Somehow we’re already approaching the third month of 2024, which will put us at the quarter mark of the year! Is time actually passing faster as of late, or does it just seem that way? Regardless, there’s plenty to look forward to in March, from new restaurants and bars to art exhibitions and plenty of special days to commemorate. So, without further ado, here are 40 of the most marvellous ways to spend your days in March.
1. Marvel at iconic artworks made from LEGO® (opens March 6)
The Art of the Brick takes your expectations of the famed brick-building experience and flips them on their heads. The jaw-dropping exhibition features over 150 fantastical LEGO® creations, including painstaking recreations of some of the world’s famous artworks. Ever wanted to see Michelangelo’s statue of David, or Da Vinci’s famed Mona Lisa, in brick form? Here’s your chance! The Art of the Brick opens March 6; be sure to snap up your ticket before you miss out
Find out more about the exhibition here.
2. Become a penguin keeper for a day
Calling all penguin enthusiasts, the London Zoo is offering up an incredible opportunity to get up close to your favourite animals and experience life as a penguin keeper. From March 8, guests can join the London Zoo’s experts and over 70 Humboldt penguins on the iconic Penguin Beach. You’ll be put to work with the typical morning routine – preparing food, feeding them their breakfast, and learning more about them during their daily health checks. You’ll also have to muck in and help with the cleanup – they’re a notoriously poopy colony! After giving the job a go, you’ll get to spend the rest of the day exploring the London Zoo for a wonderfully animal-centric day out.
Find out more and grab your ticket for the Penguin Keeper Experience here.
3. Celebrate Welsh food and drink for St David’s Day
In honour of St David’s Day, Spitalfields Market’s Lamb Street will transform into a Welsh food and drink market for the weekend (March 2-3). There will be free tastings, live cooking demonstrations, choir performances, and plenty of produce and drinks (and famous Welsh cakes, of course) from a variety of Welsh businesses. Participating Welsh suppliers and businesses include Aber Falls Distillery, Alfie’s Coffee Company, Drop Bear Beer Co, The Blaenafon Cheddar Co, The Rogue Welsh Cake Company, and more.
4. Take a moment for reflection (March 3)
Marie Curie will lead the nation in a UK-wide Day of Reflection on March 3 to “remember the people who died during the Covid pandemic, whatever the cause, and to show support for everyone who was bereaved.” The fourth annual Day of Reflection will see various community events taking place, and people are encouraged to mark a minute’s silence at midday.
Find out more here.
5. Experience A Martian Invasion In London (opens March 5)
Warning, warning! A giant Martian Fighting Machine has been seen firing its heat ray – aimed directly at Tower Bridge! Enter the world of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience and this is what you’ll be faced with. Right in the middle of the action, you’ll encounter interactive scenes (including a harrowing escape), a mix of live-action and VR experiences, and Jeff Wayne’s iconic score. And when it’s all over, the excitement continues at The Spirit of Man Bar & Restaurant. Have you got what it takes to survive when the Martians attack?!
Find out how to grab your tickets here.
6. Get lit-erary for World Book Day (March 7)
Our fair city has a pretty hefty literary pedigree, having inspired some of the world’s greatest authors. It’s no surprise then that there are plenty of literary things to do! Here are some wonderful ways to explore our city’s past and present, both fictional and real, for World Book Day:
📚 Hit up a gorgeous London bookshop – our city is full of charming and stunning places to browse and purchase books!
📖 Explore London’s most intriguing literary spots, from places frequented by London’s literati to those featured in classic novels.
📚 Or embark on this literary walking tour, which will take you through London’s literary past.
📖 Protect yourself from the financial dangers of a bookshop (I can’t go in without buying at least three books!) by exploring London’s stunning libraries.
📚 Or curl up by the fireplace with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other at these library bars.
📖 Enjoy a day out with an (Oliver) Twist by following in Charles Dickens’ footsteps on a walk around London.
📚 Explore a Horrible Histories museum exhibition on the Rotten Romans.
7. Or head out of London and experience the ‘World’s First Book Town’
Can you even call yourself a book-lover if you haven’t yet visited (or made plans to visit) the ‘world’s first book town’? Nestled away in Wales is Hay-On-Wye, which is legendary for the number of booksellers that populate its streets, and its annual celebration of books: the Hay Festival. Regardless of whether you want to attend the festival, or just stroll the quaint cobbled streets and peer in through all the shop-fronts, it’s a must-visit for any bibliophile.
Find out more here.
8. Experience the magic at the world’s largest Disney exhibition (opens March 6)
When Disney100 shut its doors (all good things have to come to an end!) earlier this year, the groans and cries could be heard all through the city. But due to huge demand, the exhibition is due to return in March, bringing the magic of Disney back to London once more. Disney100: The Exhibition will feature the same incredible showcase of rare props, original costumes, and sights that even the biggest Disney fan may have never laid eyes upon. It’s a true joy for children and all of us who are still children at heart.
Read all about it here.
9. Commemorate International Women’s Day (March 8)
International Women’s Day invites everyone around the world to “imagine a gender equal world”. It’s an initiative that aims to celebrate women and raise awareness about discrimination to tackle the gender disparity of the world we live in. This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion, to encourage consideration of actively including women and inspiring a more equal world. Here are some of the International Women’s Day events taking place in London this March:
😂 The Moniker by Drake & Morgan has partnered up with The Comedy Store for an all-female comedy night complete with a three-course dinner and welcome drink. Find out more and grab a ticket here.
🔥 Soho’s female-owned, open-fire restaurant, Firebird, is kicking off its series of dinners celebrating female chefs, restaurateurs, and sommeliers, with a one-night event on International Women’s Day. Guests will be treated to a menu “centred around flame and fire cooking” with a welcome aperitif that utilizes mezcal from female-led distillers MayaJules, and a choice of Mexican wines from Bichi winery.
