There are lots of events around Kissimmee and Orlando in March 2024, it’s a great month to visit. Especially if you love food and festivals. Music Festivals, Strawberry Festivals, Flower, Food and Wine Festivals and nonstop Mardi Gras celebrations continue all around Central Florida in March.

If you’re looking for something low-key, there are lots of ways to enjoy a relaxing day. Or if you want more excitement, we have you covered with thrill rides and adrenaline-pumping activities.

What’s the Weather in Orlando in March?

It’s pretty much great the whole month. Blue skies, little rain and lots of sunshine filled days. Temperatures in Orlando in March bring an average high of 78F and an average low of 55F. As for wardrobe planning, it’s generally summer wear during the day, with a light sweater on hand for occasional cooler nights.

What Are the Crowds Like in March in Orlando?

The first week of March is generally manageable, then the Spring Break crowds start to drift in and it will get busier fromthe middle two weeks, then Easter week hits in the last month of March.

There are plenty of festivals at the parks too, which also attract locals, making weekends busier. Visit the parks mid-week if your timescale allows, but it’s still manageable if you can’t.

BBQ Festivals

The winter months are very popular for BBQ festivals, and February is a big month for an array of tasty days in Central Florida.

• Planes, Tunes & BBQ – Tavares – March 1st/2nd 2024
• Pigapalooza – Mullbury – March 8th/9th 2024
• Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival – Tampa – March 9th 2024
• Shamrockin’ Fest – Leesburg – March 15th/16th 2024

See full details in our Central Florida BBQ Guide

Cape Canaveral Rocket Launches

There’s always something happening over on Space Coast, just a quick and easy drive from the Orlando vacation zones. Whether you want to visit Kennedy Space Centre, have lunch with an astronaut or experience the thrill of a rocket launch, check out the Kennedy Space Center Event Calendar to see what’s happening in March.

March Rocket Launches:

• ULA Atlas V Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Test
  When: Date not yet set, check calendar for updates
  Where: Space Launch Complex 41 • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station – More Info

Manatee Viewing in March

Did you know, the cooler winter months is the best time to see manatees in Florida? They love the warmth of the natural Florida springs. Between November and March is the perfect time to spot these gentle creatures. Check out our Manatee viewing guide for the best places to see them near Orlando.

Busch Gardens Mardi Gras

Enjoy the last few days of Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay. The event finishes March 5th 2024.

The last weekend of the festival features New Orleans inspired entertainment and strolling performers throwing out festival beads. And it wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without delicious food – sample some signature shrimp po’ boy, hearty jambalaya or gumbo. Or munch on iconic sweet treats like beignets.

Food and beverage samplers are available at $34.99 for 5 samples, or $44.99 for 10 samples.

When: Select dates January 14th to March 5th 2024
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Web: Mardi Gras at Busch Gardens

Orlando in March: Mardi Gras at Universal

Join the biggest party in Florida for family fun, live music and delicious food. Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnival runs daily from February 3rd to April 7th 2024.

Treat your taste buds to a global food fest and sample over 70 items from all around the world.

A Big Easy bash in the streets brings brass band musicians, dancers and performers in celebration costumes.

And, of course, the fabulous Mardi Gras Parade is held on select dates with fabulous floats and countless beads.

Mardi Gras Tribute Store stocked with brand new merchandise will be open throughout the festival.

You can upgrade your experience too, with a Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. Toss beads from a Mardi Gras float during the event’s dazzling parade and enjoy a 3-course meal at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, NBC Sports Grill and Brew, Finnegan’s Bar and Grill or Lombard’s Seafood Grille. The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage for $64.99 plus tax, per person, and a Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation on the same day. Call 407-224-7554 to book.

No extra ticket required, all Mardi Gras events are included in your regular ticket.

When: February 3rd to April 7th 2024
Where: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Web: Mardi Gras

Orlando in March: Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Epcot is bursting with colorful blooms throughout March in Orlando. Floating gardens, incredible topiaries, horticultural displays and tastebud temptations. Plus, the Garden Rocks Concert Series returns with a line up of headline acts.

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is pretty awesome!

This is one of our favorite events in Orlando in March, don’t miss out!

When: Daily from February 28th – May 27th 2024
Where: Epcot, Walt Disney World
Web: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

SeaWorld Seven Seas Festival

The SeaWorld Seven Seas Festival is on weekends from February 2nd to May 19th 2024.

Take your taste buds on a culinary world tour. Food booths will be offering Asian, Latin, European, Polynesian and North Atlantic dishes as well as craft beers, wines and specialty cocktails.

There’s live entertainment every weekend with music from country, pop, rock and Latin artists at Bayside Stadium.

So what’s the cost for the Festival? Zero extra. The event is included in the regular SeaWorld admittance ticket.

When: Select Dates – February 2nd – May 19th 2024
Where: SeaWorld, 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Web: SeaWorld SevenSeas Festival

SeaWorld St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at SeaWorld Orlando with tasty food, seasonal cocktails and live music as part of the Seven Seas Food Festival

When: March 7 – 10 & 14 – 17 2024
Where: SeaWorld Orlando
Web: SeaWorld Events

Sunset Walk Entertainment

The Promenade at Sunset Walk is one of our favorite hang-outs and is almost on your doorstep if you are staying in one of our vacation homes.

Located just off the US-192 at Margaritaville Orlando Resort, there’s a wide range of great eateries, a selection of stores, an escape game, movie theater, game center, sling shot and lots of live entertainment. Plus, weekly car & truck shows, artisan markets and regular events.

There’s ample free parking and free entry for everyone.

