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LongIsland.com's 2014 March Family Fun Guide: St. Pat's, Mardi Gras & More!

Written by Sandra Stelmach  |  28. February 2014

The winter weather seems to be winding down, don’t put away your coats just yet! March marks the beginning of Spring, but we've still got a few weeks left until the start of new season. Luckily, there’s still plenty of fun-filled winter events to help keep you warm during the first half of the month, and tons of great ways to welcome Spring as March draws to an end!

From one holiday to the next, there’s no time to waste with all the festive celebrations happening this month! Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4th where populated ethnic French cities celebrate with over the top traditions such as costumes, beads and more! From Mardi Gras to St. Patrick’s Day, locals recognize Irish and Irish American culture for St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate with displays of green, drinking, eating, and marching in parades.

As football season came to end with the Super Bowl, sports fans have yet another reason to cheer - basketball! Sports fans across Long Island will participate in March Madness as the NCAA men’s basketball tournament kicks off.

Of course, we can’t forget about daylight savings time. Although Long Island residents will be losing an hour of sleep, there will be more sunlight and time during the day for all the enjoyable events to make up for the lost time!

Whether you’re looking to lay back the rest of the winter season or you’re ready to spring forward, we’ve got you covered with LongIsland.com’s 2014 March Entertainment Guide filled with the most fun festivities the whole family can enjoy!

March Fun
The winter season can get a little dreary with all the cold weather. Instead of being cooped in in the house, get out and enjoy the beauty of nature with the kids and the whole family or have some fun by attending one of the many events happening this month!

  • 10th Annual Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park
    West Shore Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
    631-254-1465
    Saturday, March 1st - 10 AM
    Raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics New York by plunging into chilly waters. Every plunger that raises $125 will receive an official Plunge sweatshirt. If you raise more money than that, you will receive other great prizes! Registration will be from 10:00-11:30 AM. Plunge will take place at Noon
  • AHRC Suffolk’s 3rd Annual Polar Bear Splash at Bay Shore Marina
    South Clinton Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706
    631-585-0100
    Saturday, March 1st - 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
    $20 for registration
    Come out, splash and help make a difference in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Registration will start at 8:30 am and the splash will begin at 10:00 am sharp.  AHRC Suffolk will split the money raised by student teams or groups for their school or charity of choice 50/50!  Students can also receive up to 10 community service hours.
  • The Suffolk Theater’s First Anniversary Gala
    118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
    631-727-4343
    Saturday, March 1st - 8 PM to 10 PM
    $45
    Dress in your 20's best & dance the night away with HBO's Boardwalk Empire's Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks! This evenings special Gala Menu available for additional purchase at table.
  • Annual Spring Flower and Garden Show at Hicks Nurseries
    100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, NY 11590
    516-334-0066
    Friday, March 7th - Sunday, March 16th - 8 AM to 6 PM
    Don't miss out on the Annual Spring Flower and Garden Show at Hicks Nurseries - the oldest nursery and garden center on Long Island. The show will feature a large selection of outdoor and indoor plants, flowers and accessories.
  • Flashlight Hike at Connetquot River State Park Preserve
    Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, NY 11769
    631-581-1072
    Friday, March 7th - 6 PM to 8:30 PM
    $4 per person/ $3 per child ages 3-17/ Under 3 are free
    Enjoy a flashlight hike at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Live On The Vine at Waters Crest Winery
    22355 Route 48, Unit 6, Cutchogue - 11935
    631-734-5065
    Saturday, March 8th - 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
    $20 per person
    Celebrate Long Island’s Winterfest with The Pearl Street Band featuring vocalists Leslie Zimei singing both R&B and standard in her sultry style and Willie Maiorello bringing his raspy interpretations with a style all his own.  Admission includes a glass of wine.
  • Rockin’ For Autism Concert at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall
    3232 Railroad Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793
    631-366-2978
    Sunday, March 9th - 3 PM to 8 PM
    $30/ $10 for children
    Come on down to Mulcahy's for some great rock performances, raffles, food, gift baskets auction and a cash bar. Proceeds will benefit children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
  • Bowl For The Cure at AMF Plainview Lanes
    500 Old Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803
    917-608-2567
    Sunday, March 16th - 2:30 PM - 5 PM
    $20
    Enjoy an afternoon of bowling in support of the American Cancer Society with a $20 donation which will get you two hours of bowling, free shoe rental, a hot pretzel and a goodie bag!
  • Comedy Night at Sergio’s Italian Restaurant
    5422 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758
    516-541-6554
    Saturday, March 22nd - 7 PM to 9:45 PM
    $35
    Enjoy a complete dinner followed by a stand-up comedy show with Greg Rahner, Les Degen, Harry Freedman.
  • Meet The Animals at Connetquot River State Park Preserve
    Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, NY 11769
    631-581-1072
    Sunday, March 23rd - 1:30 PM to 3 PM
    $4 per person/ $3 per child ages 3-17/ Under 3 are free
    Meet some amazing animals that live right here on Long Island and learn which creatures could be living in your own backyard! Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge at Tobay Beach
    Ocean Parkway, Massapequa, NY 11795
    631-254-1465 ext. 204
    Saturday, March 29th - 10 AM
    Help raise money for the athletes of the Special Olympics New York by taking place in the Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge! Every plunger that raises $125 will receive an official Plunge sweatshirt. Raise even more money and get some other great prizes! Plunge takes place at noon.