🍷 The Pilgrm is running a Women in Wine charity event with a wine tasting and discussion on March 7, hosted by two influenced women from the London wine scene: “renowned food and wine authority and The Guardian’s wine writer, Fiona Beckett, and VinaLupa founder Emily Harman – The Pilgrm’s very own sommelier”.
🍹 The Big Mamma group’s London restaurants are partnering with The Circle to raise funds to help women in crisis with a special Spice Up Her Life cocktail that will be available from March 4-17. £1 from each cocktail sold will be donated to The Circle, and on International Women’s Day itself, each drink will come accompanied by a bunch of yellow mimosa flowers from female-founded floristry Pollenet.
🎉 Coworking space, Kindred, will be hosting several International Women’s Day events throughout March. These will range from a free community dinner for 100 people to Amapiano party nights, and beyond. Find out more here.
10. Watch some riotous wrestling (March 7, 8)
EVE; Riot Grrrls of Wrestling are back! Following a sell-out success in January, EVE Wrestling is back at Big Penny Social for more. The “punk-rock, women’s wrestling and cabaret night out” returns with two events in March to celebrate International Women’s Day. March 7 will see audiences treated to the ‘BEERS, BRAWLS AND BAD-ASS B*****S’ show, with ‘WOMEN BEHAVING BADLY’ taking place the next day (March 8). Expect eye-catching characters, astounding feats of athleticism, humour, theatrics, and even a touch of politics.
Following the two March performances, EVE will be back at Big Penny Social on the first Friday of every month.
Find out more, and grab your tickets, here.
11. Catch the Kew Gardens Orchid Festival before it’s gone (ends March 3)
Now, the Kew Gardens are a stunning London spot to visit any time of the year. But in the early springtime, the area plays host to what just might be the most stunning floral display in all of London. The Kew Gardens Orchid Festival is a must-visit and blows us away every year. It truly has to be seen to be believed – but act fast because it’s only around until March 3!
Read all about it here.
12. Celebrate the maternal figure in your life
Did you remember that Mother’s Day is coming up in March? Well, if you’ve been caught out and need a way to celebrate the maternal figure in your life, here are our suggestions. (Just make sure you mark the date on your calendar – it’s March 10.)
🫖 Take her out for a wonderful afternoon tea.
🛁 Treat her to a relaxing day of pampering at one of London’s top spas.
🍽️ Spoil her with a Michelin-starred meal at Pavyllon’s special Mother’s Day brunch.
😋 Gorge on a bottomless Mother’s Day buffet at the InterContinental London Park Lane where a veritable feast awaits.
🥩 Feast on a special Mother’s Day buffet at Babur to experience an Indian explosion of flavour.
🥂 Dazzle her with Peruvian dancing, free prosecco, and delicious food at Bamboo Mat Stratford.
🍹 Snap some pics for the ‘gram with her as you sip on cocktails in London’s prettiest bars.
🥢 Head to Sticks’n’Sushi where complimentary sweet treats await in the form of Chokōretos. The chocolate-based treats include flavours like Matcha ganache and matcha tea, Amarena cherry ganache and blackcurrant, and Caramel and sesame.
🕯️ Relax with her amongst hundreds of flickering lights in stunning environs as classical music (or classical renditions of popular songs) plays at a Candlelight Concert.
😋 Indulge in a Portuguese feast with JOIA Battersea’s special Mother’s Day menu. There’s even a Portuguese wine pairing on offer and special dishes for the little ones celebrating their mums!
🍰 Gobble down a delicious Rhubarbmisu at Pastsaio, which has been created in collaboration with recipe writer, cookbook author and second-time mum-to-be Rosie Birkett. The delicious take on a tiramisu will be available throughout March – and mothers dining at Pastaio on Mother’s Day will receive a complimentary portion after their meal. Yum!
💐 Or if you really leave it too late, grab some flowers from a London florist – and maybe a card and some chocolates too!
13. Try out a new iftar dining spot
With Ramadan starting on March 10, many London restaurants will be changing up their operating hours or menus to accommodate observers. A particularly luxe example can be found at the Wellington Lounge at the InterContinental London Park Lane. They’re launching new rotating Iftar set menus, featuring a feast of dishes ranging from Fattoush chicken salad to classic mezze dishes, Roasted baby chicken tagine, and more. The set menus will be available every evening from 6:30pm from March 10 – April 11.
Make your booking here – or check out our guide to London Restaurants To Eat At For Iftar And Suhoor During Ramadan.
14. Head to a sky-high reading nook
Battersea Power Station’s impressive Lift 109 lookout point and experience is inviting Londoners to celebrate World Book Day with some sky-high reading. They’re augmenting their Lift 109 Lates with a literary focus – treating guests to stunning views, and a ‘book-tasting’ of of books chosen by neighbourhood bookstore, Battersea Bookshop. You’ll be able to enjoy a unique taster reading experience, and you’ll even get to leave with a novel of your choice!
The sky-high reading nook will take place on March 7, 14, & 28. Grab your tickets here.
15. Shove some pie in your gob during British Pie Week (March 4 – 10)
Some foods and drinks get a mere day of celebration – but the British love for the pie runs so deep that it gets a full week of love and appreciation. And the rules are that you have to eat a different pie each day of the week, right? Right?! Well, either way, if you wanna get in on the pie appreciation, here are some new limited-edition pies to try, and stalwart examples from our fine city.
🥧 Head to Mayfair’s Kanishka by Atul Kochhar to try out the Chicken Tikka Pie with Red Berry Chutney.
🥧 While you’re in Mayfair make sure to also check out The Windmill, which counts multiple pie awards to its name. Their pies are freshly made in-house and range from the Devon crab, King prawn and Atlantic haddock fish pie to the Venison and Blue Long Clawson pie – which features an award-winning cheese to boot!
🥧 Over in King’s Cross, The Great Northern Hotel’s RAILs restaurant is celebrating Pie Week all month long. They’ll be spotlighting a new pie each week – each of which has been paired with a special craft beer.
🥧 Westminster’s The Clarence has one for the traditionalists: a Beef & ale pie, that comes with mashed potato, honey & thyme roasted carrots, and plenty of gravy.
