11+ Best Things to Do in New York City This Week (March 16–22)
It’s almost late March in New York, and it starts to feel lighter. You might catch yourself staying out a little longer, walking more, or finally saying yes to plans instead of postponing them. In this guide to things to do in New York City this week (March 16–22, 2026), you’ll find what’s happening around the city to help you fill your week, plus a few options outside NYC if you’re in the mood for a quick change of scenery.
Check official event pages for updates before you head out, as details can change. Even if an event is free, you might still need to RSVP, and things like food or drinks will likely cost extra.
Things to Do in New York City This Week (Mar 16–22)
Free Fun Events to Check Out
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 17, 2026丨Begins on 5th Avenue at 44th Street and ends on 5th Avenue uptown at 79th Street
The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back for its 265th year, and Fifth Avenue will be packed with bagpipes, marching bands, and every shade of green imaginable. The parade is one of the most iconic New York City events this week.
If you’re watching near Midtown, grab an early breakfast at Friedman’s Herald Square, then post-parade pints atThe Long Hall Pub & Grocery.
Spring Bazaar
March 22, 2026 | 100 West 77th St., New York
Spring Bazaar feels like New York collectively deciding it’s time to thaw out. Expect vintage finds, handmade decor, jewelry, and fashion pieces with stories behind them. It’s an easy, feel-good Sunday plan and a nice pick if you’re hunting for free events in NYC this week that still feel special.
Paid & Ticketed Things To Do
New York City Official St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
March 17, 2026丨Various NYC bars
If you want St. Paddy’s Day without overplanning, this bar crawl does the work for you. You’ll enjoy drink specials, packed dance floors, and a city full of green-clad strangers ready to celebrate. It’s chaotic in a fun way and exactly what people search for on Tuesday night NYC Reddit.
St. Patrick’s Day Cruise 2026
March 14-17, 2026丨Departure point at Pier 40 (Hudson River Park)
Swap crowded sidewalks for skyline views on a St. Patrick’s Day party cruise around Manhattan. Enjoy Irish beers, themed cocktails, DJs, and unbeatable views of the Statue of Liberty glowing green.
Asia Week New York
March 19-27, 2026 | Multiple venues
Asia Week 2026 brings together exhibitions, auctions, lectures, and gallery shows celebrating Asian art across the city. It’s quietly one of the most culturally rich weeks on the calendar, especially if you enjoy hopping between galleries at your own pace.
Interested in discovering more hidden gems across the five boroughs? Check out our guide to the Coolest Art Spots in New York City You’ve (Probably) Never Visited.
Outsider Art Fair
March 19-22, 2026 | Metropolitan Pavilion
The Outsider Art Fair continues to spotlight self-taught and visionary artists whose work exists outside traditional art spaces. Expect bold, emotional, and sometimes surprising pieces that stick with you long after you leave. After browsing, wind down with drinks atThe Standard Biergarten or dessert atMilk Bar.
The Orchid Show: Mr. Flower Fantastic’s Concrete Jungle
Until April 26, 2026 | New York Botanical Garden
Still one of the most visually striking exhibitions of the season, this orchid takeover at the New York Botanical Garden reimagines the city through flowers. It’s calm, colorful, and perfect if you want a slower pace midweek.
Must-Catch Concerts & Shows
Lady Gaga – The Mayhem Ball
March 19-20, 2026 | Madison Square Garden
Lady Gaga’s back, and this tour is pure spectacle. With a setlist fueled by her critically acclaimed album Mayhem, this show blends theatrical visuals, heavy beats, and full-throttle pop energy. It’s an easy standout for things to do Thursday night NYC if you want a night that goes big.
Ramon Ayala – Historia De Un Final Tour
March 21, 2026 | UBS Arena
Legendary Norteño musician Ramon Ayala brings his farewell tour to New York, performing decades of fan-favorite songs. It’s a rare chance to see a genre-defining artist live, especially meaningful for longtime fans.
FKA twigs
March 21, 2026 | Madison Square Garden
This isn’t just a concert — it’s performance art. FKA twigs blends music, movement, visuals, and fashion into a show that feels immersive and unforgettable. If you’re deciding what to do in NYC or just want something different, this is it.
George Lopez
March 20-21, 2026 | New York City Winery
George Lopez brings sharp storytelling, cultural commentary, and classic stand-up energy to the stage. His shows balance edge with relatability, making them consistently entertaining for longtime fans and newcomers.
FAQs
What big events are in NYC in March?
March features major cultural festivals, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, headline concerts, art fairs, and seasonal exhibitions across the city.
Is March a good month to visit NYC?
Yes. March offers fewer crowds than peak seasons, better hotel availability, and a packed events calendar as the city shifts toward spring.
What to do in New York in 2026?
From global concerts and major sports to food festivals, art weeks, and neighborhood events, New York’s 2026 calendar is stacked year-round.
Your feed called… it’s bored of winter already
As the city finally starts to shake off the winter gloom, it’s the best time to find a spot where the latte art is as impressive as the floor-to-ceiling floral decor. If you are interested in finding the perfect pastel backdrop for your first spring outfit post, take a look at our guide to The Most Instagrammable Cafés in New York City for a Spring Aesthetic.
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