Events In London March 2026

Top Dates, Free Festivals & Big Nights

Planning a trip and looking for events in London in March 2026? This guide helps you plan your dates easily, without the stress of missing out. Start by choosing when you’re visiting, then select your top three must-see events.

Next, match your plans to the best area to stay so you spend more time exploring and less time commuting. I highlight key events and include booking shortcuts for major sporting fixtures, headline concerts, and popular shows. You’ll find the biggest highlights at the top, followed by quick categories you can scan.

Last updated: 1st February 2026

St. Patrick's festival and blossom season in London during March.St. Patrick's + Blossom Season | Top London Events March 2026

London Events In March Index

Disclaimer: Event details can change, so it’s worth double-checking the official venue or organiser page before you head out. We update this page as regularly as possible.


March 2026 Events at-a-glance

International Women's Day

  • Sunday 8th March 2026 • London-wide (major venues + community spaces) • Mostly free (some ticketed talks) • Best for: everyone, inspiring talks + exhibitions + pop-up events

St Patrick’s Festival (Mayor of London – Trafalgar Square)

  • Sunday 15th March 2026 • Trafalgar Square • Free • Best for: everyone, live stage + city buzz

BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival (40th edition)

  • Wednesday 18th to Sunday 29th March 2026 • BFI Southbank • ££ • Best for: film lovers, evenings out, festival atmosphere

London Book Fair (Olympia London)

  • Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th March 2026 • Olympia London • ££ (industry-focused) • Best for: publishing/media buzz, author & book culture

Head of the River Race (Rowing – Thames)

  • Saturday 28th March 2026 (12:15) • Mortlake → Putney • Free to watch • Best for: riverside atmosphere, sporty London, unique spectator event

Mother’s Day (UK / Mothering Sunday)

  • Sunday 15th March 2026 • Citywide • Mixed • Best for: special meals, shows, “treat day” plans

Clocks go forward (Daylight Saving / BST begins)

  • Sunday 29th March 2026 • Clocks forward 1 hour • Citywide • Best for: longer evenings + late walks after shows

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival

  • Saturday 7th February to Sunday 8th March 2026 • Kew Gardens • From £ (entry) • Best for: indoors, colour, photography

Explore further events in March in London 2026

Pick your week in 60 seconds

A quick way to plan your March 2026 London trip (in under a minute)

Step 1: Pick your trip vibe (choose one)

  • Want the biggest free crowd energy? 15 March (St Patrick’s Festival)
  • Fancy film-festival nights? 18 to 29 March (BFI Flare)
  • Here for book culture (and the industry scene)? 10 to 12 March (London Book Fair)
  • After riverside sports atmosphere? 28 March (Head of the River Race)

Step 2: Choose where to stay (based on what you care about most)

  • Walk everywhere + do West End nights: Covent Garden / Soho / South Bank
  • Quick, easy transport: King’s Cross / Paddington / London Bridge
  • Better value (still easy into Central): Stratford / Canary Wharf / Greenwich

Step 3: Book the stuff that disappears first

  • West End best seats, headline concerts, and big-match tickets.
St Patrick’s Day celebrations in London.St Patrick’s Day crowd in London waving Irish flags


current events in london in march

A variety of events and festivals take place throughout the city in March. From cultural celebrations, such as St. Patrick's Day, to large-scale exhibitions, there is something for everyone. You can also check out the various things to do in March.

St. Patrick's Day

If you are in London in mid-March, St. Patrick’s celebrations are worth catching. They usually land on the weekend closest to 17 March (even though it’s not a public holiday in England), and Trafalgar Square is the main hub. Expect free performances, plenty of Irish food and Guinness, and a big crowd in central London.

Event Date: Sunday 15th March 2026

Why go: Huge free festival atmosphere in central London

Cost range: Free to attend

Quick Tips Before You Go: 

  • Tube: Charing Cross / Leicester Square / Embankment
  • Best time: Early afternoon for the strongest buzz
  • Crowd tip: Arrive earlier than you think, as Trafalgar Square fills up fast

International Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually to mark the achievements of women. London hosts various events and activities to mark the occasion, including rallies, workshops, conferences, networking events, and performances.