Regular Events at Sunset Walk:

(Times are subject to change, please check the Sunset Walk events page for the latest info)

• Show Car Saturday Nights – 4-8pm
  Every Saturday, vintage cars from 1987 or earlier line up to share the love for these classic beauties. There’s a live DJ and party atmosphere too, followed by live music.
• The Market at The Promenade at Sunset Walk – Saturdays – from 6pm featuring local Craft and Specialty Vendors from across Central Florida.
• Sunday Car & Truck Show – March 10th 2024 – 11am to 2pm – Classic cars and trucks collectors from all eras showcase their vehicles. DJ Don pumps out classic rock music.
• Sunset Live – Tuesday through Sunday – Head to Promenade Plaza Stage for regional and local bands and artists – times vary – check calendar of events.
• Promenade Plaza Thursdays – from 6pm – Featuring the best art and décor vendors from across Central Florida, plus live music.
• Fired-Up Fridays – from 5pm – Car & Truck Show with all makes and models, plus live DJ and live bands
• St Patrick’s Day Street Party Celebration – celebrate all things Irish with live music, street performers, lucky leprechauns, food and green beverage specials, and more. Nonstop music beginning at 2 PM with DJ K1X, DJ Scotty B., and Def Lepprechaun live in concert

Where: The Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL 34747
Web: Sunset Walk Events

Music On The Bay (MOTB)

If you like a rustic all-adult hang-out with live music, you’re in for another treat over in Tampa.

This top notch annual music “Trop-Rock” festival is strictly for adults over 21 years of age.

See the website below for the full concert line up. 

Shriner’s Hospitals for Children will benefit from all the charitable contributions. 

When: February 28th – March 3rd 2024
Where: Whiskey Joe’s Barefoot Beach Bar 7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa
Web: Music On The Bay

Florida Strawberry Festival

Not only does the Florida Strawberry Festival celebrate anything and everything strawberries, the concert line up includes some of the best Country acts of all times.

Top up on sweet treats and strawberry shortcake, enjoy free and premium headline entertainment, find unique crafts at the Neighborhood Village, hop on over 80 rides at the fairground and enter fun contests.

The whole event is very family friendly and there’s something for all ages.

When: February 29th – March 10th 2024
Where: 303 N Lemon St, Plant City, FL 33563
Web: Florida Strawberry Festival

Orlando in March: Central Florida Fair

Orlando in March brings one of the States’ favorite fairs. Founded way back in 1910, the Central Florida Fair is so popular it attracts an average of 250,000 visitors each year. There’s a ton of entertainment for all ages.

It’s no surprise that this fair is one of the top 5 in Florida. Its’ aim is to celebrate the agriculture, education, history and cultural legacy of Central Florida.

• Watch creative arts such as food, baked or canned, decorated cakes and informative, fun demonstrations by top chefs in the stage kitchen.
• Flowers, gardening, water conservation, landscaping, animals, veterinary hints and tips are all part of shared educational expertise.
• Livestock on display amount to more than 2,000 animals
• 100 groups provide music and dancing on 3 separate stages.

When: February 29th – March 10th 2024
Where: Central Florida Fair, 4603 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
Web: Central Florida Fair

Floral City Strawberry Fest

If you didn’t get your fill at Florida Strawberry Festival, here’s another event celebrating the sweet existence of strawberries. Floral City is just over 60 miles away from the vacation home area of Orlando/Kissimmee.

Children’s activities, a rock climbing wall, pony rides, entertainment and games will keep the youngsters happy. Leaving adults to admire the arts and crafts, antique car show and live music.

If you aren’t watching your weight, there’s also a strawberry pie eating contest.

And no self respecting strawberry festival would be complete without a ton of strawberries and endless strawberry shortcake. There’s a Miss Strawberry Pageant too.

Admission is $5 per adult and children under 12 are free.

When: March 2nd & 2rd 2024
Where: 9530 S Parkside Ave, Floral City, FL 34436
Web: Strawberry Fest

Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival 2024

If you’re in Orlando in March and planning on a trip to Tampa, make sure you make time for Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival.

Food Cabins will tantalize your taste buds with food items. Plus there are over 100 fine wines, craft brews and featured cocktails.

Live Concerts each weekend are also included, all included with your entry ticket.

When: Weekends March 9th to May 19th 2024
Where: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Web: Busch Gardens 

Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival

If you’re looking to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, head to Ragland Road at Disney Springs. Live entertainment, traditional food, gift competitions, loads of giveaways and endless fun for all the family.

Live music from award-winning imported Irish bands and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will be on all week, in the lead-up to the Mighty weekend celebrations.

Capacity is limited so get there early. There’s a $10 cover charge and it’s a first come, first serve basis.

When: 2024 info not yet released
Where: Raglan Road Disney Springs
Web: Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival

Dine With The Departed

Head to Historic Rose Hill Cemetery for a twilight dinner and auction with some of Kissimmee’s departed graveyard residents. After dinner, you’ll be taken on a lantern-lit tour of the cemetery.

Dine with the Departed has been cancelled since 2020, but there is a smaller event awaiting announcement.

When: March 9th 2024
Web: Dine With The Departed

Battle at Narcoossee

Take a historical journey back in time with the family to watch an authentic re-enactment of a Civil War battle. See how the soldiers’ camped and watch the cavalry in action. It’s educational, fun for all the family and makes a day out with a difference.

The 3 day event features an Education Day giving you a glimpse into life in the 1800s. Stroll “Sutler Row” featuring over 20 sutlers, vendors and historical displays. You can sample delicious BBQ and snacks too from vendors.

When: Education Day: March 22nd – Battle Day – March 23rd/March 24th 2024
Where: Ralph V. Chisholm Park, Narcoossee, St Cloud, FL
Web: Battle at Narcoossee Mill

If you’ve got this far and still have some singing and dancing left in you, don’t worry, April is just around the corner.

And guess what. It’s every bit as good as March. Hope to see you soon.