With the close of winter upon us and as we head into spring, March in Colorado can be an unpredictable month with extreme weather patterns. Spring snowstorms are met with warm summer-like days, leaving most activities in March up in the air.
Ski resorts start to anticipate either a shorter season or longer season, spring events get everyone excited for warmer weather on the horizon, and the days start to get longer as we say good-bye to winter in the Rockies. To help celebrate the start of spring in Colorado, discover below these fun activities this March in Colorado.
Here are some things to do in CO during March 2020:
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Colorado
While most of Colorado will host their version of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, there are two big events that know how to party as the Irish do, both the Denver and Colorado Springs Saint Patrick’s Day parades.
Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Perhaps the biggest St. Patty’s Day event in Colorado, the Denver St. Patrick’s Day parade is a long-time tradition in the Mile High City that both locals and tourists enjoy every year. In its 58th year, the parade will be bigger and better than ever before with hundreds of colorful floats, dancers, performers, and music, all honoring our police, fire, and first responders with this year’s theme. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Wynkoop and 19th.
Where: Downtown Denver
When: March 14, 2020
Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade
In its 36th year, the Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade rivals its neighbor in Denver with its biggest community event of the year. The parade starts at noon at the corner of Tejon Street and E. St. Vrain in downtown Colorado Springs. Beyond the parade, there are running and cycling events, plus the Sports & Wellness Expo at the Mining Exchange.
Where: Downtown Colorado Springs
When: March 14, 2020
March Festivals
March in Colorado is filled with plenty of events to keep you busy and thinking about the spring season. From coffin races in the mountains to a popular annual bird migration, there is a unique and fun event to fill your calendar every weekend this month.
Monte Vista Crane Festival
Every year in early spring, the migration of the sandhill cranes makes its way through the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge in southern Colorado. Thousands of cranes choose this refuge as their home from mid-February through Mid-April during which visitors can view the activity of these beautiful birds up close. In celebration of this natural wonder, the town of Monte Vista hosts the Crane Festival, which features wildlife tours, guest speakers, craft fair, and photography workshops.
Where: Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
When: March 6 – 8, 2020
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Maybe one of the more unique events in Colorado, Frozen Dead Guy Days is a springtime tradition dating back nearly 20 years. This native festival pays tribute to Bredo Morstal, who is currently frozen and housed in a Tuff Shed on dry ice above the town of Nederland. The three-day festival features 30 live bands paired with local crafts brews, food, and a few thousand of your closest friends.
But the highlight of the festival are the unique events held throughout the weekend, including the coffin racing, icy turkey bowling, human foosball, costumed polar plunging, a frozen t-shirt contest, plus a documentary of “Grandpa Bredo” is shown. If there is one event to add to your Colorado bucket list, this is it. FDGD is one of the strangest festivals around.
Where: Nederland, Colorado
When: March 13 – 15, 2020
Mile High Beer Fest
If you’ve never been able to get tickets or don’t want to put up with the long lines at the annual Great American Beer Festival, then plan to attend the Mile High Beer Fest this March. This smaller-scale beer event highlights over 25 breweries, plus local food trucks and live music. It’s a great way to sample a bit of Colorado in a laid-back atmosphere everyone can enjoy.
Where: McNichols Civic Center building, Denver
When: March 21, 2020
10 Mile Ride: A Deadhead Ski Trip
Bringing the love of skiing and Deadheads everywhere together, the 10 Mile Ride music event pairs three nights of music at 10 Mile Music Hall in Frisco, Colorado. Enjoy two days of skiing at Copper Mountain, complete with a music line-up, sure to please and true Deadhead. This year’s line up includes The Garcia Project, Grateful Bluegrass Boys, Rooster Conspiracy, and much more.
Where: 10 Mile – Main Street Frisco, CO
When: March 27 – 29, 2020
Other March Activities
Whether you’re looking for one last bit of Colorado’s epic winter powder or already packed your skis away, the month of March provides plenty of chances for both indoor and outdoor fun. The first two weeks are your best bet if you want a chance at deep snow for downhill skiing, or to enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, ice fishing, or any winter activity that relies on having a good bit of snow/cold temps. Year round you can always head inside for a brewery tour, night at the museum or concert outing.
See Oprah at the Pepsi Center
Oprah is coming to Denver in March for her 2020 Vision Tour. Special guest includes Oprah’s friend, Gayle King, for an unforgettable event. Set out to make 2020 the year of transformation with Oprah as she will talk about how you can make a change that lasts with your mind, body, and spirit.
When: March 7, 2020
Eagles come to Pepsi Center
The Eagles will make an appearance this March in Denver, Colorado with a stop along their Hotel California 2020 Tour. The band is set to play a “Hotel California” set from the band’s popular 1976 album that put them on the musical map. The performance is expected to include more than just the Eagles with an over 40-piece orchestra and a 22-voice choir.
When: March 26 & 28, 2020
Go Night Skiing
Ski resorts like Keystone, Steamboat Springs, Granby Ranch, Howelsen Hill, and Echo Mountain offer night skiing for those who just can’t get enough during the day. While night skiing at these resorts is available throughout the ski season, temperatures in March and into April are a bit more bearable than they are in the dead of winter. Be sure to check the resort’s websites, as each varies in their night skiing schedules.
Hopefully, you’ve found a few festivities above to sustain you through March’s wild weather, until warmer temperatures settle in for spring and summer. Even more so than March, April is a month of transitions, with new life literally on the bloom.
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