Several other events for IWD:

  • International Women’s Day 2026 at Mercato Mayfair — Mon 2 Mar 2026
  • Give to Gain: 1LV Thrive Community event — Wed 4 Mar 2026
  • IWD 2026 at The Women’s Club (London Intercultural Centre) — Sun 8 Mar 2026
  • International Women’s Day Power Hack: Give to Gain — Mon 9 Mar 2026
  • Main Event Date: Sunday 8th March 2026

    • Why go: London is full of talks, panels, pop-ups, community events and themed programming across museums, venues and workplaces.

    Cost range: Free–££ (depends on venue/event)

    Quick Tips Before You Go:

    • Tube: South Kensington / Leicester Square / King’s Cross (varies by event)
    • Best time: Late afternoon into evening (most talks + screenings)
    • Crowd tip: Free tickets for popular talks go fast — book as soon as listings drop.

    Mother's Day

    Mother’s Day in the UK (Mothering Sunday) falls three weeks before Easter Sunday, so the date changes each year. If you’re celebrating in London, it’s a great excuse to plan something thoughtful, whether that’s a meal out, a treat, or a full day together.

    Mother’s Day in London offers plenty of ways to mark the occasion, from dining at excellent restaurants to booking a tour, visiting an exhibition, or ending the day with a theatre show.

    Event Date: Sunday 15th March 2026

    What to expect: Afternoon teas, West End matinees, special menus, and springy parks for a proper family day out.

    Cost range: Free–£££ (depends on what you book)

    Quick Tips Before You Go:

    • Tube: Covent Garden / Green Park / South Kensington (classic “easy day” areas)
    • Best time: Late morning (brunch) or mid-afternoon (tea / matinee)
    • Crowd tip: Restaurants + teas sell out earliest — reserve 1–2 weeks ahead.

    BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival (40th edition)

    A proper London festival pick: premieres, special screenings, and that “we’ve got plans every night” feeling—perfect if you want your trip to revolve around film.

    Date: Wednesday 18th to Sunday 29th March 2026

    Why go: One of London’s biggest film-festival atmospheres; premieres, special screenings, filmmaker Q&As and late-night buzz around the Southbank.

    Cost range: £–££ (tickets/packages vary)

    Quick Tips Before You Go:

    • Tube: Waterloo / Embankment (easy for BFI Southbank)
    • Best time: Evenings + weekends for the strongest “festival energy”
    • Crowd tip: Premieres and popular time slots go first — book early if you’re picky about seats.

    London Book Fair (Olympia London)

    This is industry-heavy, but it still creates a noticeable “book world” buzz around London—especially if you’re into publishing, authors, or book culture.

    Date: Tuesday 10th to Thursday 12th March 2026

    Why go: Massive publishing-industry event with talks, trends, author/programming spillover, and a real “London business buzz” around Olympia.

    Cost range: ££ (trade event — ticketed)

    Quick Tips Before You Go:

    • Tube/Overground: Kensington (Olympia)
    • Best time: Mid-morning (after entry rush)
    • Crowd tip: Pre-register and plan your sessions — the best talks fill quickly.

    Head of the River Race (Rowing – Thames)

    One of the coolest free spectator events on the Thames—great atmosphere along the river, and it feels very “London” in a not-touristy way.

    Date: Saturday 28th March 2026 (start time announced as 12:15)

    Why go: Proper London sporting atmosphere on the river — big crowds, rowing tradition, and great vantage points along the Thames.

    Cost range: Free to watch

    Quick Tips Before You Go:

    • Tube: Putney Bridge / Hammersmith (for easy riverside viewing)
    • Best time: Get there early to claim a good spot (then settle in)
    • Crowd tip: Choose your viewing point first, then grab food — riverside paths get packed.

