Top 7 Things to Do in Flagstaff This March
March in Flagstaff is one of those sweet-spot months where winter hasn't quite let go but spring is making its move. The ski slopes are still open, the ponderosa pines are dusted with the last of the season's snow, and the town's calendar is packed with events worth planning a trip around. Whether you're already booked at one of our cabins or still deciding on dates, here are seven things you won't want to miss this month.
1. First Friday ArtWalk
On the first Friday of every month, downtown Flagstaff transforms into an open-air cultural experience. Galleries, shops, and creative spaces along Heritage Square and the surrounding blocks open their doors from 6 to 9 PM with live music, art exhibitions, and complimentary refreshments. It's free, it's walkable, and it's the perfect way to kick off a weekend in town.
When: Friday, March 6, 6–9 PM
Where: Downtown Flagstaff & Heritage Square
Cost: Free
More info →
2. Shamrock Shuffle Bar Crawl & St. Patrick's Day
Flagstaff takes St. Patrick's Day seriously. The annual Shamrock Shuffle bar crawl winds through downtown's best watering holes with drink specials, themed accessories, and plenty of green. Beyond the crawl, the town's Irish pubs and craft breweries all get in on the action with live music and themed menus throughout the weekend.
When: Saturday, March 14 (Shamrock Shuffle); celebrations all weekend March 14–17
Where: Downtown Flagstaff bars and breweries
More info →
3. Spring Skiing at Arizona Snowbowl
Yes, you can ski in Arizona — and March is arguably the best time to do it. Arizona Snowbowl sits on the San Francisco Peaks just 15 minutes from downtown Flagstaff, with a summit elevation of 11,500 feet. By March, you get warm sunshine, soft corn snow, and shorter lift lines. The resort runs spring break deals with discounted lift tickets, and kids 12 and under ski free. Even if you're not a skier, the scenic chairlift ride is worth the trip for the views alone.
When: Open daily through late spring
Where: Arizona Snowbowl, 9300 N Snowbowl Rd (15 min from downtown)
More info →
4. Astronomy on Tap at Mother Road Brewing
Flagstaff is the world's first International Dark Sky City, and one of the best ways to experience that heritage is over a cold beer. Astronomy on Tap is a free monthly event at Mother Road Brewing where Lowell Observatory scientists give engaging, accessible talks about the cosmos — complete with trivia, prizes, and plenty of audience interaction. It's science without the stuffiness.
When: Fourth Tuesday of the month, typically 7 PM
Where: Mother Road Brewing Company, 7 S Mike's Pike, Flagstaff
Cost: Free
More info →
5. Explore Ancient Cliff Dwellings at Walnut Canyon
March is Arizona Archaeology Month, and there's no better place to celebrate than Walnut Canyon National Monument — just 10 minutes from downtown Flagstaff. The Island Trail descends 240 steps into the canyon, passing right through 800-year-old Sinagua cliff dwellings tucked into limestone alcoves. Nearby Wupatki National Monument offers a different perspective with multi-story pueblo ruins set against the Painted Desert. Both sites host special ranger-led programs throughout March for Archaeology Month.
When: Open daily, 9 AM–5 PM; special programs throughout March
Where: Walnut Canyon: 10 min SE of Flagstaff via I-40; Wupatki: 30 min NE via US-89
Walnut Canyon info → | Wupatki info →
6. Sedona St. Patrick's Day Parade
About 30 miles south of Flagstaff, Sedona hosts one of Arizona's most scenic parades. The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade marches down Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona with the town's iconic red rock formations as the backdrop. Running since 1970, the parade draws thousands of spectators and features floats, marching groups, and plenty of green. Combine it with a red rock hike and you've got a perfect day trip from Flagstaff.
When: Saturday, March 14, 10 AM
Where: Jordan Road, Uptown Sedona (30 min south of Flagstaff)
More info →
7. Route 66 Centennial Year in Williams
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and Williams — just 30 miles west of Flagstaff — is ground zero for the celebration. Williams holds the distinction of being the last town on Route 66 to be bypassed by the interstate (1985), and the town has preserved its Mother Road character like nowhere else. Stroll Bill Williams Avenue past neon signs, retro diners, and vintage motels. The town kicked off the centennial with a New Year's Eve car drop (a restored 1927 Chevrolet lowered instead of a ball), and events run all year long.
Where: Williams, AZ (30 min west of Flagstaff via I-40)
More info →
Make It a Weekend (or a Week)
With this much going on, a day trip won't cut it. Our Flagstaff cabins and vacation rentals put you right in the middle of the action — minutes from downtown, Snowbowl, and the national monuments, with easy day trips to Sedona and Williams. Check availability and lock in your March dates before they're gone.
