Best Events in Spring 2026 and Where to Stay
Winter and early spring are filled with reasons to travel, from festival weekends and cultural celebrations to food-focused events and seasonal experiences that only happen this time of year. Whether you are planning a coastal escape, a music-filled city stay, or a mountain getaway, choosing the right place to stay can make the entire trip better.
That is where iTrip vacation rentals come in. With professionally managed homes in top destinations across the country and beyond, iTrip offers space, comfort, and convenient locations close to the action. You can spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the experiences that brought you there.
Below is a region-by-region guide to standout events through March 2026, along with ideas for where to stay with iTrip.
Southeast & Central: Coastal Traditions, Music, and Spring Festivals
From pirate invasions to songwriter showcases, the Southeast and Central regions come alive as winter fades and spring approaches, especially along the coast.
Gasparilla Pirate Festival — Tampa, FL
February 7, 2026
A can’t-miss Tampa tradition featuring a pirate ship invasion, flotilla parade, and a high-energy street festival with music, food, and family fun.
Oysters & Art Festival — Myrtle Beach, SC
February 7, 2026
A lively winter festival serving up fresh oysters, craft beer, live music, and local art, perfect for a coastal escape.
Daytona Bike Week — Daytona Beach, FL
February 27 to March 8, 2026
One of the most iconic motorcycle events in the country, bringing races, scenic rides, live music, and nonstop beach-town energy.
Little Rock Marathon & Festival Weekend — Little Rock, AR (Where to Stay)
March 1, 2026
A premier destination race weekend with events for all levels, plus a festive atmosphere featuring music, vendors, and local food.
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Atlanta, GA (Where to Stay)
March 14, 2026
A festive Irish heritage parade through Midtown with marching bands, dancers, and spirited crowds — a lively spring celebration in Georgia’s capital.
Orange Beach Festival of Art — Orange Beach, AL
March 14 to 15, 2026
A top-ranked coastal art festival featuring fine art, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities along the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival — Nashville, TN
March 24 to 28, 2026
The world’s largest songwriter festival, offering intimate shows and behind-the-scenes stories from the creators of your favorite songs.
New England & Mid-Atlantic: Seasonal Traditions and Coastal Culture
Late winter and early spring bring charm, community, and cultural experiences to the Northeast, often with fewer crowds and a strong local feel.
Rehoboth Beach Polar Bear Plunge — Delaware Shores
February 1, 2026
A beloved winter tradition where brave participants and cheering spectators take the plunge into the Atlantic for charity, kicking off Delaware’s spring event season.
Forbidden Broadway: Greatest Hits — Ocean City, MD
February 21 to 22, 2026
A hilarious Broadway parody revue poking fun at iconic musicals with sharp wit and live performance flair at the Ocean City Center for the Arts.
Annapolis Restaurant Week — Annapolis, MD
February 21 to March 1, 2026
A food-lover favorite where top local restaurants offer prix-fixe menus, showcasing Annapolis’ renowned seafood and Chesapeake Bay cuisine.
Maritime Aquarium Seal-Spotting & Birding Cruises — Connecticut Coast
Late February to Early March 2026
Seasonal weekend cruises along Long Island Sound offering close-up views of seals and coastal wildlife, led by naturalists from The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
Cape Cod Irish Festival — Hyannis, MA
March 6 to 7, 2026
A lively celebration of Irish culture featuring live music, traditional dance, great food, and festive community spirit at the Irish Village on Cape Cod.
Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Boston, MA
March 15, 2026
One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, bringing marching bands, bagpipes, and high-energy crowds to the streets of South Boston.
West: Music, Wildlife, and Iconic Seasonal Experiences
From whale watching to indie music festivals, winter and early spring are ideal times to experience the West.
Whale Watching Season— Maui, HI
January to March
Witness the awe-inspiring humpback whales that migrate to Maui’s waters each winter. Tours offer up-close views of breaches, tail slaps, and calves, making it a perfect adventure for wildlife lovers and ocean enthusiasts.
Whistler Fire & Ice Show — Whistler, BC
Weekly through March 2026
A seasonal highlight at Whistler Blackcomb where top skiers and snowboarders launch through rings of fire against the backdrop of dancing flames, fireworks, and live evening entertainment in Whistler Village.
Bend WinterFest — Bend, OR
February 13 to 15, 2026
Central Oregon’s biggest winter celebration transforms the Old Mill District into a glowing winter wonderland with live music, art installations, food and drink vendors, ice sculpting, family activities, and the festive Hot Cocoa Run 5K.
Modernism Week Home & Architecture Tours — Palm Springs, CA
February 12 to 22, 2026
Explore iconic mid-century modern homes and architectural gems during Modernism Week, with curated home tours, neighborhood walks, and rare access to historic residences designed by legendary architects in the heart of the desert.
Golden Dragon Parade — Los Angeles, CA
February 21, 2026
Celebrate Lunar New Year with one of the country’s most iconic Golden Dragon Parades through Chinatown, featuring colorful floats, cultural performers, music, and local food.
Emerald City Comic Con — Seattle, WA (Where to Stay)
March 5 to 8, 2026
A major pop culture and comic convention featuring thousands of exhibitors, panels, celebrity guests, cosplay events, artist alley, interactive experiences, gaming, and fan meetups at the Seattle Convention Center in downtown Seattle.
Treefort Music Festival — Boise, ID
March 25 to 29, 2026
A five-day indie arts and music celebration with hundreds of bands, art installations, food vendors, comedy showcases, tech talks, and creative programming across venues in downtown Boise.
Southwest and Mountain: Film, Food, and Festival Energy
These regions combine creative culture, standout cuisine, and seasonal celebrations set against dramatic landscapes.
Sundance Film Festival — Park City and Salt Lake City, UT
January 22 to February 1, 2026
One of the world’s most influential independent film festivals, featuring premieres, filmmaker Q&As, panels, and screenings across Park City and Salt Lake City.
WM Phoenix Open — Scottsdale, AZ
February 2 to 8, 2026
One of the most celebrated events on the PGA Tour, the WM Phoenix Open brings professional golf to TPC Scottsdale with major players, fan zones, concerts, and the famously energetic 16th‑hole atmosphere during tournament week.
Steamboat Winter Carnival — Steamboat Springs, CO
February 4 to 7, 2026
One of Colorado’s most beloved winter festivals with ski races, ski jumping, ice sculptures, fireworks, a shovel race, and lively street events set against snowy mountain scenery.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo — Houston, TX
March 2 to 22, 2026
A massive Texas tradition at NRG Stadium featuring world-class rodeo action, headliner concerts across genres, BBQ contests, wine tastings, carnival rides, and Western heritage.
Sips & Sounds Music Festival — Austin, TX
March 13 to 14, 2026
A two-day music festival at Auditorium Shores featuring national headliners across multiple stages, local food vendors, and premium listening experiences.
Spring Jam — Aspen Snowmass, CO
March 27 to 29, 2026
Kick off spring with concerts, competitions, night skiing, and lively après-ski vibes across Aspen and Snowmass, a great way to celebrate the changing season in the mountains.
Plan Your Stay With iTrip
These events are the perfect reason to get away, and where you stay plays a big role in the overall experience. With iTrip vacation rentals, you can choose homes that place you close to festivals, performances, and seasonal highlights while offering the space and comfort to truly relax. From beach destinations and vibrant cities to mountain towns and cultural hubs, iTrip helps turn event weekends into memorable vacations.