    Clocks go forward (Daylight Saving / BST begins)

    Not a “festival,” but it genuinely changes the whole feel of London. Once the clocks go forward, the city suddenly feels more alive. You can do dinner after a show and still have daylight for a stroll, the streets stay busy later, and those evening views along the Thames or around the West End feel different. It is one of those small seasonal shifts that makes everything feel easier, brighter, and more spontaneous.

    Date: Sunday 29th March 2026 (clocks forward at 1:00 am)

    Why go: Not an “event”, but it quickly changes the feel of your trip. The evenings stay lighter for longer, and the whole city feels more spring-like.

    Cost range: Free

    Quick Tips Before You Go:

    • Best time: Saturday night planning (set your phone/watch and double-check morning bookings)
    • Crowd tip: If you’ve got an early tour/train on Sunday, build in extra buffer — people run late.

    Kew Gardens Orchid Festival

    Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival is a bright, tropical escape inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory, packed with colourful orchid displays and themed installations, perfect for winter-to-spring vibes and perfect photos.

    Date: Saturday 7th February to Sunday 8th March 2026

    Why go: A warm, colourful indoor escape. It is one of London’s best “wow” spring-photography experiences.

    Cost range: ££ (Kew entry + timed slot)

    Quick Tips Before You Go:

    • Tube/Overground: Kew Gardens
    • Best time: Weekday mornings for the calmest visit
    • Crowd tip: Book your timed slot early as weekends get busy fast, especially near the final days.
    Wembley Stadium London, empty seating bowl.Wembley Stadium interior before a big event

    Sports During March 2026

    March is a strong month for sport in London because the season is in full swing and the city starts to feel busier as spring approaches. You’ll usually find a good mix of football, rugby, and indoor sport, with plenty happening on weeknights.

    What you can typically expect in London in March:

    • Football (Premier League + cups): London’s biggest clubs often have fixtures throughout March, with a mix of league matches and cup ties.
    • Rugby (Six Nations atmosphere): Early March remains prime time for rugby fans, with busy pubs and matchday crowds adding to the atmosphere.
    • Indoor sport: While it can still be chilly, indoor venues often host basketball, darts, and other arena events, alongside one-off tournaments and exhibition games.

    If your goal is to catch one standout sporting moment, March is a reliable choice; there’s usually something during most weeks. Just keep in mind that exact schedules can change due to TV selections and cup progress.

    To make planning quicker, I’ve included a sports ticket widget below showing sporting events happening in March 2026. You can browse what’s on, compare dates, and click through to check availability and prices.

      What’s on in March by category

      In addition to the events mentioned above, we have categorised them to help you skim and create a plan without feeling overwhelmed.

      Start with the free museums and galleries, then lock in one bookable headline moment, an exhibition, West End show, concert, comedy night, or a match.

      Whenever you see a ticket widget, treat it as your shortcut: check real dates, prices, and availability in seconds, so you can grab the popular slots before they go.

      museums (mostly free)

      Perfect for a first day in London, especially if March brings rain or a windy afternoon. Bonus: lighter evenings mean you can pair a museum with a sunset walk afterwards.

      • British Museum (free)
      • National Gallery (free)
      • Tate Modern (free)
      • V&A (free)
      • Natural History Museum (free)
      • Science Museum (free)

      Want more options? Explore my guide to London’s best museums (by area + interests).

      Exhibitions (Limited-Time)

      March is one of the best months to catch exhibitions in London because the city is shifting into spring mode. From the launch of new shows to the final weeks of popular winter exhibitions, museums tend to roll out extra talks, late openings, and one-off events around major displays.

