Cool Things to Do in March in Atlanta
Published February 17, 2024
Last Updated March 11, 2024
There are a few flowers popping up and the leaves are turning green (as is the beer), so it’s time to get outside and enjoy ATL as we get ready for spring. Here are just some of the cool things to do this March.
Calling all Science Nerds
The Atlanta Science Festival, presented by Delta Air Lines, makes science fun for all ages. From March 9 through the 23 enjoy more than 100 interactive and educational events taking place all over the metro area. The fair culminates with the Exploration Expo, a giant science bash in Piedmont Park featuring interactive science booths and live science presentations.
The festival starts off with the Science and Engineering Day at Georgia Tech. An array of hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits and demonstrations will feature robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearable tech, bioengineering, chemical engineering, systems engineering and more.
The 2024 Atlanta Science Festival allows both children and adults to explore a variety of topics such as AI and brain imaging, astronomy, coding amphibians and snapping turtles, circus acts and coffee, bugs and birds, walks through oak forests and storytelling shows.
“Beetlejuice:” The Ghost-with-the-Most Haunts ATL
“Beetlejuice,” the edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, comes to the Fox Theatre as part of the Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta series. Based on Tim Burton’s beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set and a score that is out of this netherworld, “Beetlejuice” is a screamingly good fun time, according to “Variety.” And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a touching show about family, love and making the most of every Day-O.
Up, Up and Away
Pullman Yards is hosting the Balloon Museum, a journey through over-the-top, oversized and emotive immersive installations with unexpected shapes. In fact, interaction with the balloon shapes is at the center of the experience. The balloons were created by 18 renowned artists from around the world,
Shop the Designer Sample Sale
The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is having a sample sale with discounted pricing on designer brands, high-end indoor and outdoor home furnishings, rugs, lighting and accessories. The ADAC spring sample sale, which takes place in showrooms at ADAC and ADAC West, is open to the public and trade March 20-22. With more than 50 showrooms and design studios open, you be able to find the latest in furnishings, home decor and gifts at prices you’ll be telling your friends about.
Toddlers Rule
The Woodruff Arts Center is hosting Toddler Takeover, a one-of-a-kind experience for children from birth through 5 years old. The Takeover occurs March 16-17. The children will enjoy performances at the Kathy & Ken Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young, do art-making exercises at the High Museum of Art and enjoy activities with the musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
Night of Ideas
Atlanta’s Night of Ideas returns March 1 from 5 until 11 p.m. The concept is for participants to explore the theme of urban mutations through the lenses of the environment, Afro-futurism and artistic expression.
Taking its inspiration from “Behold the Land,” a speech by W. E. B. Du Bois and a series of photographs by Atlanta-based artist Sheila Pree Bright, the event will feature conversations, an Equitable Dinners experience, garden tours, screenings and performances. Those attending are invited to embrace the collective connection to land and to imagine new patterns for urban life. Presented by the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Atlanta History Center, Out of Hand and Equitable Dinners, the event will take place at the Atlanta History Center.
Stone Mountain Park Presents Dino Festival
Stone Mountain Park’s inaugural Dino Fest opens March 16 and runs weekends through April 28. During the lighted Dino Parade, the streets of Crossroads will come alive with a lighted parade featuring larger-than-life dino-themed floats. The dinosaur-themed drone and light show will feature 250 color-changing drones creating intricate formations and animations featuring favorite dinosaurs. The mountain become the backdrop for the light show featuring state-of-the-art projection, immersive overhead lasers, surround sound and fireworks. During the Jurassic Bark Dog Show, the Puppy Pals, as seen on America’s Got Talent, will entertain in a show where rescue dogs perform spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats.
Artsapalooza
Sandy Springs’ Artsapalooza returns March 30-31. The this award-winning, free festival features more than 150 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal crafters, glass blowers and jewelers. In addition to the outdoor art gallery there will be artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities and music. There will be a children’s area and food trucks. At 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday, the festival will host an Easter Egg Hunt in Sandy Springs with more than 10,000 hidden Easter eggs. Kids are asked to arrive early with a small bag or basket. Dogs are welcome.
