Top Things to Do in March in St. Louis

March is a great time to visit the Butterfly House in Faust Park when thousands of bright blue morpho butterflies are on display inside the garden conservatory. This variety of butterflies—found mostly in South America, Mexico, and Central America—includes over 29 different species and 147 subspecies. The dazzling "free flight" site and makes a wonderful event for kids, as they learn the critical role butterflies play in nature. Adults will enjoy hearing about the Butterfly House's conservation efforts in Costa Rica, too. Special weekend workshops are available and kids two-years-old and younger get in free.

You don't need summer temperatures to get excited for spring. Just take a stroll through the Missouri Botanical Garden's orchid show. Featuring hundreds of blooming orchids in the garden's Orthwein Floral Display Hall, this event celebrates their expansive living collection. Bubbling fountains, lush foliage, and trailing vines transport you to another place (or, at least another season).

March is the best time of the year for basketball fans. And the action in St. Louis begins with Arch Madness, the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Games take place the first week in March at the Scot Trade Center. And the winner goes on to play in the NCAA tournament.

Each month, the Fabulous Fox Theatre in downtown St. Louis hosts a variety of touring Broadway shows. And while tickets are slightly cheaper than in New York City, the quality of the performance doesn't lack one bit. In fact, catching a touring Broadway show while on vacation could be the highlight of your city stay. Check the schedule and buy tickets ahead of time, as they generally fill the venue.

Gain inspiration and ideas for home improvement at the annual Builders Home and Garden Show. Or, why not make a business trip out of it. Contractors, decorators, and architects can network at the trade show during the day, and then see the city sites with their family after hours. Plus, who knows, you may come home with the inkling for a remodel.

The Schlafly Stout and Oyster Festival is one of the local brewery's most popular events. Schlafly brings in 50,000 fresh oysters, plus teams of star shuckers to serve them up raw. Enjoy three varieties of Schlafly stout beer to wash down the crustaceans. And catch live music acts Friday night and all day on Saturday, followed by the annual East Coast vs. Mid-Coast Shuck Off.

St. Louis shows its Irish pride with two St. Patrick's Day parades, the big Downtown St. Louis Parade and a more traditional parade held in Dogtown. The downtown parade boasts floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and clowns. The Dogtown Parade—also known as the Ancient Order of Hibernians parade—features horse-drawn carriages and floats honoring law enforcement, firemen, and local leaders. Then, stick around for a traditional Irish festival afterward.

Sausage is king during a festive weekend in March in the small German town of Hermann, Missouri. Attend their festival and sample homemade bratwurst, liverwurst, and summer sausage. Listen to German music while sipping some of Missouri's best wines, too. Wurstfest events happen all weekend at the Stone Hill and Hermannhof wineries.

The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park celebrates World Eagle Day with live eagle presentations, educational activities, kids crafts, and games. Learn about both our national symbol of freedom, as well as other exotic species. Get your photo taken with your favorite bird or adopt an eagle and be part of a valued conservatory movement.

The Pageant music venue—which opened in the year 2000—places sixth in Pollstar's rankings of top clubs worldwide. Famous national acts like Tesla, Candlebox, and Electric Hot Tuna have all graced the stage at this hopping nightclub. Leave the kids with a hotel sitter and enjoy an adult night out on the town. And make sure to hit the Halo Bar before or after the show for premium beverages and late-night entertainment.