elderly community for over 30 years. Registration closes Friday, March 6 online, with day-of registration available starting at 9:00 AM at Pine and Cochran (cash or check only).
68th Detroit St. Patrick's Parade
Date: March 15, 2026
Michigan Avenue | Michigan Avenue, Corktown, Detroit (6th Street to 14th Street)
Admission: Free
Website: 68th Detroit St. Patrick's Parade
The main event. The Detroit St. Patrick's Parade has been running for 68 years, and it is one of the largest in the country, with 80,000-plus expected along the route through Corktown, Michigan's oldest Irish neighborhood and Detroit's oldest surviving neighborhood. The parade features floats, pipe and drum corps, Irish dancers, marching bands, color guard units, and more green than you'll see the rest of the year combined, all marching west along Michigan Avenue from 6th Street to 14th Street. John Heinzman serves as the 2026 Grand Marshal, and the United Irish Societies, a nonprofit made up of more than 35 Irish organizations across Metro Detroit, host the event. The whole neighborhood turns into a party. Get there early, claim your spot, and settle in.
What Should First-Timers Know About Attending March Events in Metro Detroit?
If you're new to the area or attending any of these events for the first time, a few practical tips go a long way. Little Caesars Arena parking requires arriving 45 to 60 minutes before showtime for popular events, with typical $10 to $20 event rates across surrounding structures on Woodward Avenue. The QLine streetcar offers alternative transportation from Midtown and New Center. For the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Corktown, plan on arriving well before the 1:00 PM start to find street parking or use rideshare services.
Fox Theatre and Fisher Theatre both sit on Woodward Avenue in the city's theatre district, making it easy to grab dinner at one of the nearby restaurants before a show. For events at Huntington Place, multiple parking garages serve the convention center with clear signage from the Lodge Freeway and Jefferson Avenue.
March weather in Michigan is unpredictable. Dress in layers, expect anything from 25 to 55 degrees, and if you're heading to an outdoor event like the Marche du Nain Rouge or the St. Patrick's Day Parade, bring something warm you don't mind standing around in.
Key Takeaways
- March 2026 features more than 70 events spanning concerts, comedy, Broadway, sports, festivals, and community celebrations across Metro Detroit
- Disney's The Lion King runs March 12 through April 5 at the Detroit Opera House, with tickets starting at $35.10
- The Detroit Pistons play eight home games and the Red Wings play seven home games at Little Caesars Arena, including marquee matchups against the Lakers, Warriors, and Bruins
- 313 Day on March 13 delivers $3.13 specials, free museum admission, and citywide celebrations honoring Detroit's iconic area code
- The 68th Annual Detroit St. Patrick's Parade on March 15 in Corktown draws 80,000-plus spectators and is one of the largest in the country
- The Marche du Nain Rouge on March 22 is one of Detroit's most uniquely beloved traditions, and it's completely free
- DaVinci The Exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum runs through May 3 and is included with general admission
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Metro Detroit in March 2026?
March 2026 in Metro Detroit features Disney's The Lion King at the Detroit Opera House, the 68th Annual Detroit St. Patrick's Parade in Corktown, 313 Day celebrations citywide, the Marche du Nain Rouge, over 25 concerts at major venues, and eight Detroit Pistons home games at Little Caesars Arena. The month also includes the Detroit Autorama, Michigan Golf Show, and DaVinci The Exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum.
What is 313 Day in Detroit?
313 Day is Detroit's unofficial holiday celebrated on March 13, honoring the city's iconic 313 area code. Officially recognized by Detroit City Council in 2023, the day features $3.13 specials at restaurants and breweries citywide, free museum admission at the Detroit Historical Museum, celebrations at Valade Park starting at 3:13 PM, and special promotions from local businesses like Atwater Brewery, Mootz Pizzeria, and McDonald's.
When is the Detroit St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2026?
The 68th Annual Detroit St. Patrick's Parade takes place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood. The parade route follows Michigan Avenue, and the morning includes the Corktown Races with a Kids' Quarter-Mile at 10:30 AM, Emerald Mile at 10:40 AM, and 5K at 11:00 AM.
What is the Marche du Nain Rouge?
