10 free things to do in Boston in March

With spring on the horizon and winter in our rear view mirror, March is a month of decisions — do we do something outside or inside? With plenty of activities throughout the city, from talented musicians to outdoor art installations to a famous parade that attracts over a million spectators, why not enjoy both without shelling out a penny? Here are 10 things to do in Boston for free this March.

Boston joins New York and Chicago as a host of the latest Public Art Fund presentation, “Carmen Winant: My Mother and Eye.” This outdoor exhibit featuring 11 compositions of more than 1,200 film stills is on view on 300 JCDecaux bus shelters across the three cities. The stills were taken from films the San Francisco-based artist and her mother each made as teenagers driving across America: hers made on 35mm film and her mom’s on a Super 8 camera. The familiar landscapes range from Niagara Falls to the Rocky Mountains, cornfields to coasts. On display until April 6, you can find a map of the 28 participating bus stops in Boston here. (various locations throughout Boston)

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture joins Non-Event, a Boston-based concert series devoted to experimental, abstract, improvised, and new music, to present a free concert of live electronic music. Artist, curator, and composer Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe (known for his work in voice and modular synthesizing) and interdisciplinary musician, artist, and technologist Natalie Epstein-Hogue will perform inside Boston’s iconic City Hall on March 1 from 7 to 9:30 pm. (1 City Hall Square, 3rd Floor, Boston)

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is hosting “Celtic Bells – The Irish in Boston.” This free event on March 8 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. brings you along for the journey of the city’s Irish immigrants, weaving in songs and poems of work, humor, protest, and longing (both for home and to belong in America). You’ll enjoy the lively music of the fiddle, bodhran (Irish drum), banjo, flute, guitar, and bagpipes. While the program is free, reservations are required by registering here or calling (617) 514- 1644. (John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston)

What better way to celebrate the world’s strong leading ladies than watching one on the big screen? Join fellow series enthusiasts as you watch famed heroine Katniss Everdeen rise above the odds (that weren’t always in her favor) during a screening of “The Hunger Games” at Trident Booksellers & Café on March 8. This is also the perfect opportunity to jog your memory in anticipation of Suzanne Collin’s releasing her newest Hunger Games book on March 18. There will be food and beverage available for purchase. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m., and the film is at 7 p.m. (Trident Booksellers & Café, 338 Newbury St., Boston)

You’ll walk away with info to tackle the upcoming planting season at this talk with Josh Altidor, the general superintendent of parks and turf management for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. On March 11 from 6 to 7:30 pm, you’ll learn how to foster a thriving relationship with native plants, which are more resilient, require less maintenance, and are better for the environment and preventing climate change. (419 Faneuil St., Brighton)

Cheer on the 1,750 runners of the St Patrick’s Day 5K Road Race. The long-standing race tradition (the first was run in 1940) kicks off a couple of hours before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16 at 11 a.m. The first 500 entrants proudly don the official long-sleeved race shirts designed by one of the race’s most famous sponsors, Southie’s own Celtic punk rock group The Dropkick Murphys. All proceeds from the race go to support South Boston youth programs.  (Edgerley Family South Boston Boys and Girls Club, 230 6th St., Boston)

What began in 1737 as a gesture of solidarity among the city’s new Irish immigrants still keeps Southie’s street alive for Boston’s famous St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. The parade starts at the Broadway T station on the Red Line and will follow its normal long route again this year. Don’t forget to wear green. (Secure a spot along the parade route)

Have a big day coming up? Whether you’re just starting the planning or you’ve already made a few decisions, discover all things wedding, honeymoon, and home on display at the Great Bridal Expo on March 23 from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy giveaways, prizes, a live orchestra, DJs, and sample catering options while exploring aisle after aisle of exhibits. (Westin Boston Seaport District, 425 Summer St., Boston)

Are you ready for it? Time Out Market is holding its first Swiftie Sunday on March 23. It’s your chance to dance the night away (or at least between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m.) to Taylor’s hits with live beats from DJ Tumi while sipping on themed cocktails for purchase. Dress up as your favorite era for a chance to win prizes. It’s a Taylor-made night for all ages, but only those who are 21+ can enjoy the themed cocktails. (Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr., Boston)

As part of the Museum of Science’s yearlong focus on Being Human, “¡A Bailar!” is an evening of artistic movement, wellness, and belonging within the Latinx and Hispanic communities. During the 18+ event on March 27 at 7:30 p.m., New England’s leading art makers, dancers, and musicians will showcase the importance of dance and movement in wellness, creating community, identity, and inclusion. The museum’s Blue Wing transforms after the discussion into a celebration of Latinx and Hispanic culture, with performances and audience demonstrations from the Afro-Latin dance scene, dancing to DJ music, and more. Registration is required. (Museum of Science, 1 Science Pk., Boston)