🥧 Head over to Barnes, where ‘Pie Street‘ awaits you at the river-side pub, The Coach & Horses. There are all sorts of weird and traditional pies to choose from – with something for everyone!
🥧 If you’re over in East London, Shoreditch’s Boundary Bar & Brasserie has you sorted during Pie Week with a trio of pies to choose from – including a sweet treat in the form of their Apple & rhubarb pie, with pouring custard. Savoury options include the Corn-fed chicken, mushroom & Champagne pie, and a delectable-sounding Comté cheese & caramelised red onion pie. The savoury options come served with mash, greens, and gravy, and even come with a pint for just £25 all in.
🥧 Herne Hill’s The Florence has taken the classic Shepherd’s Pie and pushed it to the very extremes of deliciousness with a dry-aged rack of lamb, braised shoulder shepherds pie, with carrot puree and mint jus. Phwoar, you’ll need to be rolled home after that!
🥧 Marylebone’s 108 Brasserie has partnered up with artisan butcher and farm shop, DukesHill, on a selection of timeless and classic pies made with the finest ingredients. You’ve never had a steak and ale pie, or a chicken and ham pie, quite like these! (Available from Mach 4 – 8)
🥧 Over in Mayfair’s Colony Grill Room, transatlantic indulgence comes in the form of their Shepherd’s Pie, which comes served with snow peas fricassée and mint salsa verde.
🥧 And, of course, we can’t forget the Holborn Dining Room’s dedicated Pie Room (and takeaway Pie Hole!). For British Pie Week they’ll be offering up a limited-edition South-African-inspired pie from Head Pie Maker Nokx Majozi. The Pepper Steak Pie will only be available from March 4 – 9.
16. Express your creativity with an unconventional painting experience
Ever wished you could just go absolutely HAM with some paint and an easel? Without the convenience of your own studio, it’s nigh on impossible to find the space to create your own Jackson Pollock-esque masterpieces. But thanks to this Freestyle Painting experience you can go absolutely wild. The rule book is thrown out the window and you can use syringes, slingshots, and paint blasters to wreak creative havoc across your canvas. As well as creating some nifty new abstract artwork – it’s great for releasing those pent-up emotions.
Find out more here.
17. Celebrate the Festival of Colours at the House of Holi pop-up
Vivek Singh, from the Cinnamon Kitchen restaurants, is bringing back the hugely fun House of Holi for the 7th year. The powder-paint-throwing pods return to London from March 15-25, giving everyone plenty of time to head down and experience the colourful festivities. Guests are invited to step inside the purpose-built space and immerse themselves in colourful chaos as they engage in an all-out paint-flinging rainbow fight. Make sure to wear some old clothes because you’ll be covered head to toe in paint!
18. Or try these special Holi meals
Is there any more fitting way to celebrate an ocassion – any ocassion – than a wonderful meal? Well, given the joy that Holi brings to our capital, you know there are plenty of special meals taking place.
🍴 As well as the House of Holi, there will also be a special Holi Supper Club at Cinnamon Kitchen on March 20, with five indulgent courses to enjoy. Dishes range from Kadhi Pithod Saag (chickpea gnocchi, yoghurt and spinach sauce) to Kosha Mangsho (a Kolkata-style rich lamb curry) and beyond. Book your spot here.
🍽️ Elsewhere in London, Yaatra is also celebrating with a three-course Holi feast available from March 25-27. Priced at £45 per person, guests will also receive a welcome cocktail on arrival before tucking into a vibrant menu that offers up a fitting kaleidoscope of colours and flavours. Head here to book your table!
🍴 Meanwhile, over in Forest Hill, Babur is also treating diners to a rainbow-hued feast of celebration. MasterChef UK finalist Anurag Aggarwal has joined forces with Babur on a five-course special menu, where each dish represents different colours. The menu will be launched with a special dining experience on March 25, and then be available to diners until March 31. Book your table here so you don’t miss out.
19. See some of music’s biggest names perform for charity (March 18-24)
The Royal Albert Hall has been putting on concerts to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust since as far back as 2000. These events have seen some of the biggest names in music and entertainment gathering to perform at star-studded events in aid of the charity. More than just fantastic nights out, these have been huge boons for the charity, raising incredible amounts of money. This year’s performances will see the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds, and even The Who performing.
The final night, March 24, will feature a closing Ovation performance that will recognise Roger Daltrey for his work organizing the events over the past decades. That one night will feature performances from Daltrey himself, as well as Kelly Jones, Robert Plant with Saving Grace, Pete Townshend, Eddie Vedder, and Paul Weller.
Find out more about the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall series here.
20. Chow down on a limited-edition meal
London’s plethora of chefs and restaurants inevitably results in cross-restaurant collaborations and one-time-only meals. Whether it’s a restaurant inviting in other chefs to cook up some seriously impressive fare, or a special meal from a special team of cooks for a special ocassion, there are plenty of ‘you had to be there’ dining moments to take advantage of in London. Here are some of the most exclusive and limited meals to grab a reservation for in March – and then spend the rest of the year bragging about…
🍸 Celebrate Costa Rican flavours across both food and drink at a one-night-only Costa Rican Supper Club at Notting Hill’s Viajante87. Food will come in the form of a four-course menu with a chocolate flight for dessert (courtesy of iconic Costa Rican chef, sommelier, and writer, Diengo Chou). Meanwhile, guests will be able to enjoy drinks from one the Costa Rica’s best bars, Selvática Social Club. (March 12) Book your spot at the Cultural Exchange Supper Club here.
🔥 Executive Chef and CEO of the Cinnamon Collection, Vivek Singh, has joined forces with the final four from BBC One’s 2020 MasterChef: The Professionals (aka the best of the best) for some truly special meals. They’re serving up their ‘Fantastic Five Supper Club’ across three seatings with five courses that explore each chef’s unique style. (March 1-2) Grab a ticket for the meal here.
