March Madness in the Rockies: Your Guide to Colorado’s Most Unpredictable (and Fun) Month

In Colorado, March is famously known as the month where you can experience all four seasons in a single afternoon. One minute you’re navigating a massive spring snowstorm, and the next, you’re sitting on a patio in short sleeves soaking up the "Mile High" sun.

Because the weather is so unpredictable, Colorado’s event calendar has to be equally diverse. From world-class skiing and professional sports to some of the strangest festivals in the country, March is the ultimate transition month for the Centennial State.

Based on the latest guide from Uncover Colorado, here is your roadmap to making the most of March in the Rockies.

1. Quirky Traditions: Coffin Races and Frozen Grandpa

If you only attend one event this month, make it one of Colorado’s legendary "weird" festivals.

• Frozen Dead Guy Days (Estes Park, March 27–29): This is easily one of the most unique festivals in the world. It pays homage to Bredo Morstal, a Norwegian man who is currently cryogenically frozen in a Tuff Shed above the town of Nederland. The festival has moved to Estes Park but kept its wild spirit, featuring coffin racing, icy turkey bowling, and polar plunging.

• Monte Vista Crane Festival (Monte Vista, March 6–8): For a more serene experience, head south to witness the migration of nearly 20,000 Sandhill Cranes. This 43rd-anniversary event offers wildlife tours and photography workshops to celebrate these prehistoric-looking birds as they stop over in the San Luis Valley.

2. The Green Wave: St. Patrick’s Day Double-Header

Colorado takes St. Paddy’s Day seriously, with two massive parades happening on the same day this year.

• Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14): Entering its 61st year, this is the largest celebration in the state. Starting at 9:30 AM in LoDo, the parade features hundreds of floats and dancers honoring first responders.

• Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 14): Not to be outdone, the Springs hosts a massive community event starting at noon on Tejon Street. If you’re feeling athletic, they also host cycling and running events as part of the festivities.

3. A Foodie’s Paradise: Denver Restaurant Week

March is officially the best time to eat in the Mile High City. Denver Restaurant Week (March 6–15) is celebrating its 22nd year, featuring hundreds of the city's top eateries.

Participating restaurants offer multi-course, set-price menus at four tiers: $25, $35, $45, or $55. It is the perfect opportunity to try that award-winning chef’s kitchen or international bistro you’ve had on your bucket list without breaking the bank.

4. Spring Skiing: Sunbeams and Night Runs

While some resorts begin eyeing their closing dates in March, this is often when the best "hero snow" (soft, corn-like snow) appears.

• Night Skiing: March temperatures are much more forgiving for skiing after dark. Resorts like Keystone, Steamboat, and Echo Mountain offer night sessions. It’s a magical way to experience the slopes under the stars without the biting chill of January.

• Spring Breaks: Many resorts host "Spring Splash" events toward the end of the month, featuring pond skimming and live outdoor concerts.

5. Sports and Suds

If you’d rather stay indoors, Denver’s Ball Arena is the place to be. March is "primetime" for professional sports:

• The Nuggets: Catch the reigning champs as they make their final charge toward the NBA playoffs.

• The Avalanche: Witness high-speed NHL action as the Avs battle their rivals.

• Mile High Beer Festival (March 7): If the massive Great American Beer Festival is too overwhelming, this boutique event at the Stockyards Event Center is for you. It features 25+ local breweries, live music, and food trucks in a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Survival Tips for March in Colorado

1. Layer Up: We aren't joking about the weather. You will likely need a heavy coat at 8:00 AM and a t-shirt by 2:00 PM.

2. Hydrate: Between the dry air and the potential for a few local craft brews, staying hydrated is the key to avoiding altitude sickness.

3. Book Early: Events like Denver Restaurant Week and Frozen Dead Guy Days sell out or fill up fast. Make your reservations at the start of the month.

Conclusion

Whether you're racing a coffin through the mountains or sampling a three-course meal in the city, March in Colorado offers a unique blend of winter adventure and spring excitement. Don’t let the "unpredictable" weather scare you off—it’s all part of the Colorado experience.

Credits & References:

This guide was adapted from original reporting and travel recommendations by Matt Thomas for Uncover Colorado.