March is that rare moment in Southern California where you don’t have to choose between coastal cool and desert heat. From the salt-spray mornings of the Dana Point Festival of Whales to the golden, sun-drenched afternoons of Taste of the Shops on El Paseo, the transition into spring is hitting both regions in the best way possible.
Whether you’re staying local in OC for Restaurant Week or making the drive out to El Paseo for Fashion Week, there is a distinct energy in the air this month that feels high-end yet effortless. Here is your guide to the must-attend events defining March from the coast to the canyons.
CENTRAL OC
OC Lantern Festival | Saturday, March 7 | 11am-4pm | Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
This free community event is a stunning celebration of the Lunar New Year and the arrival of spring. The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall lobby is filled with glowing lanterns, live music, and dance performances. It’s an aesthetically beautiful event that feels sophisticated and deeply cultural.
Orange County Restaurant Week | Sunday, March 8 – Saturday, March 14 | Various lunch and dinner hours | Restaurants throughout Orange County
This is the ultimate week for local foodies to explore the county’s diverse culinary landscape without the usual guesswork. Participating restaurants offer tiered prix-fixe menus that highlight their best dishes, making it an ideal time to visit those high-end spots you’ve had on your list. From waterfront dining to hidden gems in North OC, the options are extensive and always impressive.
Irish Fest at Old World Village | Sunday, March 8 – Tuesday, March 17 | Various times | Biergarten at Old World Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Avenue, #49, Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach Old World Village trades its usual Bavarian flair for all things green in March. Expect live music, traditional Irish food, and a lively beer garden atmosphere. It’s a fun, social way to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in a setting that feels worlds away from PCH.
52nd Annual Corona del Mar Home Tour | Friday, March 13 | 8am-6pm (homes open 10am-4pm) | Luxury homes throughout Corona del Mar and Newport Beach
Various luxury residences in CDM and Newport Beach This is the ultimate day for interior design enthusiasts and architecture lovers. You get exclusive access to some of the most stunning private designer homes in the region. The day starts with a morning reception at the Civic Center and wraps up with a high-energy after-party at Sherman Gardens.
Dreamers Market | Saturday, March 21 12-4pm | The Green (lawn area in front of Century Theaters, Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Avenue, Huntington Beach
This market brings together local makers and small businesses for an afternoon of community and unique finds. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee, browse handmade goods, and soak in those Huntington spring vibes. Plus, there will be a Bluey Meet & Greet, face painting, a free slime bar, and free Easter Bunny photos.
SOUTH OC
55th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales | Friday, March 6 – Sunday, March 8 | Event times vary. Festival Parade: Saturday, 10am | Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
This event celebrates the annual migration of the Pacific Gray Whale, transforming the harbor into a hub of maritime education and community fun. Whether you’re cheering on the classic parade or heading out on a catamaran for a closer look at the local marine life, it’s a quintessential OC tradition. It’s the perfect blend of coastal conservation and family-friendly harbor vibes.
Village Art Faire | Saturday, March 7 | 10am-4pm | San Clemente Library & Community Center Lawns, 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente
A decades-old tradition, this juried art faire is the heartbeat of the San Clemente creative scene. It was created to connect gifted Southern California artisans directly with the community, and the quality of work reflects that mission. You’ll find a curated selection of hand-crafted photography, fine art, jewelry, ceramics, and apothecary items tucked away on the shady lawns near the library. It’s a sophisticated, open-air gallery experience that captures the “Spanish Village by the Sea” charm at its best.
59th Annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade | Saturday, March 14 | 11am | Downtown Laguna Beach (starting at Park Avenue & Glenneyre Street)
A beloved local tradition since 1967, this parade brings the entire community together to celebrate the spirit of patriotism and local service. This year’s theme, “America 250 (1776–2026),” promises a particularly grand display as it honors military veterans, civic leaders, and standout students. Expect a lively atmosphere filled with marching bands, vintage cars, and creative floats winding through the scenic downtown streets.
Swallows Day Parade & Mercado | Saturday, March 21 | 9am-5pm; Parade begins at 11am | Historic Town Center Park, 31872 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano’s most famous event is a true throwback, maintaining its status as one of the largest non-motorized parades in the country. Expect to see plenty of horses, carriages, and traditional attire celebrating the historic return of the swallows to the Mission. The downtown area becomes a lively festival grounds with food, music, and local artisans.
