If you're as broke as we are from splurging on Coachella tickets and jewelry for Valentine's Day, you'll be glad to know that there are plenty of free things to do in LA this March. From St. Patrick's Day parades to a museum night in Pasadena, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Mar 1
Super Tuesday Bash; Hammer Museum
Keep an eye on the Super Tuesday presidential primary polls with fellow political junkies at this boozy watch party.
Mar 4-25
Music for Train Stations; Union Station
Immerse yourself in a weekly series of sound installations inside of Union Station's grand waiting room.
Mar 5-13
Dana Point Festival of Whales; Dana Point Harbor
Mark the annual gray whale migration from land with a parade, street fair and whale-themed concert.
Whale watching.Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/incidencematrix
Mar 6
CicLAvia: The Valley; Various locations
Pedal your way through Pacoima, Arleta, North Hills East and Panorama City during the bike-friendly fest.
Mar 11
ArtNight Pasadena; Various locations in Pasadena
Enjoy site-specific performances and a free evening of admission to the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Museum of California Art and more.
Mar 12
Hermosa Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade; Hermosa Beach
See the beach city inject itself with a bit of Irish pride à la bagpipers, marching bands and parading Irish Setters.
Mar 12
Long Beach Irish Heritage Parade and Festival; Long Beach
Celebrate Long Beach's Irish heritage during this parade and Irish food fest.
Long Beach Irish Heritage Parade.Photograph: Courtesy Sean Laughlin
Mar 13
Nowruz Celebration; LACMA
Ring in Iranian New Year and the early arrival of spring with a day of activities, performances, music and events for children.
Until Mar 13
Break Bread; Think Tank Gallery
Take a tour through six chambers filled with floor-to-ceiling cake sculptures, mirror mazes and more.
Mar 20
Bach in the Subways Day; Union Station
Wish Johann Sebastian Bach a happy 331st birthday with performances at Union Station and across the Metro system.
Mar 24-27
Cat Art Show; Think Tank Gallery
Scope out feline-inspired masterpieces from over 70 artists.
Cat Art Show.Photograph: Courtesy James Seward
Ongoing
Monday night residencies at the Echo; The Echo
Catch a free concert of up-and-comers every Monday at the Echo Park venue; this month it's singer-songwriter LP.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.
Ongoing
Huntington Gardens II and Café; Hot Cactus
Scope out rare and exotic cacti while sipping on iced coffee and munching on breast-shaped pastries.
Ongoing
Monday night residencies at the Bootleg; Bootleg Theater
See free performances at one of the best venues on the Eastside; this month it's the polyrhythms of Fell Runners.
