Whether you’re strolling along the coast, taking in a world-class event, or enjoying the desert’s perfect weather, this month offers an exciting mix of seasonal celebrations, outdoor escapes, and cultural experiences. Get ready to make the most of everything March has to offer in Orange County and the Coachella Valley!
Central Orange County
Wildlife Jewels® World Wildlife Day Celebration
When: Saturday, March 1 · 3 – 6pm
Where: Newport Beach Civic Center Community Room + Lawn, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach
This event honors the United Nations World Wildlife Day 2025 theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” and aims to inspire action for wildlife protection by blending art, education, science, and fashion. Attendees can engage in activities such as planting native flowers to support hummingbirds and butterflies, participating in interactive art workshops, and exploring wildlife-inspired art and fashion exhibitions. The event also features captivating wildlife stories, engaging presentations, and a silent auction benefiting wildlife rescue and conservation efforts. Pre-registration is required to participate.
Orange County Restaurant Week
When: Sunday, March 2 – Saturday, March 8
Where: Restaurants throughout Orange County
Orange County Restaurant Week is here! Discover a week-long culinary adventure across the region. Food enthusiasts can indulge in specially crafted menus from a diverse array of participating restaurants, with options ranging from casual lunches to luxurious dinners. The event also features themed experiences such as Date Night specials, wine pairings with Paso Robles wines, and exclusive cocktails. No tickets or passes are required; simply choose your desired venues and enjoy the curated offerings! Check out all the options at OCRestaurantWeek.com.
Centinela Feed’s Paws in Bloom Celebration
When: Saturday, March 8 · 10am – 2pm
Where: Huntington Central Park, 18381 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach
Come down for a spring festival celebrating pets, community, and fun! Enjoy brand vendors, local non-profits, pet portraits, and paw-some samples at Huntington Beach Central Park West. Bring your furry friends, family, and loved ones for a day of fresh air and tail-wagging excitement!
Nowruz Spring Festival + Market
When: Sunday, March 9 · 12 – 7pm
Where: Renaissance Hotel, 4500 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach
This event celebrates Persian New Year with live performances by artists such as Nooshafrin, Mohammad Khodadadi, and Nika Imani Dance, along with entertainment from DJ Babak. Attendees can also enjoy traditional Persian food, a Grand Haftseen display, and a beautifully decorated Chai Khaneh serving brewed Persian tea. The festival offers a rich cultural experience, blending music, dance, art, and cuisine, and is open to all ages. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Irish Fest
When: Wednesday, March 12 – Monday, March 17 · Times Vary
Where: Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Avenue, 49, Huntington Beach
Welcome Old World’s annual Irish Fest, a six-day celebration of Irish culture featuring live music, traditional cuisine, and entertainment. Attendees can enjoy performances by bands such as Sweet Water Creek, Hollywood U2, The Sleeveens, and Silk Button Butchers, along with Irish step dancers and bagpipers. The festival offers hearty Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish bangers, stews, and freshly baked soda bread, complemented by a selection of Irish, German, and Belgian beers, as well as signature Irish cocktails and whiskeys.
Hoag Classic Golf Tournament
When: Wednesday, March 19 – Sunday, March 23 · Times Vary
Where: Newport Beach Country Club, One Clubhouse Drive, Newport Beach
The Hoag Classic, Orange County’s premier PGA TOUR Champions event, will take place March 19 – 23 at the Newport Beach Country Club. Celebrating its 29th year, the tournament will feature a world-class field, including past champions like Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples, and defending champion Padraig Harrington. Beyond showcasing top-tier golf, the event is renowned for its philanthropic impact, having raised over $25 million for Hoag’s programs and local charities. Tickets are now available, with options ranging from general admission to exclusive clubhouse packages. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Hoag Classic website.
SoCal Super Show
When: Saturday, March 29 · 11am – 6pm
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Prepare for the ultimate showcase of California car culture! With over 700 stunning lowriders, motorcycles, bombs, dubs, and mini-trucks from across the state, this event is a must-see. Immerse yourself in an electrifying atmosphere featuring incredible rides, delicious food, live music, and more. Don’t miss out on this high-energy celebration!
Wiener Dog Races – Nationals
When: Sunday, March 30 · Gates open 10am
Where: Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Avenue, 49, Huntington Beach
Prepare for an exciting day of dachshund races as these adorable pups sprint to the finish line! Perfect for dog lovers of all ages, this event promises nonstop fun and excitement. Come cheer on your favorite furry competitors as they race toward victory!
South Orange County
Dana Point Festival of Whales
When: Saturday, March 8 – Sunday, March 9 · Friday – 6 – 10pm; Saturday 3 – 10pm; Sunday 3 – 9pm
Where: Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
Come down to Dana Point Harbor for an event celebrating the annual gray whale migration with marine-themed activities, educational exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment.Highlights include whale-watching excursions, marine conservation talks, and the inaugural Festival of Whales Carnival at Lantern Bay Park, featuring rides, games, food, and live music.
