Your guide to the best events, festivals, workshops, exhibitions and things to do throughout March 2026 in London
March in London marks the turning point of the year. While winter hasn’t quite loosened its grip, the city begins to stir with renewed energy. Parks start to glow with sweeping displays of daffodils, outdoor tables reappear on pavements, and a steady stream of cultural events signals that brighter days are firmly on the horizon.
As temperatures gradually climb, Londoners trade hibernation for exploration. The capital’s green spaces come back to life, museums and galleries unveil new exhibitions, and the hospitality scene embraces the first hints of alfresco season. It is a month that blends the tail end of winter with the promise of spring, offering the best of both.
March also brings a calendar filled with notable occasions from St Patrick’s Day festivities and Mothering Sunday gatherings to Pancake Day indulgence and International Women’s Day celebrations. With so much unfolding across the city, there is no better time to step out and rediscover everything London has to offer.
1. Delight in Schiaparelli’s surreal fashion masterpieces at the V&A
Groundbreaking fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli lit up the 1930s fashion scene with her surreal and avant garde haute couture creations – often with striking silhouettes, gilded accents, and unusual appliqués. Now, her fashion house will get a major V&A retrospective, from its first, paradigmshifting garments, through to its present-day incarnation in the hands of its creative director Daniel Roseberry, whose contemporary designs worn by the likes of Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid.
2. Watch iconoclastic Broadway hit ‘John Proctor is the Villian’
The Royal Court Theatre’s stellar seventieth birthday line-up includes an impressive coup: the modestly-sized new writing theatre has bagged the UK debut of Kimberley Belflower’s US smash John Proctor is the Villain. It’s a very playful, pop-soundtracked, post-#MeToo riff on Arthur Miller’s landmark The Crucible, which premiered at the Court during its very first season, 70 years ago.
3. Marvel at rare blooms at the Kew Orchid Festival
The Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens is taking a voyage to China this February, courtesy of the latest annual mind-bending orchid display that takes over the iconic glasshouse each year. As ever, the exotic display will celebrate the natural beauty and biodiversity of its subject country: China is home to thousands of varieties of orchid, plus vast amounts of other flora and fauna besides.
Look out for sculptures of dragons and Chinese lanterns, as well as intricately woven plant installations. There’ll also be ticketed after-hours events with live Chinese music, food, cocktails and dance performances.
4. Celebrate the matriarchs in your life on Mother’s Day in London
Mums deserve high praise all year round, but Mothering Sunday is the ultimate excuse to treat your darling ma and any other matriarchs in your life to a lovely time. Here’s our guide to help you get organised and plan a proper celebration of mumsy on Sunday March 10, whether you want to take her for a cheeky Mumtini, treat her to a relaxing trip to one of London’s exquisite spas, or send her a stunning bunch of flowers.
5. Get the Guinnesses in for St Patrick’s Day in London
The Irish really know how to celebrate, so when it comes to St Patrick’s Day in London, the city’s Irish community has no problem showing us how it’s done. A day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, the occasion is always one big welcoming bash. Expect lots of dancing, hearty traditional dishes, a huge parade and as many pints as you can handle. The Mayor of London’s annual St Patrick’s Day Festival celebration will take place on Sunday March 16 – a day ahead of the official holiday – and, as usual, thousands of revellers are expected to watch the parade wend its way through central London, while there’ll also be plenty more St Patrick’s Day parties and events to check out around the city. We’ll be rounding up the best of them for you as they’re announced.
6. See spring flowers blooming around the capital
Spring in London is always a knockout. We might live in a sprawling capital city, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of amazing green spaces to enjoy the season’s pops of colour. From London’s bright pink cherry blossoms to seas of daffodils, take a look at our list of the best places to see flowers in London.