13 things to do in the UK in March 2026

Winter is almost behind us and Spring is well and truly on its way! 🌼

As the days get a little longer, there are plenty of great events and fun things to do in the UK in March. From annual celebrations to epic live music – there’s a lot to look forward to this month.

Discover our top things to do in the UK in March below.

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1. Celebrate St. David’s Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus)

• 
  1st March 2026

Planning a trip to Wales this March? Well, brace yourself for a blast with traditional St. David’s Day celebrations up and down the country on the 1st March.

This annual Welsh celebration honours the life of the famous bishop, Saint David. Synonymous with daffodils, St David’s Day celebrations in Cardiff include plenty of parades and festivities, plus you can expect plenty of people dressed in traditional Welsh outfits.

2. London Comic Con Spring

• 
  28th February 2026 – 1st March 2026

Get ready for a pop culture extravaganza! London Comic Con Spring is a celebration of all things film and TV. With endless legendary worlds to explore at the iconic Olympia London, you can meet all your favourite heroes! Artists, writers and actors will be in attendance, ready to sign autographs, chat and have your photo taken. Plus, catch exciting panels and fascinating talks as you embrace the rich and diverse fandoms.

Cosplay is a huge part of the fun! Dress up as your favourite characters and join this incredible community in the Cosplay Zone. The Comic Zone will also be overflowing with unique finds, from the latest releases to original art and much more. Don’t miss out on the ultimate pop culture experience!

3. Brighton Half Marathon

• 
  1st March 2026

If you’re looking for a reason to head to the coast this spring, look no further than the Brighton Half Marathon. Often called the ‘UK’s happiest half,’ this event is set to take over the seaside on Sunday 1st March 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned runner chasing a new personal best on its predominantly flat, fast course or just want to soak up the electric atmosphere from the sidelines, it’s a quintessential Brighton experience.

The route is a scenic ‘greatest hits’ tour of the city, taking you past the Royal Pavilion, the British Airways i360, and Brighton West Pier, all with the sea air to keep you feeling fresh. With roughly 95% of the course running along the seafront, the views are stunning and you can expect thousands of people lining the streets to cheer, high-five and keep the energy high all the way to the finish line. After the race, you’re perfectly placed to grab a well-deserved fish and chips on the pier or a celebratory drink in the Lanes!

4. Spot dogs of all shapes and sizes at Crufts 2026 in the NEC Birmingham

• 
  5th March 2026 – 8th March 2026

This tail-wagging celebration is one of the biggest March events of the month. Crufts 2026 is returning to the NEC Birmingham, between the 5th and 8th March.

Founded in 1891, this annual K9 competition sees dogs of all breeds compete for the prestigious Best in Show title. But that’s not all. With plenty of other categories, including agility, obedience, heelwork (and even music!), this ticketed event is the perfect day out for any dog enthusiast.

5. International Women’s Day 2026

• 
  8th March 2026

Taking place on the 8th March, International Women’s Day is an annual event celebrating the countless accomplishments of women from around the world. The theme of International Women’s Day 2026 is #GiveToGain, and ‘encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration’ as well as emphasising the power of reciprocity and support.’

With an array of events across the UK, why not celebrate the day with like-minded people?

IWD 2026 at The Women’s Club at London Intercultural Centre

Menopausal Matters Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 at One Garden Brighton

Wiltshire x Gloucestershire Expo – IWD 2026 at Gloucestershire County Cricket Ground

Check out the IWD events list for 2026 here.

6. Cheltenham Festival 2026

• 
  10th March 2026 – 13th March 2026

If you’re for high-stakes drama and a truly electric atmosphere, you can’t miss the Cheltenham Festival. Taking place from the 10th to the 13th March 2026, this is the absolute pinnacle of the jump-racing calendar. Nestled in the stunning Cotswold hills, the festival is famous for the ‘Cheltenham Roar’ – the noise that erupts from the crowd the moment the starter’s tape goes up for the very first race.