58th Annual Patriots Day Parade
When: Saturday, March 8 · 10am – 1:30pm
Where: Parade starts at Laguna Beach High School on Park Avenue, proceeds down Park Avenue to Glenneyre Street and turns right, proceeds to Forest Avenue and turns right, proceeds up Forest Avenue to City Hall, and disperses down Ocean Avenue
The 58th Annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade, featuring the theme “Laguna Heritage,” celebrates the community’s rich history. The parade will feature various participants, including school bands, civic organizations, and veterans’ groups. Street closures in the downtown area will be in effect from 10am until approximately 1:30pm.
Modern Makers Mart
When: Saturday + Sunday, March 8 + 9 · 10am – 4pm
Where: Woodbury Town Center, 6460 Irvine Boulevard, Irvine
This monthly event features over 65 booths showcasing handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and locally sourced foods. Attendees can enjoy live music, a free kids’ craft station, and free parking. The event is pet-friendly, welcoming furry friends to join in the festivities.
Jazz in the Palm Court
When: Sunday, March 16 · 1 – 3pm
Where: Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex, Great Park, 8000 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine
Prepare for a live jazz performance supporting the “More Than You Can Chew” exhibition at the Great Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and blankets for seating. No advance registration is needed for this free event, so come on down!
Spring Health & Wellness Festival
When: Saturday, March 22 · Festival opens 4pm
Where: Orange County Soccer Club Lawn, OC Great Park, 8272 Great Park Boulevard, Irvine
This family-friendly event offers health resources, wellness experiences, and community connections, featuring vendor booths, food trucks, and a cash bar. A $10 ticket includes festival entry and admission to the 7pm soccer game, where attendees can cheer on Orange County’s only professional soccer team.
Orange County Food & Wine Celebration
When: Saturday, March 29 · 3 – 6pm
Where: Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
The Orange County Food & Wine Celebration is an all-inclusive event featuring premium wines, spirits, craft beers, gourmet hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, and live music by the Pinch Me! band. Tickets are priced at $125 for VIP (2pm entry), $105 for general admission (3pm entry), and $55 for designated drivers. Proceeds benefit the Roosters Foundation, supporting at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Orange County.
Desert Cities
The Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival
When: Saturday, March 1 · 9am – 4pm
Where: Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo, Palm Desert
This free, family-friendly event celebrates desert wildflowers and land conservation, featuring local artisans, informational booths, live music, and vibrant wildflower displays.Attendees can enjoy a variety of food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and a Kids’ Zone with interactive activities and a youth art contest. The festival promotes education, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Desert X
When: Saturday, March 8 – Tuesday, May 11 · Times Vary
Where: Various sites throughout the Coachella Valley
Curated by artistic director Neville Wakefield and co-curator Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas, this fifth edition of the biennial exhibition features 11 international artists, including Sanford Biggers, Agnes Denes, and Kimsooja. The event explores themes such as Indigenous futurism, design activism, and the impact of humanity on the desert landscape. Visitors can experience site-specific installations that engage with the unique environment of the region.
Fashion Week El Paseo
When: Friday, March 14 – Wednesday, March 19 · Times Vary
Where: Fashion Week Tents – The Gardens on El Paseo (west side upper-level parking deck), 73-545 El Paseo, Palm Desert
Fashion Week El Paseo, the West Coast’s largest fashion week, is scheduled for March 14 – 19 at The Gardens on El Paseo. This premier event offers an immersive fashion experience with cocktail receptions, pop-up shops, and celebrity meet-and-greets. The 2025 lineup features renowned designers such as Pierre Cardin, Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, and LaQuan Smith. Attendees can look forward to a sophisticated and luxurious atmosphere, celebrating the latest collections from the industry’s leading influencers and innovators.
Palm Desert Food & Wine
When: Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23 · Times Vary
Where: The Gardens on El Paseo (west side upper-level parking deck), 73-545 El Paseo, Palm Desert
This four-day culinary event features a James Beard Gourmet Four-Course Luncheon, grand tastings with over 60 wines, craft brews, and dishes from more than 50 restaurants, as well as hands-on cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs. Proceeds benefit Coachella Valley’s FIND Food Bank.
American Documentary and Animation Film Festival
When: Thursday, March 27 – Monday, March 31 · Times Vary
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs
The 14th Annual American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs) is renowned and will showcase over 220 films from around the world, celebrating the art of documentary and animation filmmaking. Attendees can look forward to screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Tickets and festival passes are now available for purchase.
There’s no shortage of exciting and festive events happening across Orange County and the desert this March—it’s one of the countless reasons Southern California is such an incredible place to call home. Ready to embrace the ultimate Orange County or desert lifestyle? Connect with our real estate specialists at SurterreProperties.com and explore our exclusive listings today!
