By: Stefanie DiMartino

A new month is upon us! The weather is slowly getting nicer and more fun things are heading to NYC! So, if you’re looking for all the best things to do and see, best in dining/drinks, and the best entertainment and art/exhibits, then these are my top NYC picks for this March!

For the coolest and best upcoming activities in NYC this year, watch my guide below or read the article here:

The Top 15 Best Things to do in NYC this March

THINGS TO DO/SEE + PARTIES

HEARTBEAT OPERA’S QUANDO

The McKittrick Hotel, 530 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

Limited Run – only 5 performances! | April 7-9 | $40+

Thursday, April 7 – 7:30pm | Friday & Saturday, April 8 and 9 – 5pm & 7:30pm 

The McKittrick is known for its amazing productions and QUANDO is one you don’t want to miss! 

“Heartbeat Opera’s QUANDO is a short film and live performance mashup. Audiences will be challenged to re-examine their perceptions of art and its role in societal transformation. Some of the most beautiful and famous music from the operatic canon becomes the landscape for this fierce social satire of sex, activism, and the performance of everyday life. Music from Giuseppe Verdi’s operas La Traviata and Don Carlo and Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice are repurposed and refashioned into a 25-minute short film that follows a starry-eyed young couple as their night on the town unravels into a surrealist swirl of decadence, intrigue, and ultimately, vengeful justice. While watching the film, live composer-performers will further challenge the audience by disrupting and reconstituting the music from the score for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. No two performances and endings are alike.” 

QC SPA IS NOW OPEN!

Opening March 4 | Entry starts at $88

Governor’s Island, 112 Andes Rd, New York, NY 10004

QC Spa opened its first location in North America on NYC’s Governor’s Island this month! We had the pleasure of experiencing it recently and after indulging in this experience for four hours it’s clear that this will become the spot that the city goes to spa.

As soon as the Governor’s Island ferry docked, we were greeted by one of the spa employees who guided us to the spa. The moment we stepped foot in the spa we were transported to an oasis of relaxation and wellness.

You can pamper yourself with a tailored massage or wander freely through over twenty wellness spa experiences here. You’ll find multiple saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, outdoor gardens, and water therapies all designed to relax the body and soul. It is an amazing experience and we can’t wait to return!

Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s)

Now – April 17 | The Shed at Hudson Yards | Tickets start at $35

“Tomás Saraceno: Particular Matter(s) features an expansive gallery exhibition as well as a newly commissioned sensory experience, Free the Air: How to hear the universe in a spider/web, a 95-foot-diameter installation in The Shed’s soaring McCourt space.” – The Shed

DAYBREAKER NYC: WÜNDER TOUR

March 30, 2022 | Dance Party 7am-9am | Free!

Brookfield Place Winter Garden, 230 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10281

“In the world of WÜNDER, we watch with glittering eyes the magic all around us, the shimmer of life — and move in awe at the moments we create together. An immersive dance party and theatrical show — at sunrise. Kicked off by a magical yoga practice scored by live musicians. This tour only happens once…wonder is ephemeral. Bring a mat, bring a water bottle. Get ready to dance — and ready to be blown open.” – Daybreaker

Note: This is a 100% vaccinated event. 

SHEN YUN

March 10-20, 2022 | Thursday-Sunday | $80+

David H. Koch Theater, 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Shen Yun is back for a limited time this March. “Shen means divine. Yun is personal bearing, or inner charm. Together, the name Shen Yun means the beauty of divine beings dancing. Through breathtaking dance and music, Shen Yun’s artists tell of a time when divine beings walked upon the earth, leaving behind a culture that inspired generations. Ancient Chinese wisdom, infused with Buddhist and Taoist spirituality and values, gave birth to everything from medical innovations to opera, dance, architecture, and even martial arts. But after decades of communist rule, much of this divinely inspired culture has been destroyed or forgotten.” – Shen Yun 

STAR PARTY WITH EMILY SPRAGUE

Saturday, March 19, 2022 | 10:30pm-7:00am! | $75 | Age 21+

Rockefeller Center, Top of The Rock, Weather Room, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

You don’t want to miss this unique party at The Top of The Rock! 

