Find out what’s on in London in March 2019, including festivals, St Patrick’s Day celebrations and more.

Spring is on its way

Spring is apparently here… although we know there’s always a strong chance of changeable weather. With the days getting longer and warmer, Londoners can expect to see more festivals and events taking place across the capital in March. This month sees a selection of big events, including International Women’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day.

• 28 February – 3 March : The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

Haberdashery festival featuring hundreds of workshops, demonstrations, interactive features and 200 exhibitors selling specialist craft supplies. Open Thu-Sat: 10am-5.30pm, Sun: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £14, Children £6. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Knitting & Stitching Show website.

• 2 – 3 March : London Film And Comic Con Spring

A Spring edition of the hugely popular London Film and Comic Con. The chance to meet your favourite stars including George Lazenby, Robert Englund, John Simm, Joseph Marcell, Sylvester McCoy, Karyn Parsons, Colin Baker, Charles Dance, Lucy Davis, Peter Mayhew and many more. Tickets: Adults £18 (Sat), £16 (Sun); Children £12 (Sat), £10 (Sun). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the London Film & Comic Con website.

• 4 – 10 March : International Women’s Day @ Seven Dials

A week of events, offers and promotions celebrating women at the stores and businesses of Seven Dials supporting this year’s theme of #balanceforbetter. Highlights include a live podcast, hub featuring activities and events, film club, pop-up shops, panel discussions and more. At venues and stores around Seven Dials, Covent Garden, WC2H. Nearest station: Leicester Square or Covent Garden. For more information, visit the Seven Dials website.

• 4 – 15 March : Russian Maslenitsa

The Russian sun festival, featuring a host of events including Maslenitsa doll making workshops, Russia, Royalty & the Romanovs exhibition, culinary extravaganza, Shrovetide celebration for families with music, dancing and games and the Maslenitsa Celebration Concert. Venues include Concert Hall St John Smith Square, Russian Culture Centre, The Queen’s Gallery, Zima restaurant and Pushkin House. For more information, visit the Maslenitsa website.

• 7 March : International Women’s Day takeover @ Nine Lives

Neighbourhood cocktail bar Nine Lives hosts a female takeover on the eve of International Women’s Day. Artist Trinity Tristan will be creating a breast print artwork, Jenna Ba from Bulleit Bourbon and Kate Jackson from Ketel One will be mixing special cocktails, while DJ Vanille will be spinning on the decks. Nine Lives, 8 Holyrood Street, London Bridge, SE1 2EL. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the Nine Lives website. For Metro Girl’s review of Nine Lives, click here.

• 7 – 10 March : Affordable Art Fair @ Battersea Park

A chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There are over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging from £100 to £6,000. Tickets: £8-£25 in advance, more on the door. Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park or short bus ride from Sloane Square tube. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.

The Affordable Art Fair returns to Battersea

• 7 – 30 March : Crystal Palace International Film Festival

Tenth anniversary of the CPIFF, featuring shorts and feature-length screenings, animation night, premieres, horror/sci-fi night, and documentary night. Tickets: £8-£22. At various venues including Everyman Crystal Palace, PictureHouse West Norwood, Stanley Halls & Anerley Town Hall. Nearest stations: Crystal Palace, Norwood Junction and West Norwood. For more information, visit the CPIFF website.

• 8 – 9 March : Women Of The World Festival

A festival of talks, debates, music, film and comedy celebrating women. Angela Davis, Naomi Klein, Lady Sanity, Jo Brand, Chidera Eggerue and Catherine Mayer among the featured names. Events range from free to £25, while or many included with day pass £30, two-day pass £55, three-day pass £80. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 8 – 10 March : Move It

The world’s biggest dance event featuring performances, classes, workshops, shopping, and talks by experts from all genres, including Aston Merrygold with BASE Studios, Italia Conti, Khronos Agoria – The Brit School, English National Ballet, Neil & Katya Jones and more. Tickets: Adults from £19, Children from £15 (multiple day passes available). ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information, visit the Move It website.

• 8 – 10 March : Glamour Beauty Festival

Glamour magazine hosts a three-day celebration of beauty, including big beauty brands, treatments, talks, goodie bags and more. Celebrity guests include Maisie Williams, Maya Jama, Laura Whitmore, Mollie King, Rylan Clark-Neal, Katherine Ryan, Pixiwoo, Megan Barton Hanson, Georgia Toffolo and more. Open Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am-6.30pm. Tickets: £49-£80. Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.