🍷 Delve into the world of winemaking and meet the people behind the wines at Humble Grape’s Meet the Winemaker Supper Clubs. In March they’re inviting Germain Croisille from Château Les Croisille to share the story of his family’s journey through wine from 1979 to today. The three-hour, multi-course session will see guests treated to hidden stories and secret techniques. You’re sure to walk away with a head full of knowledge and a belly full of wine. (Battersea: March 26; Islington: March 27) Grab tickets for the Battersea event here, and the Islington event here.
🍖 Chefs Johnie Crowe and Nathan Davies are partnering up for a one-night, 12-course, ‘Fire Series’ supper at Restaurant St Barts. The menu will explore Nathan’s unique understanding of open-fire cooking (and his own construction of the grills) and will feature six courses from each chef. Every dish will use fire in its making. (March 19) Make your booking here.
🍷 Balham’s local favourite The Wine Tasting Shop will host the first iteration of its supper club series with a night focusing on Italian wines and ciccheti. Guest chef Adam Ward has devised a four-course menu that will be paired with a selection of interesting wines. (March 6) Secure your spot at the supper club here.
🍗 Tiffany Chang (winner of Netflix’s Crazy Delicious) is popping up at Shoreditch’s Boundary with her very first Taiwanese Fried Chicken pop-up. As guests gorge themselves on piles of fired chicken, DJ Mister S will keep spirits high for a party-like atmosphere. Be sure not to arrive too late, because when they’re sold out – that’s it! (March 8)
😋 Head to Six by Nico to try out their latest tasting menu, inspired by Hanoi, which will only be available until April 7. Book a table here.
🐖 JOIA Battersea is kicking off what will become a series of dinners celebrating their suppliers with ‘ElFestin de Fisan’, a special feast in collaboration with the restaurant’s Iberico supplier from the Spanish town of Fisan. Expected a pork-packed meal where even the dessert has pork in it! (March 5) Book your spot at the special meal here.
🍔 Shake Shack is launching their latest burger-y treats with a special Al Pastor menu that includes an Al Pastor Burger (Chilli Cheddar cheeseburger with pineapple, onion and chipotle mayo), the Al Pastor Chicken (Crispy chicken breast topped with pineapple, onion and chipotle mayo) and Chipotle Cheese Fries. Available from March 13, these special menu items won’t be around for long, so act fast to try them out!
🍢 Notting Hill’s Empire Empire restaurant is inviting some of London’s most exciting chefs to create one-night-only menus of skewers to match their signature curries. Skewers will come from:
- Caravel (March 6)
- The Begging Bowl (March 13)
- Big Night (March 20)
- Le Bab (March 27)
21. Or head to a special cocktail bar takeover
It’s not just chefs who are constantly popping up in unexpected places with intriguing limited-edition offers. Bartenders from around the world often end up behind London bars slinging their very special wares – bringing a taste of world-class cocktails to our drinking venues.
🍸 Ireland’s National Cocktail Champion (what a title, eh?!), Oisin Kelly, is dropping down to The Bloomsbury’s famed Coral Room for one night only. Guests can enjoy some of his award-winning cocktails, including The Sidecar Signature Martini, with live music and traditional Irish fare to match. (March 1) Find out more here.
🍹 The award-winning Oslo-based bar and distillery, Himkok (ranked #10 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023) will be touching down at Soho’s Wacky Wombat for an evening of exclusive cocktails that celebrate the flavours of Norway and Aquavit. (March 4)
🍸 The Mandrake’s YOPO Bar has partnered with Patrón for a month-long celebration of Margaritas and tacos. Drinks include the vanilla-infused Hymalaya, the spice-forward Morita, and the cardamon-tinged Sea of Light. Oh, and if you visit on a Thursday, you’ll get a free taco with each cocktail! (ends March 24)
22. Grab some cut-price garms (March 14-17)
It’s inarguable that Lucy & Yak are one of our country’s most beloved brands. Their brightly-coloured and patterned dungarees, trousers, and more are instantly recognisable. And you could soon grab your own (or augment your existing wardrobe of Lucy & Yak pieces) at a cut-price sale in Peckham. In keeping with their environmentally-conscious ethos, they’re holding an ‘(Im)perfect Yaks Sale Event’ where you can nab “exclusive samples, old favourites, and irresistible bargains”. The clothes may have minor issues or defects, but they’re still perfectly wearable – and this way they don’t get thrown out!
Find out more here.
23. Head-bang the night away at a top London gig
London’s live music scene sees international mega-stars and up-and-coming legends-in-the-making jostling for your attention. There’s essentially an incredible gig taking place somewhere in London every night! Here are our top picks of gigs you won’t want to miss this March.
🎤 Reneé Rapp (March 1/2): Eventim Apollo/Roundhouse – she may be the lead from the Mean Girls film reboot, but she’s also a talented singer-songwriter in her own right.
🎧 THE SMILE (March 10/23): Eventim Apollo/Alexandra Palace – rock supergroup comprising Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, and multi-project drummer Tom Skinner.
🎻 Laufey (March 13): Roundhouse – the jazz-adjacent vocal and instrumental talent returns to London for more, following three nights at EartH in February.
🎙️ Raye (March 15): The O2 – from writing and producing for Beyoncé, Little Mix, Rihanna, and more, Raye is now a superstar in her own right.
🎶 Tom Odell (March 15 & 16): Roundhouse – Odell is back to tickle the ivories and charm us all once more.
🎸 Pixies (March 16 – 18): O2 Kentish Town – the OG’s of indie rock touch down for three gigs in London ahead of headlining All Points East in August.
📻 Bleachers (March 19 & 20/27): O2 Forum Kentish Town/Pryzm – superstar producer Jack Antonoff’s band is bringing back the soul and sounds of Springsteen-esque rock music.
🤘 Judas Priest (March 21): OVO Arena Wembley – the legends of heavy metal take to the road to promote their 19th studio album from a 50-year career – ‘Invincible Shield’.
