Who wants to pay for things this March? Once it starts getting warm outside, everyone knows things in New York City start getting less and less costly.
Is that true? We think it is.
We think there are definitely more free, awesome events taking place in NYC in March than there were in February and January combined.
Most of all, we're glad to finally be emerging from the freezing wasteland that's NYC in the winter time, and finally taking steps approaching spring.
Do you want to have a blast this March without paying for stuff? Do you want to see concerts, parades, and art exhibits that you don't have to pay entry for?
Everyone knows we could use some free stuff in this expensive city. Read on to find out what they are.
1. Clio Art Fair (508 West 26th Street)
This art fair is a curated fair in Chelsea, and it features artists without exclusive gallery representation. Basically, it's known far and wide as the art fair for independent artists. Oh, also, it's entirely free.
It's taking place this year from March 3rd to 6th, and it's curated with the idea of discovering independent artists and showcasing the careers of creative minds.
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This art fair also seeks to foster a dialogue that transcends geographies, hierarchies, and markets, and to expand the expression of new media and ground-breaking content.
It's taking place at The Highline Loft from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 3rd, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 4th, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 5th, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 6th. Learn more here about this absolutely free opportunity for culture.
2. Queens County Saint Patrick's Day Parade (Beach 130th Street and Newport Avenue)
Why would you wait for March 17th to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day when you could get it going on March 5th?
We mean, that’s totally what we’re planning to do. Even better than day drinking all day? Day drinking among bagpipes, marching bands, and fire trucks. Yeah, that's right: there will be fire trucks.
The best part of all is that it’s all happening beside the ocean in Rockaway Beach. The parade will continue from New Port Avenue to 130th Street, and will begin at 1 p.m. on March 5th.
Best of all, this celebratory parade is entirely free. You think this is an amazing idea too, right? We thought you would.
3. Is This Thing On?: Raising the Volume on Pro-choice Voices (126 Crosby Street)
March is Women's History Month, and women rock, so it seems like a worthwhile celebration to us.
If you haven't heard, it was a long, hard battle for women to achieve voting rights in the United States. There was a centuries-long battle for equality that still isn't over, and that includes our right to make decisions about our bodies.
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That's why it's worthwhile to attend Is This Thing On?: Raising the Volume on Pro-Choice Voices at Housing Works Bookstore on March 16th at 7 p.m.
It'll be hosted by the National Institute for Reproductive Health Action Fund, and will include music, comedy, and so much more.
You interested? Great. RSVP here.
4. St. Pat's for All (Skillman Avenue and 43rd Street - Queens)
More free Irish cheer for Saint Patrick's Day, coming right up for you right now. We know, could March get any better?
On Sunday, March 6th the St. Pat's for All Parade will assemble at 1 p.m. at 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue and, after the parade's opening assembly and remarks, will march north to 58th Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
There will be music and rousing remarks, there will be a heavy focus on cherishing all children of the nation equally, and they'll turn the streets of Sunnyside and Woodside into "Ireland of the Welcomes."
There will also be a post-parade party at Saints & Sinners, and a ton of celebration. You down? Excellent.
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5. Saint Patrick's Day Parade (5th Avenue and 44th Street)
You've heard about the world's oldest and largest Saint Patrick's Day Parade, haven't you? We're guessing you have.
We also think you so should be there at least once. Especially since it's entirely free, and what's to hate about that?
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It’ll start at 11 a.m. and will parade down 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street.
March 17th is the day most socially acceptable to be very drunk during the day, and that’s a nationally accepted truth. No alcohol is actually allowed at the parade, so make sure to indulge beforehand. Learn more here.
6. Macy's Flower Show (151 West 34th Street)
Things are very flowery at Macy's from March 20th to April 3rd. That's because during those dates, the Macy's Flower Show is taking place, and things get super beautiful at their Herald Square location.
They'll have flowers from all around the United States, and they'll be coupled with the stories of flora indigenous to each of the nation's regions, in a celebration of the U.S.'s iconic destinations.
They'll also have top florists designing the bouquet of the day, and specialized events.
If you feel like browsing a ton of gorgeous flowers, free of charge, then you absolutely need to be at Macy's Flower Show anytime after March 20th.
7. Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival (5th Avenue and 49th Street)
If you love Easter, you should probably take part in the NYC Easter Parade. If you love crazy Easter hats, this is all the more reason you absolutely need to take part in this festival on March 27th.
It’ll include partiers in extravagant hats and costumes, celebrating Easter on Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets.
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If you’ve got a bonnet you’ve really been hoping to show off to the rest of the city, this is basically you’re only chance. Don't miss it.
If your bonnet is over-the-top, you’ll fit right in. Get to Fifth Avenue between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to see what we mean.
Check out 13 Can't-Miss Events Going Down in NYC This March.
[Feature Image Courtesy AnthonyRubioDesigns.com]