      • Samurai (British Museum, Bloomsbury) — Tuesday 3rd February to Monday 4th May 2026
      • Water Pantanal Fire (Science Museum, South Kensington) — Friday 6th February to Sunday 31st May 2026 (free)
      • Seeds of Exchange: Canton and London in the 1700s (Garden Museum, Lambeth) — Wednesday 11th February to Sunday 10th May 2026
      • Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting (National Portrait Gallery, West End) — Thursday 12th February to Monday 4th May 2026
      • Stubbs: Portrait of a Horse — The National Gallery — Thursday 12th March to Sunday 31st May 2026
      • Sufi life and art (free display) — British Museum — Monday 27th October 2025 to Sunday 26th July 2026

      Comedy (Best Nights)

      March is a great month for comedy shows in London. From big-name tour shows landing in the city, the West End is packed with one-night specials, and the comedy clubs run strong line-ups almost every night of the week.

      • Greg Davies: Full Fat Legend — Thursday 12th March 2026 | Eventim Apollo
      • Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities — Saturday 7th March 2026 | The London Palladium
      • Foil, Arms & Hog: Skittish — Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th March 2026 | The London Palladium
      • Teenage Cancer Trust presents: A Night of Comedy — Tuesday 24th March 2026 | Royal Albert Hall
      • Victor Patrascan: Stand Up Comedy in Broken English — Monday 16th March 2026 | The Comedy Store London

      Concerts & Live Music

      March is one of those months with a plethora of fantastic concerts and live music in London. From touring artists back in full swing, to arenas and iconic halls packed with headline nights.

      • C2C: Country to Country 2026 — Friday 13th to Sunday 15th March 2026 | The O2
      • Nightmares On Wax — Thursday 12th March 2026 | Royal Albert Hall
      • Elbow (Teenage Cancer Trust week) — Monday 23rd March 2026 | Royal Albert Hall
      • Mogwai (Teenage Cancer Trust week) — Wednesday 25th March 2026 | Royal Albert Hall
      • Garbage + special guests Placebo (Teenage Cancer Trust week) — Saturday 28th March 2026 | Royal Albert Hall
        National Gallery London entrance with visitors.National Gallery entrance queue, Trafalgar Square London

        Theatre, musicals & live entertainment

        During March the West End is in full season with long-running classics, including plenty of limited-run shows if you want something a bit different.

        Popular long-running picks:

        Booking tip: Midweek is usually easier (and often better value) than Fri/Sat.

          Practical planning so your trip runs smoothly

          Where to stay:

          • First-timers: Covent Garden, Soho, South Bank
          • Best connections: King’s Cross/St Pancras, Paddington, London Bridge
          • Better value: Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Stratford (fast links into Central)

          Contactless/Oyster is easiest: Tube for speed, buses for sightseeing.

          March tip: March can swing from crisp to mild—pack layers, a light waterproof, and comfy shoes (you’ll walk more than you think).

          Booking tips (simple + effective):

          • Theatre: Midweek provides easier tickets and sometimes cheaper
          • BFI Flare: popular screenings can sell out so book ahead for weekends
          • St Patrick’s Festival: plan your route due to certain closures and arrive early.
          • Clocks change: double-check event start times the weekend BST begins
          London park path under cherry blossoms.Cherry blossoms lining a sunny London park path

          Choose the best time to go to London in March

          • Want the biggest free crowd buzz? Aim for 15 Mar (St Patrick’s Festival).
          • Want “planned nights out” energy? Pick 18–29 Mar (BFI Flare).
          • Want something unique and local-feeling? Choose 28 Mar (Head of the River Race).
          • Want longer evenings? Travel after 29 Mar (BST starts).
          • Want fewer crowds? Go midweek and avoid the busiest festival weekend days.

          London Events In March FAQs

          What are the best free events in London in March 2026?

          In March 2026, the biggest free, event-led highlight is London’s St Patrick’s Festival on Sunday, 15 March in Trafalgar Square. Another great free spectator event is the Head of the River Race on Saturday 28 March along the Thames.

          Is March a good time to visit London for events?

          Yes, March is one of the best months for events in London with big central festivals, packed theatre and live listings, plus a spring shift in the city’s vibe.

          When do the clocks go forward in London in 2026?

          In 2026, Daylight Saving Time starts on Sunday 29 March, when clocks go forward by one hour in the early morning. Always double-check times if you’re travelling that weekend.

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