Celebrate St. Patrick's Day, March Madness, and More in Las Vegas

March is a great month for sports, swimming, shows, and more fun things to do in Las Vegas.

ShamRock Bash at the Fremont Street Experience
ShamRock Bash | Photo courtesy of the Fremont Street Experience
ShamRock Bash | Photo courtesy of the Fremont Street Experience

Las Vegas isn't slowing down after the chaos of the Super Bowl last month. March Madness is actually a bigger revenue generator for sports betting, with college basketball viewing parties all over town. Fill out your brackets and check out the big-screen excitement at Hoop Madness at the Sahara, Hoops Central at the Westgate's International Theater, March Hoops at The D, Brackets at the Stadium inside the Palazzo, and the best sports bars in Vegas, including newcomers like The George Sportsmen's Lounge at Durango, The Tavern at Fontainebleau, and the just-opened General Admission at UnCommons. You can even catch the games poolside at Circa Resort & Casino's Stadium Swim

The luck of the Irish is strong in Las Vegas for St. Patrick's Day, with March 17 falling on a Sunday to cap off a massive party weekend. The Celtic Feis festival returns to the Brooklyn Bridge outside New York-New York with food and drink specials, live entertainment, and a parade to kick things off. The LINQ promenade has specials (including green beer) from various bars and restaurants, while the High Roller wheel is illuminated in green at night. Not to be outdone, the Fremont Street Experience is hosting a ShamRock Bash with live Irish musicians and drink specials, while the Sham Rock the Park beer walk hits the Downtown Container Park down the street. Ri Ra Irish Pub inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place will have Irish food, booze, and music all weekend long.

As the weather warms up, pools are beginning to welcome guests, including the Palms Pool on March 1, the new Bel-Aire Backyard at Durango on March 11, Swim & Social at The Strat on March 15, The Pool at Virgin Hotels on March 16, and Daylight at Mandalay Bay March 18.

Then again, touring the Nevada National Security Site may be more your speed. The day-long excursion is a fascinating look at Nevada's history of testing atomic bombs with limited dates for the second half of 2024, released on March 25. Don't snooze. They get snatched up fast. Otherwise, we have a few of the best things to do in Las Vegas this March.

Wineaux opening at UnCommons
Wineaux opening at UnCommons | Photo by Bronson Loftin, courtesy of Wineaux

Food and Drink Events in Las Vegas

March 1–31
Downtown Summerlin, $95 per person
Harlo Steakhouse has a great four-course tasting menu throughout March that's made with Greek inspiration. The meal includes baked feta salad or octopus carpaccio, spaghetti with kasseri and olive oil, grilled scallops or a Mediterranean-spiced bavette steak, and a Greek-style ricotta cheesecake for dessert.

March 15, 4–11 pm
Southwest, Prices vary
One of the most innovative Italian restaurants in Las Vegas is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Come by and join the fun at Basilico with food and drink deals, live music, and swag bag giveaways. Sit down and order some of the regular-menu favorites (then return March 31 for an Easter Sunday tasting menu).

March 15, 6–9 pm
Downtown, $125
Go back in time to the era of the scrunchie with "Back to the '90s Rooftop Rewind" at the Legacy Club. Soak in the views from the 60th floor of the Circa resort while enjoying themed bites and cocktails with a DJ cranking out those throwback hits you know and love.

March 16, 5 pm
Off the Strip, $125
The latest edition of Ferraro's Taste & Learn dinner series features the wines of Castello di Gabbiano, a historic vineyard in the heart of Chianti Classico country known for its rich soil quality. Selected pairings will be served with a mortadella and mozzarella di bufala appetizer, gnocchi, risotto, and veal scaloppine. Guests will learn about how the wines are produced and the enduring legacy of Castello di Gabbiano.

March 23, 6–9 pm
Tivoli Village, $50 ($200 VIP)
Drink wine and help out the Make-A-Wish foundation? Sounds like a win-win. You've got two options at Wine Walk Wish: Do the Wine Tasting Package for access to live entertainment and a dozen wine stations throughout Tivoli Village or upgrade to the VIP Experience with early entry, welcome glass of champagne, exclusive sips, and a buffet by El Dorado Cantina. Prices are a little higher at the gate, so purchase tickets in advance online.

March 24
Southwest, Prices vary
After operating in soft opening mode for a few weeks, Wineaux holds an official grand opening at UnCommons. The latest project by James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain is a charming wine bar and retail shop with a bright, open layout that almost feels residential. The wine selection avoids common stuff, and the food menu includes charcuterie, oysters, caviar, and a show-stealing roasted aubergine (eggplant) spread. Bottles can be taken home on a retail basis with a 25% discount.

March 25–April 20
Southwest, Prices vary
UnCommons continues to grow with the recent arrival of General Admission, Wineaux, and Todo Bien. So it only makes sense that the mixed-use space is launching a limited edition culinary passport, giving guests some extra incentive to try things out. Visit at least four food and drink spots (which also include Amari, the Sundry, Urth Cafe, SunLife Organics, Mercadito, Teaspoon, All'Antico Vinaio, and Salt & Straw), get your passport stamped, and leave it in a drop box for a chance to win a $500 gift card.