• 9 – 10 March : Vegan Life Live

Two day festival celebrating and exploring the vegan lifestyle, featuring clothing, cosmetics and food stands, talks, live music, cookery demonstrations, workshops and Q&A sessions. Open Sat 9 10am-6pm, Open Sun 10 10am-5pm. Tickets start from £12 (under 16s free). The West Hall, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest station: Alexandra Palace. For more information, visit the Vegan Life Live website.

• Now until 9 March : Qu Leilei – Echoes

A solo exhibition from Qu Leilei at the newest branch of the international 3812 Gallery. The show features pieces in water and ink, the ancient medium for painting and calligraphy in Chinese culture. Mon–Sat 10am-6.30pm. 3812 Gallery, 21 Ryder Street, St James’s, SW1Y 6PX. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the 3812 gallery website.

• 10 – 15 March : London Design Week

Interior design festival featuring over 100 events, including talks, demonstrations, showrooms, installations, food and drink. Open 9.30am-5.30pm. Free entry, but register in advance. Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, SW10 0XE. Nearest station: Imperial Wharf. For more information, visit the London Design Week website.

• Now until 10 March : Orchid Festival

An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Colombia. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £18.15, Children (4-16yr) £4.95. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website.

• 11 – 17 March : London Book and Screen Week

Week-long event of storytelling, readings and talks. Venues include the V&A Museum, the British Library, National Portrait Gallery, Discover Children’s Story Centre, London Metropolitan University, Princess Anne Theatre, Harold Pinter Theatre, West End Lane Books, Fortune Theatre, Natural History Museum and more. For more information, visit the London Book and Screen Week website.

• 11 – 24 March : The Avocado Show pop-up

The world’s first avocado concept is coming to London for a special two-week pop-up at Bluebird Chelsea. Bluebird Chelsea, 350 King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 5UU. Nearest station: South Kensington or Sloane Square. For more information and booking, visit the Bluebird website. For Metro Girl’s post on the pop-up, click here.

• 13 – 23 March : Taste the Greatness of Northern Ireland showcase @ Borough Market

Enjoy the best food and drink from Northern Ireland during a two-week showcase. Guest traders from N.I. will be setting up stalls in the Market Hall with their award-winning produce. On St Patrick’s Day on 17 March, there will be a family-friendly celebration with food, drink, cookery demos and live entertainment. Northern Irish celebrity chef Paula McIntyre will be cooking in the demonstration kitchen (13–17 Mar). Open Wed-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun (17 Mar only) 12pm-4pm. Free entry. Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the Borough Market website. For Metro Girl’s post on the event, click here.

• 14 March : Show In The Dark

St James is hosting an evening of arts and culture. Featuring artistic workshops, culinary masterclasses, experiences and performances across the shops, galleries and eateries of the area. From 6pm-9pm. Tickets for events vary, but many are free. Taking place at various locations across St James and Regent Street. Nearest stations: Green Park, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. For more information and tickets, visit the St James’s London website.

• 14 – 15 March : Daunt Books Festival

Marylebone’s famous bookshop hosts two days of literary fun, including talks, live music, children’s tea, Emily’s Walking Book Club and food and drink. Tickets range from free to £10 depending on event. Daunt Books, 83 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QW. Nearest stations: Baker Street or Bond Street. For tickets and more details, visit the Daunt Books website.

• 14 – 17 March : The Other Art Fair

Chance to see and buy art from 140 unrepresented artists, regardless of how experienced you are in purchasing artwork. Also features the Saatchi Art Talks and Lounge, Kids’ Create activities and much more. Tickets: £9–£25. Victoria House, Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, WC1B 4DA. Nearest station: Russell Square or Holborn. For more information, visit the Other Art Fair website.

• 15 – 16 March : Mindful Living Show

A show exploring mindfulness and meditation. Featuring talks, workshops and more. 10am-5.30pm. Tickets from £12.50 (includes entrance to The Sleep Show). Design Business Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For more information, visit the Mindful Living Show website.

• 15 – 17 March : St Patrick’s Day Festival

A series of events to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The parade on 17 March starts at 12pm in Piccadilly, before proceeding to Trafalgar Square. The Square will play host to the free St Patrick’s Day Festival from 12-6pm, which includes music, comedy, and a farmers’ market. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square or Embankment. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website.