🎧 S. Carey (March 22): Grand Junction – Carey went from drumming for and supporting Bon Iver to creating his own lush landscapes of sound to get lost inside of.
🎙️ Black Pumas (March 24): Eventim Apollo – the psychedelic soul stylings from this Texan band has seen them win four Grammys (including Best New Artist) in just a handful of years.
🎶 Liam Gallagher (March 25/26): O2 Forum Kentish Town/Troxy – the other half of Oasis performing in London in the same month as his brother? Could it mean anything?!
🎤 Sky Ferreira (March 26): KOKO – the American singer-songwriter, model, and actor brings her recent indie-tinged tracks to the KOKO stage.
🎸 The Jesus and Mary Chain (March 29 & 30): Roundhouse – the legendary Scottish shoegazing alt-rockers will perform at the Roundhouse in support of their eighth album, ‘Glasgow Eyes’.
24. Get excited for festival season
Festival season may be a few months off, yet, but we’re already raring to go. Fortunately, London is playing host to a few mini-festivals (and a proper contender) this March that will give us a taste of what to expect later on this year. Check these out:
🎵 Classical Vauxhall (February 29 – March 3): over in Vauxhall, a mini classical music festival will see various venues in the area getting in on the action with world-class musicians and performers in breathtaking venues. Find out more here.
🎶 South Asian Sounds (March 7 – 10): the Southbank Centre is hosting a series of special performances and gigs celebrating the “rich and varied musical traditions of the wider Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Afghan diaspora”. Performances will range from bhangra to jazz, hip-hop, club music, and beyond. Find out more here.
🎵 Country To Country (March 8 – 10): Country To Country is on a whole ‘nother level compared to the above two entrants. It’s Europe’s biggest country music festival and takes over the entire O2 with a weekend of hollering, yodelling, and barn-yard-dancing revelry. This year country legend Brad Paisley is headlining, and none other than Walmart Yodelling Kid himself, Mason Ramsey, will be there to boot! Find out more here.
25. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
Who doesn’t love a good St Patrick’s Day celebration? It’s always a jovial good time, with Guinness a-plenty, whiskey galore, and green bunting as far as the eye can see. Check out some of these ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day:
🥃 Head down to Soho’s Dram bar, where they’re partnering up with Guinness and Bar 1661 for an authentically Irish St. Patrick’s celebration. Expect a delicious menu of bespoke cocktails for one night only. Book your spot here.
🍺 Speaking of Guinness – is there a better way to celebrate the day than sipping on pints of one of the black stuff? For perfect pours of one of Ireland’s most beloved exports, head to The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington, or Soho’s The Devonshire. You’ll be mesmerised by the skill with which they pour their pints!
🏃♀️ If you want to earn your St Paddy’s Day celebrations, head to Hyde Park at 3pm on March 16 to join the London St Patrick’s Day Run. They’ll be running a 5k loop within the park before heading to the nearby Horse and Groom pub to watch the Ireland Six Nations match. Oh, and the first Guinness is included in your ticket price! Grab a ticket here.
🍺 Head to London’s newest authentic Irish pub, Nancy Spains – which opens just in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. They’ll be commemorating their opening by serving 2,500 pints of Murphy’s stout (another Irish favourite) for just £2.50 a pint on Saturday, March 16. And then on St Patrick’s Day proper they’ll have an Irish Trad Session for punters to enjoy.
🥩 Heliot Steak House invites guests to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a steak and a pint of the black stuff. Head on down to enjoy their Tomahawk steak, and net yourself a free pint of Guinness if you’re wearing something green!
🤤 Eat your Guinness instead of sipping it at Pastaio, where they’ll be serving up a deliciously indulgent Guinness Tiramisu for one day only – on St Patrick’s Day.
🍔 Wrap your mouth around a burger with Irish flair thanks to the return of Patty & Bun’s ‘Patty O’ Bun’. Featuring two aged Irish beef patties, Irish Cashel blue cheese, Guinness onions, and Patty & Bun’s signature bacon mayo, it’s a burger worthy of celebration, and worth celebrating. Find it at all 10 Patt & Bun locations throughout March.
🍗 Head over to Broadway Market where Emerald Eats is dishing up authentic Irish street food – including chicken fillet rolls, spice bags, and curry chips.
26. Explore the marvel of the brain
A free new exhibition opens at the Francis Crick Institute on March 2, which highlights the Crick’s “pioneering work in neuroscience”. ‘HELLO BRAIN!‘ will dive into the most complex and yet also least understood part of our body. Exploring themes that range from sleep to pregnancy, old age, and beyond, key questions will be asked: “What makes us unique, and what makes us human? How does our brain change throughout our life? Do we all perceive reality in the same way?”
Read more about the exhibition here.
27. Take in some culture at these London exhibitions
The weather’s not quite warm enough to spend every day at the park (yet) so take the chance to admire some art at these London exhibitions this March. There’s everything to see – from photography to sculpture and classic world-renowned artworks.
EXHIBITIONS OPENING IN MARCH
🩵 David Bowie: A London Day (March 1 – 20): Fitzrovia Chapel – a free exhibition of Bowie portraits.
🩷 Women on The Frontlines (March 2 – 31): Buckle Street Studios – ” a celebration of the unsung heroines of the pandemic” with portraits of 10 of the brave women who went to work in essential industries during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
💜 Omar El Lahib (March 6 – April 10): Saatchi Yates – Omar’s second solo show at Saatchi Yates brings to viewers a mystical half-real/half-fantastical world where sunflowers run amok and darkness seems ever-present.
🧡 Women by Women (March 7 – 10): gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf – a free photography exhibition that aims to shatter stereotypes and preconceptions by celebrating inspiring refugee women from around the world.
💚 International Body Of Art: In Search Of Some Phantom (March 23 – 27): The Crypt Gallery – featuring 21 global artists, the exhibition explores the concept of ‘time’ through personal, political, and spiritual contemplations. Paying homage to cultural narratives that challenge the conventional Western understanding of linear time.
