March Events in the Finger Lakes

With the first notes of spring, Women’s History Month, Maple Weekends, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and outdoor events, March is a month like no other in the Finger Lakes.

Brave Women and Women History Month Events

The Finger Lakes region is the heart of women’s history in the United States. Check out the Brave Women Week events to learn about the past, commemorate the present, and envision the  future. 
 

• Dive into a welding workshop at Ironwood Studios (8256 S. Main St., Springwater, N.Y.) on Mar. 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. During these immersive, women-only, hands-on experiences, connect with other women and explore your creativity while metal artist Stacey Mrva guides you through the basics of MIG welding as you build your own lotus candle holder.

• Naples Women’s Weekend (Naples Historic Shopping District, 116 N. Main St., Naples, N.Y) between Mar. 6-8, 2026, is a weekend-long celebration featuring informative workshops, motivational speakers, live entertainment, pop-up shops from women-owned businesses, and more. 

• Brave Brews Festival (251 North St, Auburn, N.Y.) returns for its fifth edition in 2026 between Mar. 6-8, 2026, celebrating New York State’s women-owned craft beverage producers. The festival features women’s-history-focused tours, craft brews, live music, and karaoke. 

• To celebrate International Women’s Day with the best of the Finger Lakes culinary scene, head to New York Kitchen (800 S. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Mar. 8, 2026. Focused on simple techniques and thoughtful ingredients, Women in Food: Cooking from Good Things, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is a hands-on experience led by award-winning chef Samin Nosrat, highlighting the power of women’s voices in the culinary world through storytelling, skill-building, and connection.

• Continue the celebration at New York Kitchen (800 S. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) with Celebrating Women of Finger Lakes Wine on Mar. 8, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m., a guided wine tasting led by acclaimed wine educator Sandy Waters. This immersive experience blends wine tasting with storytelling to explore the vital role women play in shaping Finger Lakes wine—from vineyard and cellar to leadership and innovation.

• Join the Ontario County Historical Society (55 N. Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Mar. 18, 2026, at 6 p.m., and Mar. 26, 2026, at 12 p.m., for She Speaks: Women of Ontario County, a program featuring historical writings and creative works by Ontario County women who made history.

Indigenous Winter Games & Maple Festival

Join the Winter Games & Maple Festival at Ganondagan State Historic Site (7000 County Road 41, Victor, N.Y.) on Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026, and immersive yourself in a cultural experience celebrating the Seneca ways of winter through traditional Native American activities. Featuring snow snake demonstrations, traditional games and social dances, dog sled demonstrations, traditional item exhibits, and maple syrup education to welcome the maple season, this is a free event open to the public—donations accepted.
 

Shamrock Shuffle at Hotel Canandaigua

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early at the inaugural Shamrock Shuffle on Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026, hosted by Hotel Canandaigua (205 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, N.Y.) in partnership with Nolan’s Catering and several Lakeshore Drive favorites in Canandaigua. From 12 to 8 p.m., guests can kick off the festivities at the hotel with bagpipes, Irish dance performances, and live music, plus a traditional corned beef dinner available for purchase, before strolling along Lakeshore Drive for green beer, themed food and drink specials, and more live entertainment. Participating locations include Twisted Rail Brewing Co. Canandaigua, Other Half Brewing Co. Canandaigua, COHO Pizza & Wine Bar, Jose & Willy's, and Murphy’s Law Irish Pub. This free, all-ages social event promises a lively afternoon and evening filled with Irish spirit, music, and community celebration—food and drinks will be available for purchase at the different locations.

St. Patty's Sip & Stroll

Join the St. Patty's Sip & Stroll through downtown Canandaigua (115 South Main St., Canandaigua) on Saturday, Mar. 14, 2026, and explore over 25 stops featuring local breweries, wineries, restaurants, and shops while enjoying festive music along the way. Admission includes tastings, small bites, mocktails and spirits, an entry into a drawing for $500 in downtown gift certificates, and a keepsake tasting glass and wristband for access to all locations.

Note: You must be 21 or older to purchase and attend with a valid ID. No sales or transfers of tickets to third parties are permitted. Tickets are limited and cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door. They can only be purchased through the event link.

Maple at The Lake Brunch

Celebrate the sweetness of the season with Maple at The Lake Brunch at The Lake House on Canandaigua (770 S Main St., Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Sunday, Mar. 15, 2025, a maple pancake brunch set against the sparkling shores of Canandaigua Lake. Indulge in fluffy, golden pancakes drizzled with locally sourced maple syrup, complemented by seasonal brunch favorites, and sweet treats. There will be two sittings available, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bristol Mountain Spring Carnival

Celebrate the end of ski season in unforgettable style at the Bristol Mountain Spring Carnival (5662 NY-64, Canandaigua, N.Y.) on Saturday and Sunday, Mar. 21 and 22, 2026. This two-day event is packed with high-energy competition and family-friendly fun. From the adrenaline-pumping Banked Slalom and crowd-favorite Slush Cup to playful challenges like the Peanut Butter Cup Challenge and Aloha Race, there’s something for every level of adventurer. Families can enjoy snow tubing, take on the Uphill Challenge, or join the festive Shamrock Scavenger Hunt and Easter Egg Hunt. It’s a season send-off like no other—where spring sunshine meets snowy thrills for one last epic celebration on the slopes.

Maple Weekends

Enjoy the best of maple during Maple Weekends, held over the last two weekends of March on Mar. 21–22 and Mar. 28–29, 2026. Farms across the Finger Lakes invite visitors to explore their grounds, sample their products, and celebrate the maple sugaring season. Participating farms offer pancake breakfasts, maple tastings, food trucks, locally made maple products, and family-friendly activities—providing a behind-the-scenes look at how maple syrup is made while savoring the flavors of the season.

Check the full list of participating farms and don’t miss your chance to enjoy everything maple! 

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