St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, March 17th, 2014. Although St. Pattie’s Day isn’t an official federal holiday, it is widely celebrated among locals from parades, special bar and restaurant events and of course the color green! So, get your green on with some of these hot happenings near you! Be sure to check out our guide to all the St. Pattie’s Day Parades near you! New York City will also be holding its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade!

  • St. Patrick’s Parade of Greater Bay Shore FREE
    67 Sunset Road, Bay Shore, NY 11706
    631-666-8726
    Saturday, March 8th - 2 PM
    The Parade steps off at Saxon Avenue and travels west on Main Street (Montauk Hwy) 1.6 miles to St. Patrick's Church and the reviewing stand.
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Huntington FREE
    New York Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743
    Sunday, March 9th - 2 PM
    Parade will kick off just north of the Huntington Train Station along New York Avenue before turning west onto Main Street ending at Saint Patrick's Church.
  • 5th Annual Maurer Foundation Flamingo Bowl at Bowlmor Lanes
    895 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747
    631-524-5151
    Sunday, March 9th - 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
    $100
    Have fun and raise money for breast health education while bowling. Admission includes two games, shoe rental, lunch and unlimited soft drinks. Strike out those winter blues while bowling for a cause.
  • St. Patty’s Day Leprechaun Bar Crawl in Huntington Village
    Huntington Village, Huntington, NY 11743
    Saturday, March 15th - 12 PM to 6 PM
    $25
    Long Island Social Events presents their 1st annual St Patty's Day Leprechaun Bar Crawl 2014 in Huntington. Join for great drink specials, raffles for gift certificates and a costume contest, while raising money for a local charity.
  • Hofstra’s 16th Annual Irish Festival
    245 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
    516-463-6582
    Sunday, March 16th - 11 AM to 5 PM
    $7 Adult; $5 senior citizen; Free for children under 12
    Come out to Hofstra for a day featuring Irish music, food, and culture. he Irish Festival will continue to celebrate the Irish gifts of music, food and culture to America. There will also be a number of music and dance performances throughout the day, as well as a variety of vendors and authentic Irish food.
  • 2014 Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE
    Ponquogue Avenue, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
    Saturday, March 22nd - 11 AM to 3 PM
    Start at the Hampton Bays Elementary School on Ponquogue Ave. March your way to Montauk Highway and west to the reviewing stand and ending in the Hampton Atrium parking lot.
  • Montauk’s 52nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade FREE
    742 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954
    631-668-2428
    Sunday, March 23rd - 11:30 AM to 2 PM
    The 52nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will kick off from Edgemere Road. The Parade runs up Edgemere Road and then turns on to Main Street past the reviewing stand on the green, and finishes at the end of Main Street by the IGA.

Mardi Gras Celebrations
Mardi Gras, which is French for Fat Tuesday, is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday which signifies the beginning of Lent. On this day, locals celebrate and indulge in fatty foods and delicious treats. Some celebrations for Mardi Gras include wearing masks and costumes, dancing, parades and more! So break out your masks and beads to celebrate Mardi Gras by checking out some events happening near you!

  • Mardi Gras Dance Party at Bay Street Theatre
    1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
    631-725-9500
    Saturday, March 8th - 8 PM
    $25
    Don't miss out on the Mardi Gras Dance Party celebration which will feature The Hoodoo Loungers who will be bringing all the sounds and excitement for a true New Orleans Mardi Gras!
  • 1st Annual Marty Gras Cocktail Party at The Crescent Beach Club
    333 Bayville Avenue, Bayville, NY 11709
    631-834-7035
    Saturday, March 8th - 7 PM to 11 PM
    $100 per person
    Celebrate Mardi Gras to benefit the Marty Lyons Foundation. Enjoy an authentic Creole buffet, top shelf open bar and exciting "Nawlins" music! RSVP ahead of time.

Winter Concert Series
Enjoy live music performances from local bands and artists at Martha Clara Vineyards located at 6025 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901. General admission tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at door. All tickets purchased include a glass of wine. See event listings for more information.

Winter Music Series
Enjoy live performances by a variety of local artists who will be playing at Hudson’s on the Mile located at 340 Woodcleft Avenue in Freeport, NY 11520 as part of their Winter Concert Series. Free admission and all ages welcome! 1/2 price drinks while the bands are playing. See event listings for more information.

Hockey
Hockey season continues with the New York Islanders playing against new opponents. Here are some games that will be taking place at the Nassau Coliseum located at 1255 Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale. Ticket prices vary between $24 - $160 which can be purchased online or by calling 516-794-9303. Check out who the Islanders are playing against along with the dates and times.

Winter Fun For Everyone
The stress and rush of all the festivities get can get the best of you so take it easy with some of these simple yet entertaining things to do for everyone!

  • Go To The Museum
    As the weather gets warmer and spring time approaches, experience Long Island's historical landmarks and learn about the history of Long Island.
  • Watch a Movie
    Many new movies will be hitting the theatres so reserve your tickets today or stay home and snuggle up on the couch to catch up on the hottest movies of the year.
  • Attend A Performing Arts Show
    Check out a local theatre for some interesting productions ranging from ballets and musical performances to comedies and plays.  

Still not sure how to make the most out of March? We’ve got you covered! Be sure to check out our Things To Do Section for fun that can be enjoyed all week long, and don’t forget to head over to our jam-packed Events Calendar for the hottest happenings of the month!

Have any exciting plans for this month?
Tell us what you have planned in the comments below!

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