🩵 Florent Stosskopf: The Mocking Bird (March 7 – April 13): BEERS London – Stosskopf’s second solo exhibition at BEERS presents wild, domesticated, free, and caged birds in a variety of settings rooted equally in reality and fantasy.
💛 Bright Lights, Big City (March 7 -May 25): Iconic Images Gallery Piccadilly – an exhibition of photographs from 15 legendary photographers that span from 1950’s Chicago to modern-day LA, with never-before-seen pieces.
❤️ Dementia UK pop-up exhibition (March 11 – 17): Paternoster Square – an exhibition of children’s artwork showing the emotional impacts of the condition on the wider family.
💚 Constellations, Part 1: Figures On Earth & Beyond (March 14 – May 25): Gallery 1957 – an internationally collaborative group exhibition of artworks from artists based in London and Accra, Ghana.
💛 Albert Oehlen: New Paintings (March 21 – May 11): Gagosian – using consciously amateurish and “bad” techniques, Oehlen covers his canvases in a variety of forms and textures that fuse abstract, improvised imagery with repetition and regular, controlled composition.
💙 Art Without Heroes: Mingei (March 23 – September 22): William Morris Gallery – the largest-ever exhibition in the UK dedicated to the Japanese folk-craft movement of Mingei, spanning its start in the 1920’s through its evolution to modern-day examples.
🩷 Charlotte Mei: Like A Melody: Myths, Memories and Fantasy (March 29 – June 2): NOW Gallery – an immersive, otherworldy exhibition of “paintings, giant figurines and sculptures of ancient artefacts from a parallel universe”.
EXHIBITIONS CLOSING IN MARCH
❤️ Fed Lies (ends March 2): M. Kardana – an exhibition of works by emerging artists that seeks to challenge misconceptions around causes of Food Insecurity in the UK.
💜 Cruise Control (end March 2): Jealous East – a pair of artists with a joint passion for vehicles come together to form this display of innovative screen-printing designs.
🧡 Liam Alvy: Feast of the Great Lakes (ends March 2): BEERS London – paintings in Alvy’s typically quirky style, inspired by “long walks in nature with his dog, in a wooded area near the lakes around his home in Yorkshire.”
💜 New Light Art Prize Exhibition (ends March 3): Bankside Gallery – this celebration of Northern talent features works from 121 artists who were shortlisted as the finalists in the competition, as well as the five winners.
🩵 Journey of the Mind (ends March 3): Cromwell Place – a travelling exhibition of multiple art forms that attempt to inspire an interrogation of our own mental health and minds through Sikh teachings.
💚 Supernatural (ends March 9): Maddox Gallery – a group exhibition of ten artists whose works explore “the beauty of life and power of one’s imagination”.
For more recommendations, check out our roundup of Awesome Art Exhibitions To See In London Right Now
28. Get some art on your walls
Have you got some bare walls in your home that need covering up? Or perhaps you’re tired of the tattered Pulp Fiction poster? Sure, it saw you through college, but now it seems a bit blase, doesn’t it? Head to one of these London art fairs for some inspiration, and to pick up some new pieces!
🖼️ London Original Print Fair (March 21 – 24): Somerset House – London’s longest-running art fair has something for everyone, with works spanning five centuries of art history. Prints include those from the world’s greatest masters all the way up to the latest pieces by rising talent.
🎨 The Other Art Fair (March 7 – 10): The Truman Brewery – affordable art and unforgettable experiences are at the root of The Other Art Fair, where guests can browse works from predominantly independent artists. March’s iteration celebrates International Women’s Day with a 69% female-identifying line-up, female-focused features and events, and an art fair debut from the Eat London Strippers Collective. Find out more here.
29. Grab some flowers (it’s spring now!)
Yup, March means it’s officially springtime – so it’s time to grab some blooms and fill your house with them! There’s nothing better than some bright, colourful, sweet-smelling delights to reinvigorate us after this long, gloomy winter. And London is full of places to buy them, from flower markets to florists, nurseries and garden centres, and more.
30. Cheer on your country at the last of the Six Nations fixtures (finishes March 16)
The Six Nations really gets going as it nears its final fixtures in the middle of March. With Ireland currently holding the championship after a victory in 2023, it’s all to play for in 2024. Will England emerge victorious? Only time will tell…
For the best viewing experiences head to these venues to catch all the Six Nations action.
31. Attend a raucous Priscilla-themed musical theatre party experience (opens March 25)
Fancy a truly over-the-top night out with dancing, musical theatre numbers, ornate costumes and headdresses, and partying vibes a-plenty? Then check out Priscialla The Party! which arrives at London’s Outernet on March 25. The immersive experience treats guests to a stunning night out that blends theatre with partying that they won’t soon forget!
Read all about it here.
32. Catch a show on the West End
Broadway may pretend that they’re the home of live entertainment, but we know that nothing beats a play on the West End. And no, we’re not biased – it’s just the truth! To prove our point, why not go check out these West End productions this March?
NEW OPENINGS
🚨 Police Cops: The Musical (March 1 – April 20): Southwark Playhouse Elephant – an “all singing, all dancing, all guns blazing” musical with two 1980’s cops looking to take down “the baddest cat in America”.
💙 Blue (March 5 – 30): Seven Dials Playhouse – the Edinburgh Fringe hit play examines the manipulations of power in the police forces in the UK and US.
🕺 MJ The Musical (Opens March 6): Prince Edward Theatre – this new musical comes to London straight from Broadway with a look into the lesser-known aspects of the King of Pop’s life.
🌟 Opening Night (March 6 – July 27): Gielgud Theatre – a new musical based on John Cassavetes’ 1977 film of the same name where an actor is haunted by a deceased fan, with songs by Rufus Wainwright and starring Sheridan Smith.
👿 Harry Clarke (March 9 – May 11): Ambassadors Theatre – dive into one man’s double life in this show that has drawn comparisons to Saltburn, Talented Mr. Ripley, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
🤕 Faith Healer (March 14 – April 13): Lyric Hammersmith – The Fantastic Frank Hardy travels through remote villages promising miraculous cures and healing, but is everything as it seems?