It’s four days of top-tier sport. Each day has its own unique personality, so you can pick the vibe that suits you best. There’s the high energy of Champion Day on Tuesday. The glamour of the newly returned Ladies Day on Wednesday. And the Irish-infused party spirit of St. Patrick’s Thursday. It all builds to the grand finale on Friday with the Gold Cup, the race every jockey and trainer dreams of winning. Even if you aren’t a racing expert, the fashion, the live music in the Guinness Village and the sheer scale of the event make it an unforgettable British springtime experience.

7. Glasgow International Comedy Festival

• 
  12th March 2026 – 30th March 2026

Glasgow International Comedy Festival is a hilarious explosion of laughter that takes over the city every spring! For over 30 years, it’s been bringing the best comedians from all over the world to Scotland.

Whether you’re into stand-up, sketch, improv or something a bit more out there, there’s something for everyone. You can catch seasoned pros, discover fresh new talent and maybe even spot a future comedy superstar.
So grab your mates, grab your tickets and get ready for a side-splitting good time at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival!

8. Celebrate Mother’s Day with a trip to the Rooftop Saunas Hackney

• 
  15th March 2026

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a truly unique and unforgettable experience at Rooftop Saunas Hackney. Treat your mum or mother-figure to a relaxing day of pampering and relaxation in one of London’s most stunning rooftop oases. Enjoy panoramic views of East London while indulging in our luxurious saunas, including a traditional Finnish sauna and an invigorating infrared sauna.

After a blissful sweat, cool off with a refreshing dip in our plunge pool or simply unwind on our comfortable loungers while soaking up the sunshine. Feeling a bit peckish? Discover delicious food and drinks at the nearby Netil360 rooftop bar & pizzeria.

9. Live music in March:

🎶 The Vaccines at O2 City Hall Newcastle – 3rd March 2026

🎶 Scouting for Girls at Hall by the Sea, Margate – 7th March 2026

🎶 49th & Main at O2 Forum Kentish Town London – 14th March 2026

🎶 Sigrid at O2 Academy Bristol – 14th March 2026

🎶 Arthur Hill at OVO Arena Wembley – 14th March 2026

10. Oxford Literary Festival

• 
  21st March 2026 – 29th March 2026

The Oxford Literary Festival is a fantastic celebration of words and ideas! Every year, this vibrant festival brings together some of the world’s most brilliant minds – authors, poets, historians and more – for a series of fascinating talks and workshops. Whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or simply curious about the world of literature, there’s something for everyone.

The festival takes place in the heart of Oxford, a city renowned for its academic excellence and stunning architecture. You can dive into captivating discussions, get your favourite authors to sign your books and even enjoy some delicious food and drink from local eateries while soaking up the literary atmosphere.

11. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

• 
  17th March 2026

Nothing quite sums up St. Patrick’s Day like shamrocks, leprechaun hats and pints of Guinness. Taking place on the 17th March, the St. Patrick’s Day celebration has been recognised for over 1,000 years.

This vibrant Irish spectacle marks the death of Saint Patrick, the man responsible for bringing Christianity to Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is also an opportunity to honour Irish culture, with several cities across the UK joining in with the event – but nobody throws a party quite like the Irish. Why not head to Dublin to join the flocks of visitors and locals raising a toast to Ireland? Celebrations normally last the entire week and offer an experience unlike any other!

12. BFI Flare

• 
  18th March 2026 – 29th March 2026

London’s Southbank gets a cinematic glow-up from 18th–29th March 2026 for BFI Flare. Celebrating its 39th anniversary, the UK’s biggest LGBTQIA+ film festival showcases a brilliant mix of heart-wrenching dramas, uplifting comedies and world-class documentaries. It’s a wonderfully inclusive event where you can catch a premiere, join a panel discussion and enjoy a drink with a view of the Thames.

The full 2026 programme is set to be revealed on the 17th February, so keep your eyes peeled for those big-ticket gala announcements!

13. Immerse yourself in art and culture at Tate Morden Lates, London

• 
  27th March 2026

Get ready to discover the funkiest after-hours event in London. Taking place on the last Friday of every month, Tate Modern Lates is a free monthly event that combines live music, contemporary art and quirky workshops.

With regularly changing themes, one-of-a-kind DJ sets and even talks from up-and-coming names in the creative industries, Tate Modern Lates is a unique night in one of London’s most iconic buildings you won’t forget.