10 Can't-Miss Events This March In New Jersey

St. Patrick’s Day, the spring equinox, and full school and work schedules are competing for time with can’t-miss events in New Jersey in March.

Daylight saving time also begins on March 8, and that means an extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day to squeeze in activities.

Events you won’t want to miss include, The Chocolate Expo, the 24th Annual Garden State Film Festival, and the 91st Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Are you planning an event this spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

Here are our picks for March:

The Chocolate Expo on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — NJ Expo Center, Edison

"The Chocolate Expo features tastings & sales of chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, cheeses, dairy products, craft beverages (wines, spirits, cider, mead and more, which varies by state and facility) and ready-to-eat foods from 60-120+ vendor booths, depending on location. Entertainment can include demos, interactive presentations and celebrity appearances, plus fun for children in our 'Kidz Zone' with face painting and balloon twisting," according to thechocolateexpo.com.

The 24th Annual Garden State Film Festival on Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29

"A 501(c)(3) organization, the Garden State Film Festival (GSFF)—New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival®—is more than just an event. It’s a vital platform for filmmakers, a celebration of cinema from around the world, and a catalyst for artistic and economic growth in our communities," according to gsff.org. "Each year, GSFF brings together thousands of creative professionals, emerging talent, industry leaders, and passionate film enthusiasts at premier venues in Cranford and Asbury Park."

91st Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade - March 13

"The parade will begin in front of the Prudential Center and proceed along a newly updated route: Mulberry Street → Raymond Boulevard → RIGHT onto Washington Street → Washington Park," according to newarkstpatricksdayparade.org.

Blues, Crews & Country Festival, Friday, March 6 to Sunday, March 8 at MudHen Brewing Company in Wildwood

"Enjoy three full days of live music, cold brews & country-style fun. Kick things off Friday night with Y’all or Nothing rocking the stage from 7 to 11 p.m., plus get your own personalized cowboy hat by Donna Cox available Friday night while supplies last," according to mudhenbrew.com/all-events/blues-brews-country-festival.

Jersey City Pizza Fest, Saturday, March 28 from 1 to 5 p.m.

"This isn’t your average food festival - it’s a citywide pizza crawl. Think bar crawl, but for PIZZA. So, round up your crew, bring the family, and explore Jersey City one bite at a time. You''ll sample everything from signature slices to bold new creations from some of the best pizza spots in town… or dare we say, New Jersey?" according to ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/JerseyCityPizzaFest2026.

Hunterdon County Irish Festival on Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 15 at the historic Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton

"Join us for an unforgettable weekend of live music, high-energy performances, delicious food, and family-friendly activities in a setting that feels like a true Irish village celebration. Enjoy talented musicians, a wide variety of food trucks, and plenty of festive beverages, all while supporting a great cause," according to fssphunterdon.com/irish-fest.

Dream Asia Festival from March 27-29 at American Dream in East Rutherford

A Festival of food, culture and anime. It includes 80-plus Asian food vendors, live performances, anime and cosplay, and family-friendly fun, according to dreamasiafest.com.

Winter Fairy Festival on Saturday, March 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Watershed Institute, 31 Titus Mill Road, Pennington

"Fairies and Friends gather together for some magical activities at the Watershed. We’ll search for fairies hidden at each activity station using a scavenger hunt sheet, create some fun crafts, play games and flutter our way around the obstacle course and more. Come dressed as a fairy or other mythical creature," according to thewatershed.doubleknot.com.

Uncork Spring – A NJ Wine Experience on March 21 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Carteret Performing Arts Center, 46 Washington Ave., Carteret

"What to Expect:

• Wine tastings from a curated selection of New Jersey wineries
• Meet the winemakers and learn about their craft and unique blends
• Shop local with specialty vendors and artisans
• Delicious food available for purchase at The Underground
• A lively, indoor springtime atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends" according to carteretpac.com/events/uncork-spring-a-nj-wine-experience.

Morris County Empanada 5K & 10K on Sunday, March 29 at 10 a.m. at 1 Gov Chris Christie Dr., Morris Plains

"Join us for a scenic run in Morris County on Sunday, March 29th! Experience the trails of Central Park of Morris County on the Cross Country Course. After your run, enjoy a unique finisher medal and a delicious empanada (vegetarian options available)," according to runsignup.com/Race/NJ/MorrisPlains/EmpanadaTrail5K.