🪄 Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle (March 14 – April 28): Apollo Theatre – a ‘two-man solo show’ from the creators of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ that sees a mind-reading show spiralling into chaos.
⚽ Red Pitch (March 15 – May 4): Soho Place – three young black teenagers in South London who dream of football stardom and have a chance at making their dreams come true grapple with their community changing around them.
💔 Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon (March 17 – April 28): Garrick Theatre – a teenage misfit’s coming-of-age story as she navigates adolescence in the wake of her sister’s untimely death.
🌙 Long Day’s Journey Into Night (March 19 – June 8): Wyndham’s Theatre – Succession’s Brian Cox returns to the West End for this posthumously-published Eugene O’Neill tragedy about tangled and complicated family dynamics and relationships.
💭 The Dream of a Ridiculous Man (March 21 – April 20): Marylebone Theatre – a man dreams of a utopian future where humans live in harmony and is determined to tell the world of its possibility.
🎭 The Divine Mrs S (March 22 – April 27): Hampstead Theatre – the backstage conversations, antics, hijinks, and absurdly comic happenings surrounding the actress Mrs Sarah Siddons, the world’s first female celebrity.
CLOSING SOON
💊 This Might Not Be It (ends March 2): Bush Theatre – the human reality of the NHS’ crumbling mental health services.
💞 Before After (ends March 2): Southwark Playhouse Borough – a broken-up couple reunites, but one doesn’t remember the other…
💪 The Little Big Things (ends March 2): Soho Place – Henry Fraser’s autobiographical story of resilience and courage comes to life onstage in this musical.
🐸 The Frogs (ends March 2): Kiln Theatre – a physical comedy ensemble attempt to put on a classic Greek comedy.
🎪 Cirque du Soleil – Alegria (ends March 3): Royal Albert Hall – a classic story of the struggle between tradition and the youth that challenge the status quo, but, you know, in Cirque du Soleil fashion.
🙅♂️ The Unfriend (ends March 9): Wyndham’s Theatre – Lee Mack helms Steven Moffat’s debut play about new friends with dark secrets.
🏫 We’ll Have Nun Of It (ends March 10): The Other Palace – Studio – four friends navigate a shifting landscape of sexuality and religion whilst attending St Anne’s Convent School in 1967.
👨👩👧👦 Hir (ends March 16): Park Theatre – a soldier returns from war to a family whose dynamic has been upended by a reversal of gender roles and expectations.
💀 The Motive and the Cue (ends March 23): Noël Coward Theatre – based on the real events surrounding famed stage and screen icon Richard Burton as he rehearses for the role of a lifetime: Hamlet.
💰 The Merchant of Venice 1936 (ends March 23): Criterion Theatre – the Shakespearean play is transported to east London in the 1930s.
💖 Shifters (ends March 30): Bush Theatre – memory and love intertwine, shift, break apart, and build back together as two young adults grapple with their pasts.
🎸 Just For One Day (ends March 30): Old Vic – the iconic Live Aid concert gets the West End musical treatment, featuring “iconic tracks from music legends like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Queen, Status Quo, Diana Ross, Bryan Adams, and more”.
👑 Macbeth (ends March 30): Dock X London – a new touring staging of the Shakespearean tragedy, helmed by Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma, sees the performances taking place in vast warehouses.
Need even more West End shows to delight you? Check out our guides to the best West End shows and musicals to catch.
33. Celebrate young theatre-makers and emerging talent (March 25-28)
The Evolution Festival returns to the Lyric Theatre this March for its eighth year celebrating up-and-coming talent in the theatre world. This year’s events include an exciting new play, Haemosporidian [He·mo·spo·rid·ian], re-imaginings of classic theatre pieces, film screenings, and more.
Find out more, and see what else is on at the Lyric Theatre, here.
34. Try a stunning new Sunday roast
Now, if you’re anything like me you’ve already got strong opinions on where to find the best Sunday roast in London. But that doesn’t stop you from trying new ones when they look good, does it? And London’s newest Sunday roast looks like a banger indeed. The Wolseley City is a cafe/bar/restaurant (aka the perfect place to hang out all day long) and they’ve just unveiled their mouth-watering entry into London’s Sunday lunch canon. With three classic roasts to choose from (Roast Corn-Fed Chicken, Roast Sirloin of Herefordshire Beef, and Roast Celeriac) and a table full of roast potatoes and honey-roasted root vegetables, it’s the ultimate way to stuff yourself silly. (Our only complaint – why does the Yorkshire pudding only come with the beef? Give us our Yorkshire puddings!)
And if the food doesn’t have you snapping your fingers and tapping your feet with glee – the live jazz every Sunday from 12-4pm sure will!
Book your spot to try out London’s newest Sunday Roast here.
35. Or check out London’s newest openings
It seems like every day a new restaurant or bar opens in London. There are so many new openings that sometimes it’s impossible to keep track of them all! Luckily for you, that’s basically our job. Here’s a rundown of all the new restaurants to try this March. One of them may just turn out to be a new favourite…
🍷 Josephine (Chelsea) – a new French bistro inspired by Lyon’s bouchon restaurants, from Michelin-starred Claude Bosi and partner Lucy Bosi. They’ll be serving up French classics and Bouchon-style metre wine. Opens on March 2.
🍲 Cinnamon Bazaar Richmond – inspired by the traditional Indian bazaars, and their vibrant energy, Vivek Singh’s newest opening will feature punchy flavours, delicious drinks, and even a roaming chaat trolley. Opens on March 5.
🍹 Fino (Bishopsgate) – while the restaurant Fino is housed within, Fazenda, has been open for a while, the ground-floor cocktail bar will only officially launch in March. Expect “a touch of cosmopolitan Buenos Aires and São Paulo” thanks to the South-American-inspired cocktails.