March 28, 6–9 pm
Chinatown, $50
00 Pub & Pie, one of the best places for pizza in Vegas, is hosting a chef's takeover event, featuring special guest Crystina Nguyen of This Mama's House. She'll showcase her Vietnamese heritage in a three-course meal, including a spiced short rib pizza, watercress and dry roasted anchovy salad, and an egg coffee tart.

March 29, 7–9 pm
Fremont East, $35
Take matters into your own hands and learn how to make cocktails with agave spirits like tequila and mezcal. F The Bar at Fergusons Downtown is hosting a cocktail-making class with a welcome paloma and two cocktail creations included.

March 31, 10:30 am–3 pm
Southwest, Prices vary
DW Bistro is bringing back its high-energy Gospel Brunch in the courtyard of the Gramercy. The buffet includes the restaurant's signature items like the infamous Jerk Fried Chicken and Waffles. Upgrade to a bottomless bar package for all-you-can-drink Bloody Marys among the cocktail options. Soul singer Skye Dee Miles leads the entertainment lineup with a live band.

Pirate Fest in Las Vegas, Nevada
Pirate Fest attendees | Photo courtesy of Pirate Fest

Festivals in Las Vegas

March 16, 2–6 pm
Summerlin, $50 and up
New Vista is back with the 15th annual Brew's Best craft beer festival. Roam The Lawn at Downtown Summerlin and enjoy unlimited sips from more than 20 local and national breweries. There will be games, live entertainment, and various dishes available from food trucks. Upgrade to VIP tickets and gain access an hour early.

March 23–24
North Las Vegas, Prices vary
The annual Pirate Fest takes over Craig Ranch Regional Park with food, games, and entertainment ranging from aerialists and sword swallowers to jugglers and a puppet theater for the kids. Adults may prefer the beer garden and whiskey tasting. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best pirate, steampunk, faerie, or Renaissance attire. Consider bringing your own chair or blanket.

March 29–31
Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Prices vary
The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is perfect for NASCAR racing and electronic dance music parties, but it is also an excellent spot for a three-day food festival. The FoodieLand Night Market is a traveling concept that arrives in Las Vegas with more than 200 vendors and food trucks and one of the tastiest things to do in Las Vegas this month. The format is modeled after Asian street markets, with the selection curated to reflect a global array of cuisines. Between all that eating, you'll enjoy carnival games, retail shopping, two stages for live music, and bars serving beer and cocktails. Tickets sold in advance only.

Bret Michaels In Concert in Las Vegas
Bret Michaels In Concert in Las Vegas | David Becker/Getty Images Entertainment

Arts and Entertainment Events in Las Vegas

March 16, 6:30 pm
Downtown, $29.99 and up
The Las Vegas Philharmonic is teaming up with the Mob Museum for "Prohibition," effectively turning the Smith Center into the world's largest speakeasy. Guest conductor William Waldrop will lead the Philharmonic through the music of Moulin Rouge, Boardwalk Empire, and more, with vintage film clips to match the mood. The lobby will have artifacts and other Prohibition-era decorations on display.

March 16, 8 pm
Virgin Hotels, $59 and up
Bret Michaels won't launch a full-scale "Party Gras" tour until summer but is coming to the Theater at Virgin Hotels for a special birthday show. Expect to hear your favorite hair metal hits by Poison with a few covers to mix up the setlist. Edwin McCain is on board as a special guest. Virgin Hotels is going all-in with themed cocktails and other fun pop-ups throughout the casino.

March 19, 5–8 pm
63, $65 and up
The Museum of Illusions welcomes Robin Slonina of "Skin Wars" for a live body art demonstration in honor of Women's History Month. Complimentary drinks and light bites will be served during the presentation, which also features 20 art pieces by Slonina on display.

Knight Hawks vs Northern Arizona
Knight Hawks in action | Photo courtesy of the Vegas Knight Hawks

Sporting Events in Las Vegas

March 22
The Strat, Prices vary
Atomic Golf opens to the public, riding a wave of new golf-themed attractions coming to Vegas in 2024. The massive, multi-level party zone for all things golf includes more than a hundred driving bays (with a couple high-powered "canon bays"), video games that integrate with golf, and a putting area with advanced interactive technology to test your skills. In the middle of all this, you've got six full bars, tons of food, and a VIP lounge.

March 31, 3 pm
Henderson, $23 and up
You can't have too many can'ts teams in Las Vegas. The Vegas Knight Hawks play the first home game of a new season on Sunday, March 31, taking on the Jacksonville Sharks at the Dollar Loan Center Arena. Be ready to cheer, scream, and see what the Indoor Football League is all about.

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Rob Kachelriess is a full-time freelance writer who covers travel, dining, entertainment, and other fun stuff for Thrillist. He's based in Las Vegas but enjoys exploring destinations throughout the world, especially in the Southwest United States. Otherwise, he's happy to hang out at home with his wife Mary and their family of doggies. Follow him on Twitter @rkachelriess.