The Vault Festival returns to Waterloo

• Now until 17 March : Vault Festival

Seven week arts festival in the tunnels beneath Waterloo across three venues. Entertainment includes live music, theatre, film, dance, comedy, immersive experiences and late-night parties. Open Wed-Sun. Ticket prices vary. The Vaults, 10 Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest station: Waterloo and Lambeth North. For booking, visit the Vault Festival website. Check out Metro Girl’s shows to watch at this year’s festival

• Now until 19 March : Festival of New Masculinity

Inaugural festival from the Book of Man, featuring 10 events across two east London venues. Exploring issues facing modern men today. Including live podcasts, special guest panels, photography exhibition, grooming lounges, boys brunches, and a Penis Gallery. Ticket prices vary. Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, 2-4 Hoxton Square, Hoxton, N1 6NU and the Book Club, 100-106 Leonard Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4RH. Nearest station: Old Street. For more information, visit the Book Of Man website.

• 21 March – 1 April : BFI Flare

The British Film Institute hosts the 11 day festival of LGBTQ+ film featuring 50 features, over 80 shorts, special events, guest appearances, club nights. Ticket prices vary. BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XT. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the BFI website.

Olympia are hosting several events, including the Ideal Home Show

• 22 March – 7 April : Ideal Home Show

A place of inspiration for homeowners including interiors, fittings and gardens. Includes plenty of opportunities to buy things both big and small for the house and food. Celebrity guests and experts include Phil Spencer, Nick Knowles, David Domoney, Lisa Faulkner, Rosemary Shrager, Joe Swift, Anna Jacobs, James Wong, May Simpkin and many more. Open daily 10am-6pm (Thurs lates until 9pm). Tickets: Weekday £14-£20 or Weekend £14-£17 (also includes free access to the Eat & Drink Festival). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.

• 22 March – 7 April : Eat & Drink Festival

Next door to the Ideal Home Show is a new live experience, featuring modern cuisine, mixology and street food. Learn from the best at the Foodie Lab, Chef’s Table and Cook’s Academy. Tickets: Weekday £14-£20, Weekend £16 (also includes free access to Ideal Home Show). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Eat & Drink Festival website.

• 23 March : Prohibition Party on a boat

To mark 100 years since the Prohibition, Bourne & Hollingsworth are taking their famous Prohibition Party to the Thames. Including champagne cocktails, floorshows, performances and live bands. Departing from a secret central London pier at 8pm. Tickets: £30. For tickets, visit the Prohibition Party website.

• 27 March – 29 April : London Handel Festival

Six weeks of concerts, talks and walks in venues, including Frederick Handel’s own parish church St Georges in Mayfair, as well as the Britten Theatre (Royal College of Music), the Foundling Museum, Grosvenor Chapel, Duke’s Hall (Royal Academy of Music), Cadogan Hall, The Charterhouse, St Lawrence Little Stanmore and Wigmore Hall. For more information, visit the London Handel Festival website.

• 28 – 31 March : London Coffee Festival

A celebration of coffee for the capital’s caffeine lovers at the Old Truman Brewery, featuring food, music and – of course – coffee. Visitors will even have the chance to make perfect coffee at home from some top baristas. Tickets start from £16.50 (advance). The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6QL. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Aldgate East. For more information, visit the London Coffee Festival website.

The London Coffee Festival returns to the Truman Brewery

• 28 – 31 March : Country Living Magazine London Spring Fair

Country Living magazine hosts its spring fair, featuring workshops, kitchen demo, theatre, shopping and champagne bar. Open 28-30 10am-5pm, 31 10am-4pm. Tickets: Adults £17.60, Children 5-16yrs £9.35. Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest station: Alexandra Palace. For more information and tickets, visit Country Living Fair website.

• 28 – 31 March : Made London

Design and craft fair featuring the country’s best contemporary makers. Open 11am-6pm. Free admission. East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, E14. Nearest station: Canary Wharf. For more information, visit the Made London website.

• 28 March – 30 April : Travel Photographer Of The Year Awards

Outdoors exhibition featuring the winning images of the Travel Photographer Of The Year Awards. Open 24 hours. Free to view. Located on the Queens Walk by the Thames near City Hall and The Scoop, Southwark, SE1 2AA. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the TPOTY website.

• 29 – 30 March : Whisky Live

Whisky festival comes to 18th century surroundings, featuring masterclasses, food pairings, the VIP Lounge and exclusive private VIP pourings. Open Fri 5-10pm, Sat 12pm-5pm. Tickets £51.42–£120.20. Honourable Artillery Company, City Road, EC1Y 2BQ. Nearest station: Old Street or Moorgate. For booking, visit the Whisky Live website.