🍸 Three Sheets (Soho) – the acclaimed Dalston cocktail bar is expanding to a second site in Soho where they’ll serve a mix of Three Sheets classics and new concoctions. You’ll just have to visit both of them! They’ll also be serving food from ex-Lyle’s chef and butcher William Blank. Opens in March.
🏠 The Cocochine (Mayfair) – ex Pétrus chef Larry Jayasekara will open his first solo venture with a restaurant that is spread across four floors of a mews house. It takes the idea of a ‘homely’ feeling restaurant to a whole new level. Opens in March.
🍝 Carmel (Fitzrovia) – a second Carmel is coming to London, with a focus on the flavours of the eastern Mediterranean and left-of-field pasta dishes. Oh, and plenty of delicious wine – naturally! Opens in March.
Find even more new openings to try out here.
36. Enjoy a 4-day Easter weekend
Regardless of whether or not you even celebrate Easter – it’s always lovely to get a few days off work! Whether you’ve got to keep the kids entertained, or just want some suggestions for spending the extra days off work, we’ve got you covered.
🤩 Keep the kids entertained with our guide to Fun Things To Do With Kids In London.
🍽️ Keep everyone fed with our round-up of family-friendly restaurants that don’t skimp on taste!
🔍 See if you can find all of the giant artist-designed Easter eggs hidden around Chelsea.
🐰 Head to Royal Wharf Park’s Riverscape Easter Extravaganza, where easter egg-decorating, easter egg-hunting, and a pop-up mini animal farm await!
😋 Treat the whole family to a bottomless Easter buffet at InterContinental London Park Lane – and be sure to upgrade to the unlimited Prosecco or Bloody Mary if the kids get too loud!
37. Watch some people row really fast (March 30)
The annual Boat Race returns in March, treating us to some seriously speedy sculling along the Thames. Cambridge University will once again take on Oxford along the 4.25 mile route between Putney and Mortlake. This year’s event will mark the 78th Women’s Boat Race and the 169th Men’s Boat Race.
Find out more about the history, and how you can watch it all play out, at their website.
38. Turn your kids into sushi-rolling experts
On March 30, Stick’n’Sushi will launch the Kids’n’Sushi masterclasses at its Shoreditch Restaurant. It’s the perfect educational (and delicious) answer to a special birthday party or celebration. Mini budding chefs will be able to join sushi experts to learn a new foodie skill. Afterwards, they get to enjoy the delicious fruits sushi rolls of their labour! Participants will even get a goody bag to take home with a certificate, bandana, sushi rolling mat, and more.
Find out more here (it’s also available at many other Sticks’n’Sushi sites).
39. Welcome the glorious arrival of British Summer Time (March 31)
February saw the first 5pm sunset of the year as the days slowly (soooo slowly) started to get longer. March then sees London’s first 6pm sunset of the year, on the 12th of the month. But that all changes on March 31. That’s when British Summer Time kicks in and it all starts to feel rather sunny and wonderful. Thanks to the clock’s changing, the sun will set after 7:30 on the final day of March. That means it’s basically summer – right?!
40. Catch these beloved London food pop-ups before they’re gone
It’s not all good news in March, with two of London’s most beloved food pop-ups set to decamp from their foodie spots at the end of March. Ling Ling’s has spent well over a year serving up their tongue-tinglingly delicious fare at East London pub, The Gun. At the moment there is no word as to where they’ll go next, so be sure to rush down for what might be your last chance to try their food in a while! (I’m dearly going to miss those Salt and Pepper Potatoes and the vibration-inducing Sichuan Spiced Chicken Wings.)
Ruben’s Reubens will also be leaving (AGAIN) at the end of March, this time vacating their Brixton Market site. If you want to try some of London’s smokiest meats, and delectable Reuben sandwiches, then act fast! However, given they’ve already had their pop-up extended two or three times, we’ve got our fingers crossed that they’ll be around for a bit longer!
📍 Ling Lings At The Gun, 235 Well Street, Homerton, E9 6RG. Nearest station is Homerton.
📍 Ruben’s Reubens, No. 10 Brixton Market Row, 408 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF. Nearest station is Brixton.
And keep exploring this fantastic city
It’s impossible to cover every single thing that this city has to offer – though we do try our darndest. Here are a few more that we think are worth shouting about before we leave you!
😋 The Southbank Centre’s Delicious Riverside Food Market Has Reopened
🌳 This Enchanting Treehouse Near Oxford Is The Ultimate Glamping Getaway
🐶 A Bluey-Inspired Trail Is Coming To Kew Gardens This Spring (For Real Life)
🎤 You Can Now Go On A Taylor Swift ‘London Boy’ Inspired Walking Tour In London
✈️ Sip Champagne Aboard A Concorde At This Must-Visit Museum In Surrey
💪 The Gymnasium Turned Restaurant That Hosted London’s First Indoor Olympic Games 150 Years Ago
🍚 Britain’s First Ever Rice Pudding Bar Has Opened In Greenwich
🥃 This Hidden 1930’s Havana-Style Bar Is A Haven For Rum Lovers
🍕 The New York-Style Pizzeria We’re Not Supposed To Tell You About
😲 Europe’s Biggest Swing Is Less Than An Hour Away From London
🌈 A Series Of Enormous Glowing, Rainbow-Coloured Archways Have Landed In London
📚 A Brand New Literary Festival Is Coming To North London In March
🎸 Iconic Guitar Brand Gibson Have Opened An All-New Shopping Experience In London
🐈⬛ Soho’s Jazz-Loving Cat Has Opened Its Own Jazz Club
🍻 Tap On The Line: The Picture-Perfect Pub Perched On A London Underground Platform
☕ Crepes+Coffee: This Floating Café Is Selling Crepes From A Barge On The Grand Union Canal
🍷 Plume: The Covent Garden Wine Bar Inside Charles Dickens’ Former Publishing House
🍝 This Luxe New Italian Brunch Serves Up Bottomless Pizza, Pasta, And Aperol Spritz
More things to do inspiration…
😁 200 fab and FREE things to do in London
🚶♀️ 53 Things To Do In London You Need To Try Before You Die