“Star Party is a new overnight durational music series at Top of The Rock’s Weather Room. Timed with the seasonal equinoxes and solstices, each event is an exploration into the power of ambient and environmental sound. Guests are invited to relax, sleep, meditate and fully immerse themselves in a musical exploration from night through to sunrise. Ticket price includes a tote bag full of goodies including Star Party merchandise, refreshments and snacks from The Goods Mart at Rockefeller Center, and coffee in the morning upon exit.” – Star Party

NEW YORK TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW

Saturday, March 19, 2022, 10am-6pm & Sunday, March 20, 2022, 11am-5pm | $11+

Jacob Javits Center, Hall 3DE, 429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Raise your hand if you’ve missed traveling! If you’ve missed it, then you’re definitely not alone. What better way to get back into the traveling spirit than by attending the New York Travel & Adventure Show? 

“America’s Favorite Travel Show is taking over New York in 2022, with exclusive information, travel deals and celebrity programming you can’t find anywhere else.

You’ll meet the top destinations and travel suppliers from around the world that are all open for travel now, plus the experts who are on-hand to meet you!”

The top names in travel are all ready to teach you how to travel like a pro on 3 on-the-show-floor theaters:

1. Travel Theater – get advice from the top travel celebrities all giving you wholistic information you need on how to travel post-pandemic, what the latest travel updates are, how to travel like a local and how to save on your next trip. You’ll hear from:

• Samantha Brown, Host of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love
• Peter Greenberg, Emmy-Award-Winning Investigative Reporter, Producer and CBS News Travel Editor
• Andrew McCarthy, Award-Winning Travel Writer, Actor and Producer
• Pauline Frommer, Editorial Director of the Frommer’s Guides & Publisher of frommers.com

2. Destination Theater – experience in-depth 30 minute workshops featuring the top locations from around the world, and the experts who represent them. You’ll receive information on where to go, how to get there, what to do and what you can do when you travel there now.

3. The Savvy Traveler Theater – features information from the experts who have been traveling over the past 18 months. Learn how to book the cheapest flights, make the most of private tours and how to navigate a post-pandemic world. ” – NY Travel & Adventure Show

NYBG: THE ORCHID SHOW: JEFF LEATHAM’S KALEIDOSCOPE

Now – May 1, 2022 | 10am-6pm | $30+

New York Botanical Garden,2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458

The spectacularly stunning Orchid Show is back at the New York Botanical Garden! You definitely don’t want to miss it!

“Experience the dazzling floral creations of Jeff Leatham, famed artistic director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and floral designer to the stars! Leatham’s bold and colorful vision shines through in a series of captivating installations and designs, transforming the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a veritable kaleidoscope.

See stunning orchid towers of orange, yellow, and green, fields of white, and overhead plumes of purple. This radiant rainbow of a show, complete with its kaleidoscopic tunnel of lights will wow everyone who enters. Don’t miss this horticultural spectacle featuring thousands of dramatically displayed orchids in every shape and size.” – NYBG

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE: SUNSET CRUISE ON YACHT MANHATTAN 

All of March | $78+

Chelsea Piers, Pier 62 (W. 22nd St.) New York, NY 10011

Classic Harbor Line cruises are always a fun and great experience. You can enjoy a beautiful New York City sunset and the lit-up skyline during a comfortable and unique NYC Harbor sunset cruise through the Hudson and East Rivers. Sit back, relax, and take in the gorgeous 360-degree view of the island from the open decks or the glassed-in back deck observatory of these Gatsby-esque 1920s style yachts. 

SARAHFUNKY NYC TOURS

Saturdays, Sundays, Custom day/time | $49-$699

There is no time like the present to book a SarahFunky NYC tour. Rated 5-stars on TripAdvisor, you definitely do not want to miss out on any of these one-of-a-kind experiences! 

There are quite a few tour options to choose from to fit your interests and your budget!

For a truly unique experience, book a custom designed private tour with either Sarah, Luis, Marcus, Gary, or Nicola! For the best of both worlds, with food and sightseeing, consider joining the Best of New York Food Tour with Luis- offered onSunday mornings. The tour includes four epic spots and behind the scenes experiences! Another option is to join A Secrets of New York Tour on Saturday mornings and visit hidden locations in lower Manhattan and learn secrets most New Yorkers don’t even know! Each guide is an NYC expert and enjoys showing others around the city they love, so be sure to book today!

And now, you can also get expert help with planning your dream NYC vacation with FunkyTours Concierge! You can make your NYC trip and experience more special with custom-designed plans that fit your budget and your unique interests.