The Marche du Nain Rouge is an annual costumed parade through Detroit's Cass Corridor and Midtown where thousands of participants march to symbolically chase away the Nain Rouge, a legendary red dwarf said to bring bad luck to the city since its founding in 1701. The 2026 event takes place on Sunday, March 22, and is completely free to attend. Costumes are heavily encouraged.
What concerts are at Little Caesars Arena in March 2026?
Little Caesars Arena hosts Brandon Lake on March 8 (tickets $50 to $242) and Cardi B on March 15 (tickets $345 to $1,361). The venue also hosts the We Them Ones Comedy special on March 14, along with eight Detroit Pistons and seven Detroit Red Wings home games throughout the month.
Is Disney's The Lion King playing in Detroit in 2026?
Disney's The Lion King opens at the Detroit Opera House on March 12, 2026, and runs through April 5. Tickets range from $35.10 to $204.75, with multiple showtimes throughout the week including matinee and evening performances.
What family-friendly events are in Metro Detroit in March 2026?
Family-friendly highlights include Disney's The Lion King at the Detroit Opera House, The Cat in the Hat at the Fox Theatre on March 28, The Sound of Music at the Fox Theatre (March 5 through 8), Canterbury Village Leprechaun Days in Lake Orion (March 14 and 15), DaVinci The Exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum, and the Corktown Races kids' events on the morning of March 15.
Where can I see live comedy in Metro Detroit in March 2026?
March comedy options span every venue size. Marlon Wayans and Tracy Morgan perform at the Sound Board Theater at MotorCity Casino. Kathy Griffin, Whitney Cummings, and Heather McMahan perform at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. Pete Holmes does a three-night run at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. Aaron Chen plays Saint Andrew's Hall, and the We Them Ones Comedy special fills Little Caesars Arena on March 14.
What is the Detroit Autorama?
The 73rd Annual Detroit Autorama is America's greatest hot rod show, filling nearly one million square feet of Huntington Place in downtown Detroit with over 800 custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The event runs February 27 through March 1, 2026, and features the prestigious Ridler Award, celebrity appearances, live entertainment, and Autorama Extreme on the lower level. Adult admission is $30.
Are there St. Patrick's Day bar crawls in Metro Detroit?
Metro Detroit offers multiple St. Patrick's Day bar crawls throughout March, including the Royal Oak St. Practice Bar Crawl on March 7 ($20 advance), Ann Arbor's weekend bar crawl on March 14, the Detroit Greektown bar crawl on March 14, and the Ann Arbor Official St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl on March 17. Each includes drink specials, wristbands, and organized routes through participating bars.
What Red Wings games are at Little Caesars Arena in March 2026?
The Detroit Red Wings play seven home games in March: Vegas Golden Knights (March 4), Florida Panthers (March 6), Calgary Flames (March 16), Montreal Canadiens (March 19), Boston Bruins (March 21), Ottawa Senators (March 24), and Philadelphia Flyers (March 28). The Boston matchup on March 21 carries the highest ticket prices of the month.
What Broadway shows are at Fisher Theatre in March 2026?
Fisher Theatre hosts The Outsiders (March 3 through 15), All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (March 18), Lucy Darling (March 19), and Mamma Mia! (March 24 through 29). Ticket prices range from $45.63 to $280.80 depending on the production and seating.
Discover Your Next Home in Metro Detroit
March barely scratches the surface of what Metro Detroit offers throughout the year. From Corktown's parade traditions to Royal Oak's comedy scene to Ann Arbor's film culture, this region delivers experiences that make it one of the most dynamic places to live in the Midwest. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home anywhere in Metro Detroit, The Perna Team brings over 24 years of experience and more than 8,000 transactions across the region. Start your home search, get a current home valuation, or reach out directly at (248) 886-4450 to connect with someone who knows every corner of this market.
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We bought our first home here in Michigan with Wendy Thagard and had a really great experience. We looked at probably ten houses together, and Wendy was so patient the entire time. Since this was our first time buying, we didn’t know anything at the beginning, but she explained everything clearly and answered all of our questions. She even did a virtual call with us before we started looking. We still keep in touch with her and consider her a friend. Wendy Thagard (The Perna Team) made buying a home in Metro Detroit feel comfortable and manageable.
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