• 29 – 31 March : London Bike Show

The UK’s largest cycling exhibition returns to the ExCel. Tickets: Adults £16, Children under 15 free. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information, visit the London Bike Show website.

• 30 March : Head Of The River Race

Four hundred crews from around the world take their boats to race 4.25 miles from Mortlake to Putney. The race starts at 2.15pm. Free. Nearest stations to spectator points: Mortlake, Barnes Bridge, Hammersmith or Putney Bridge. For more information, visit the Head Of The River Race website.

• 30 – 31 March : Walker Stalker Con

Zombie convention featuring panel discussions, meet and greets, autograph sessions and more. Celebrities appearing include Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Steven Yeun, Christian Serratos, David Morrissey, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Jerome Flynn, Dylan McDermott, Denis O’Hare and more. Tickets: Adults £37.50, Children 10 and under £7.50. Excel London, E. Nearest station: Prince Regent. For tickets, visit the Walker Stalker Con website.

• 30 March – 14 April : Telegraph Hill Festival

Arts and entertainment festival in South East London, including music, open studios, art shows, interactive exhibits, classes, workshops, talks, literary events, plays, performance art and music events. Lots of events are free, but some will cost. At various venues across New Cross, Nunhead, Hatcham, Brockley and Honor Oak. For more information, visit the Telegraph Hill festival website.

• Now until 31 March : Marvel’s Avengers

Multi-room experience for fans of Marvel’s Avengers, where they will find out their favourite characters’ back story and mind and interact with props and the characters themselves. Opening times: Mon-Thu: 10am–6.30pm, Fri: 10am–8.30pm, Sat: 9.30am-8.30pm and Sun: 9.30am-6.30pm. Tickets: Adults £25, Children £14. ExCel, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent or Custom House. For tickets, visit the Avengers Station website.

• Now until 7 April : Lost Lagoon

Bompas & Parr have created an immersive, subterranean journey inspired by the world’s most famous buccaneer Captain Henry Morgan. Expect whirlpool cocktail station, beach-inspired food and entertainment. Tickets: £20-£30. West 12 shopping centre, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8PP. Nearest station: Shepherd’s Bush. For booking, visit the Lost Lagoon website.

• Now until 22 April : John Ruskin – The Power Of Seeing @ Two Temple Place

Exhibition of the paintings, drawings, daguerreotypes, metal work, and plaster casts of John Ruskin. Free entry. Two Temple Place, 2 Temple Place, Temple, WC2R 3BD. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Two Temple Place website.

Last Nights of Havana
© Kritt Normsaskul

• Now until May : Last Nights Of Havana

Nightlife pop-up in Tobacco Dock brings a slice of Cuba to London. Featuring live music, DJs, dance, drinking and street food. Open 5pm-12am. Tickets: £25 (inc complimentary arrival cocktail). Masterclass: £60pp (include rum flight, special cocktail and discount towards evening event). Last Nights Of Havana, Quayside Bar, Tobacco Dock, Wapping Lane (Gate Entrance), Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest station: Shadwell or Wapping. For more information and tickets, visit lastnightsofhavana.com. See Metro Girl’s blog for more information.

• Now until 2 June : Swinging Sixties exhibition

New exhibition celebrates the fashion, textiles, homewares and furniture of the Swinging Sixties. Including vintage designs by Mary Quant, Laura Ashley and Terence Conran. Open Tues-Sat 11am–6pm, Thurs until 8pm, Sun 11am–5pm. Tickets: £9.90. Fashion & Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XF. Nearest station: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the museum website.

• Now until early June : Sculpture In The City 2018/2019

Free public art exhibition, bringing contemporary pieces to the streets and spaces of the City of London. At various sites around the Square Mile. Nearest stations: Fenchurch Street, Monument or Liverpool Street. For more information and a map of the artworks, visit the City Of London’s official website. Check out Metro Girl’s gallery of the 2017/2018 exhibition.

• Now until 28 July : Room To Breathe @ Migration Museum

Interactive exhibition of a migrant’s experiences when they arrive in the UK and what it means to live as migrant. Open Thu 12pm-8pm, Fri-Sun 12pm-6pm. Free admission. At the Migration Museum @ The Workshop, 26 Lambeth High Street, Lambeth, SE1 7AG. Nearest station: Vauxhall, Westminster or Lambeth North. For more information, visit the Migration Museum website. For Metro Girl’s review on the exhibition, click here.

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