Woodruff Park Lights Up
Woodruff Park is the site of the Prismatica In The Park installation, a journey into a kaleidoscopic world of color, light and sound. The installation comprises 25 towering prisms more than 6-feet tall, each coated with a dichroic film that reflects a spectrum of colors. These prisms pivot, illuminating the park with an ever-changing array of colors that shift with the daylight and the viewer’s perspective. At night, projectors and musical chimes add another layer of interactive experience, transforming the space into a vibrant, modern-day ice palace. See it Feb. 17 through March 17.
Visitors will immerse themselves in an interactive experience where they can manipulate the prisms to change the light patterns, creating a dynamic and personalized spectacle. The installation encourages participants to explore the relationship between light, sound and space, offering a unique opportunity to see downtown Atlanta in a new and radiant light.
Yes, Chef
The folks at “The Bear,” may not hire you, but you can certainly hone your kitchen skills by taking the sushi-making class at Brush Sushi at Buckhead Village. Guests will immerse themselves in the art of sushi creation with Brush Sushi’s comprehensive and hands-on experience. Chef/owner Jason Liang will guide the class through every step.
Speaking of food…
Atlanta continues to push the envelope when it comes to great new restaurants. Check out Peri Peri Grill, across from the Georgia Aquarium. The restaurant serves a bold offering of African-Portuguese fusion cuisine. It features the popular peri peri spice, which is Swahili for pepper pepper. While you’re at it, try out SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream, which freezes dessert right before your eyes with a blast of liquid nitrogen.
Opening over in Virginia Highland is Ela, a “pan-Med” restaurant that features the grand Mediterranean flavors including olives, chickpeas, eggplant, fresh seafood and marinated lamb. Everything is shareable in order to encourage mixing, matching and passing dishes among friends.
St. Patrick’s Day
Atlantans love to celebrate, and if a particular celebration includes a parade — even better. Don’t miss the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade, a family-friendly Atlanta tradition, that starts at noon on March 16 at the corner of Peachtree and 15th streets and continues down to Fifth Street.
The parade is one of the oldest of its kind in the U.S., dating to 1858. It is presented by Irish Network Atlanta. The parade features floats, animal groups, bands, bagpipe & drum corps, children, clowns, dancers and drill teams as well as Irish and local dignitaries.
If you want to continue the fun, check out some of our best Irish pubs including Limerick Junction, Fado Irish Pub and the Elder Tree Public House.
A Toast to Women’s History Month
Buckhead restaurant The Betty will celebrate Women’s History Month on March 14 by highlighting wine from female winemaker/owner Julie Johnson of Tres Sabores Winery in Napa Valley to complement a four-course dinner that will include items from Johnson’s ranch.
March Madness
Get your picks ready because it’s time for March Madness Atlanta is a slam dunk when it comes to watching sports, so here are some of our favorite sports bars. Try Monday Night Brewery, Your 3rd Spot, Big Game, Taco Mac, STATS Brewpub, Hudson Grille, Irby’s Tavern, the Beverly, Wicked Bird, Atkins Park Tavern, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and DBA Barbecue.
Barenaked Ladies and Cherry Blossoms
The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival takes place March 23 and 24 with Barenaked Ladies and +Live+ headlining. Besides music, there will be a 5K, lots of food, an artists market with more than 100 fine art vendors and a kids’ zone. Even your pet is welcome.
Hoppy Easter
It’s time for egg salad because there are plenty of hard-boiled Easter eggs hidden throughout the city — and we’re not even mentioning our favorite kind (those with jelly beans in them). Yes, there are plenty of Easter egg hunts and activities including the second annual Easter Egg Hunt on the beautiful Swan House lawn at the Atlanta History Center. This family-friendly event include hunts for ages 1-3 and then 4-10, face painting, a balloon artist, sheep shearing demonstrations and photos with the Easter Bunny.
Atlanta Botanical Garden is offering a drop-in family program on how to dye Easter eggs — naturally. It seems that certain plants contain powerful dyes that create stunning colors. Drop by any time March 22 between 10 a.m. and noon to learn about these plants and decorate three eggs.
For more things to do in Atlanta in March (or anytime), visit our calendar of events.
Journalist Mary Welch writes business and lifestyle stories for local and national publications.
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