MUSEUM/ART EXHIBITIONS

BUILDINGS AND BLOCKS AT TOP OF THE ROCK

Ending Soon! | Now – March 13, 2022 | Free with Top of Rock purchase ($40+) | 11am-7pm

Top of The Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

“A brand-new interactive art experience, BUILDINGS AND BLOCKS will be on display at Top of the Rock until March 13th. The installation, inspired by the skyline and shapes of New York City as viewed from Top of the Rock observation deck, features three 23-foot towers, and 37 black and white-striped pieces resembling children’s building blocks.” – Top of The Rock

LABYRINTH OF FORMS: WOMEN AND ABSTRACTION, 1930-1950

Ending Soon! | Now – March 13, 2022 | $25+

Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort Street, New York, NY 10014

“During the 1930s and 1940s, abstraction began to gain momentum as an exciting, fresh approach to modern art making in the United States, and a small contingent of American artists dedicated themselves to it. This exhibit alludes to the sense of discovery that drove these artists to establish a visual language reflecting the advances of the twentieth century.” – Whitney Museum of American Art 

KRISTIN SIMMONS: OBSESSIONS AND CONFESSIONS AT BERGFORF

Now – March 20, 2022 | Free! (Arcade game is $2) 

Bergdorf Goodman, 7th Floor, 754 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

For one of the more unique and fun exhibits this month, don’t miss Obsessions and Confessions at Bergdorf! 

Imagined by artist Kristin Simmons, “Obsessions & Confessions is a metaphorical sugar high whose joyful enthusiasm irresistibly lifts visitors from the post-holiday hangover, encouraging discovery and provoking wonder and smiles at every turn. The exhibit consists of dozens of works of art, toys, games, treats, photo vignettes, and sparkly baubles all awash in brilliant colors. Over the course of its brilliantly curated rooms spanning a vast portion of Bergdorf Goodman’s seventh floor, guests are transported into Simmons’ world. Each of Simmons’ signature pieces is a wink that both joyfully and unapologetically celebrates luxury—while covertly poking fun at our modern preoccupation with it as the pinnacle of our aspirations.” – Kristin Simmons

JACQUES LOUIS DAVID: RADICAL DRAFTSMAN

Now – May 15, 2022 | $25+ | NY, NJ, CT – pay what you wish

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10028

“Jacques Louis David: Radical Draftsman will be the first exhibition devoted to works on paper by the celebrated French artist who navigated vast artistic and political divides throughout his life—from his birth in Paris in 1748 to his death in exile in Brussels in 1825. His iconic works captured the aspirations and suffering of a nation, while addressing timeless themes that continue to resonate today.” – The Met

BROADWAY SHOWS 

PLAZA SUITE

Hudson Theatre, 141 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

One thing about Broadway – it brings out the stars. The husband-and-wife duo of Broadway legend and two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick and two-time Emmy Award winner Sarah Jessica Parker will appear together on stage for the first time in 20 years! They are starring in the revival of Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite,” with an opening night set for March 28. Plaza Suite is uproarious and shares a piercing look at love and marriage for a limited engagement. Two world-class actors play three hilarious couples in a Broadway classic from a legendary playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner.

MR. SATURDAY NIGHT

Nederlander Theatre, 208 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036

Another legend is making his way back to Broadway. Billy Crystal will headline the musical-comedy, “Mr. Saturday Night.” Previews begin March 29. Mr. Saturday Night is the story of Buddy Young, Jr., an outrageous and outspoken comedian who found fame, if not fortune, in the early days of television! Now, some 40 years after he hit the top, Buddy will take one last shot at finding fame, fixing his family, and forcing his way into the spotlight – one hilarious step at a time. It’s a brand new musical comedy about being a funny man, a family man, and getting a second chance at both.

DINING/DRINKS

LA PALAPA

77 St Marks Place, New York, NY 10003

There’s nothing quite like New York City brunch! And, at La Palapa, you can enjoy a bottomless boozy brunch featuring their Margaritas and Mimosas! For 90 minutes and $42 per person, you get Fruit, Entree, Coffee And Beverage. Nothing better than great food, great drinks, and a great atmosphere. 

In conclusion, these are the top 15 best things to do in NYC this March. Have fun and stay safe!