March 2026 Newsletter
Lilacs and Lavender March Newsletter 2026
March in Arizona is a perfect sunny prelude to summer, with temps in the low 80s and night time temps in the 50s making it the ideal weather for outdoor activities. It is possible to have heat waves up towards the 100 degree mark so it is wise to dress accordingly and to stay hydrated. It is the peak season for tourists and the most beautiful month for wildflowers, trail hiking, major league baseball's spring training, cultural festivities. Outdoor adventures include hiking in spectacular areas such as Sedona, the Grand Canyon or just exploring the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Local art walks are also popular during this time. The Desert Botanical Garden is perfect for families and couples seeking a tranquil escape. Other family friendly events include hot air balloon rides, horseback riding through scenic trails and Grand Canyon tours.
March is huge for such events as the McDowell Mountain Music festival which features a diverse lineup of musical acts across multiple stages with food and drink vendors, art installations, and interactive experiences for attendees. It's a great way to connect with the local music and arts community. March is also a great month to enjoy the Phoenix zoo
It is also fun to hike the local mountain trails, such as Piestewa Peak, Camelback or Hole in the Rock, which has multiple cave-like holes in the sandstone created by erosion.
Hole in the Rock
March boasts of many cultural festivals including the Phoenix Scottish Festival with competitive Highland dancing, pipe bands, athletics, historical re-enactments and vintage car exhibitions.
There is a two day outdoor festival showcasing a rich diversity of wild life habitat, history and culture of the Gila River drainage. The fun includes guided bird tours, canoeing, archery and fishing, plus a concert, music, and dance performances.
And this year the Heard Museum Guild hosts a 60th annual event that includes Native American Jewelry, art, pottery, basketry, photography and sculpture plus cultural dances, artist demonstrations, entertainment, storytelling, crafts for kids and more.
|The renaissance Festival begins March 3rd and continues throughout the month.
The Renaissance Festivals whre one can travel back to the 16th century. Brave Knights, jousting, castles beckoning and non-stop pageantry fills a 30 acre festival village nestled in the shadows of the Superstition Mountains. One can enjoy live entertainment, food and artisan shops.
|And if that isn't enough, the 30th annual Ostrich Festival kicks off with a Mayor's Fun Run followed by a Festival Parade in downtown Chandler with marching bands, dance groups, antique cars and floats, carnival rides, games and live entertainment.
|The |Scottsdale |Arts Festival includes 170 selected artists, continuous live music and entertainment, gourmet food trucks and the Local First Arizona Marketplace. There are tons of creative activities for kids.
Some other festival include Flutterfest with a new spring family festival at Desert Botanical Garden where nature tales are told with treats for butterflies plus dancing to live music as if you have wings.
Plus a fun family event each second Thursday at the Desert Botanical Garden hosts movie nights with preshow entertainment including Jester Z Improv, local food trucks like Short Leash Hot Dogs, Mustache Pretzels and Soda Rush. This month's movie is "The Sandlot".
The Arizona Aloha Festival includes songs and dances from the Hawaiian culture with traditional crafts and leis.
Phoenix also has an artwalk celebrating 30 years this year. Over 100 artist studios, galleries, pop up spaces and other venues. Then on St Patrick's Day, Phoenix hosts a parade and Irish family faire. Festivities include marching bands, Irish step dancers, bag pipers, floats with three stages of performers, food and craft vendors and merchandise. And then the city of Scottsdale celebrates the Italian festival with Italian culture, food, music, art, fashion and commerce.
|All of these events are in the Phoenix Metropolitan area and only scratch the surface of the many happenings occurring in the state. It is the perfect time to also road trip the entire state with the wide open roads leading to spectacular canyons, incredible cities, historical parks and hidden gems.
Cave Creek Sculpture and Wine Festival is a 3 day event showcasing some of the state's most talented sculpture artists and their fantastic creations. Later in the month the neighboring Carefree, Az has their Spring Fine |Arts and |Wine Festival. |Flagstaff celebrates with their Shakespeare |Festival March 27-29th. |There is no shortage of un activities for the best month of the year in the Desert Southwest.
But some people, like myself, prefer a slower lifestyle and rather just enjoy the beauty of the month in a simpler fashion. It is a time for enjoying the blooming desert landscape, farmers markets, and outdoor patios, transitioning from winter warmth to spring.
Replace thick faux-fur or fleece blankets with linen, cotton, or lightweight knit throws in earthy tones like sandstone or sage green. Use jute, sisal, or flat-weave wool rugs to add warmth underfoot on tile or wood floors without trapping excessive heat. Layer sheer curtains under heavier drapes; this allows sunlight to flood the room during the day while maintaining a soft, "airy" glow. Add potted succulents, cacti, or aloe to bring life and vibrant green color to your space. Use a bowl of fresh citrus (lemons or oranges) on the kitchen island for a pop of seasonal color and a subtle fresh scent.