COACHELLA VALLEY
BNP Paribas Open | Sunday, March 1 – Sunday, March 15 | Various Times | Indian Wells Tennis Garden, 78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells
Often called the “Fifth Grand Slam,” this is the premier sporting event in the Coachella Valley. Even if you aren’t a tennis die-hard, the atmosphere is electric—think high-end dining, luxury sponsor activations, and some of the best people-watching in the world. The grounds feel like a desert resort, making it a must-visit for the social scene alone.
Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival | Saturday, March 7 | 9am-4pm | Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert
As the desert begins its spring bloom, this festival brings the community together to celebrate the unique beauty of the local landscape. Held at Civic Center Park, it’s a great way to learn about desert ecology through guided walks and interactive exhibits. It’s a relaxed, sunshine-filled day that highlights the natural side of the Valley.
Fashion Week El Paseo | Friday, March 13 – Wednesday, March 18 | Nightly runway shows typically begin at 7 or 8pm | Various venues throughout Palm Desert
The desert’s answer to New York and Milan, this event brings high-fashion glamour to the heart of Palm Desert. The massive tent at The Gardens becomes the epicenter of style, featuring runway shows from international designers and local boutiques alike. It’s a week of cocktail parties, red carpets, and sophisticated desert style that draws a chic, social crowd.
Taste of The Shops on El Paseo | Now – Friday, March 20 | Various restaurants on El Paseo | The Shops at El Paseo, 73-061 El Paseo, Palm Desert
For those who want a more intimate culinary experience, this series highlights the specific restaurants within the luxury shopping district. It’s a great opportunity to explore the refined menus of El Paseo’s premier dining establishments in a curated setting. It’s the perfect excuse for a mid-week lunch or a stylish evening tasting while you shop.
15th Annual American Documentary & Animation Film Festival | Wednesday, March 25 – Sunday, March 29 | Times Vary | Cultural Center & various theaters in greater Palm Springs
For the culture seekers, AmDocs is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the U.S. It’s a hub for international filmmakers and animation pros, showcasing stories that are as impactful as they are visual. If you’re looking for an event with a little more intellectual weight, this is it!
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March in Southern California: FAQs
1. What are the best things to do in Orange County in March?
March is a peak month for local traditions, including the Dana Point Festival of Whales, the Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano, and Orange County Restaurant Week. It is an ideal time for outdoor festivals and coastal exploration before the summer crowds arrive.
2. When is the 2026 Dana Point Festival of Whales?
The 55th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales takes place from Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, 2026. This iconic event celebrates the gray whale migration with a parade, whale watching tours, and harbor-side concerts.
3. What events are happening on El Paseo in Palm Desert this March?
El Paseo serves as a hub for luxury events in March, most notably Fashion Week El Paseo (March 13–18, 2026) and the Palm Desert Food & Wine festival (March 19–22, 2026). It is the premier destination for high-end shopping and gourmet experiences in the Coachella Valley.
4. Is March a good time to visit the Coachella Valley?
Yes, March offers some of the best weather of the year in the Coachella Valley, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 80°F. This makes it perfect for major outdoor events like the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and various wildflower festivals.
5. How can I celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Orange County?
Popular celebrations include the Irish Fest at Old World Village in Huntington Beach and various themed events at local pubs in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. Many residents also enjoy the festive atmosphere of the local beach cities during the mid-month celebrations.
6. When is the Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade in 2026?
The 59th Annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM. The parade route runs through downtown Laguna Beach, celebrating civic pride and community heroes.
7. What is the BNP Paribas Open and when is it held?
The BNP Paribas Open is one of the largest professional tennis tournaments in the world, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. In 2026, the tournament runs from March 1 through March 15, attracting top-ranked global players and thousands of fans.
8. Are there any art festivals in San Clemente during March?
Yes, the San Clemente Village Art Faire is held on the first Saturday of every month (March 7, 2026) on the lawns of the San Clemente Library. It features a juried selection of hand-crafted work from Southern California’s top artisans.
9. What family-friendly activities are available in Irvine in March?
Irvine offers several family-oriented events, including the Lunar New Year Festival at the Irvine Spectrum Center and live concerts at Great Park Live. The city’s extensive park system and cultural centers like the Barclay Theatre also host various performances throughout the month.
10. Where can I find luxury real estate in Orange County and the Coachella Valley?
For those looking to move to these vibrant regions, Surterre Properties specializes in luxury coastal and desert real estate. You can browse exclusive listings and connect with local experts by visiting SurterreProperties.com.
