March’s Top Free or Low-Cost Events in DC, NYC, and PHL

March’s Top Free or Low-Cost Events in DC, NYC, and PHL

March 20th is the first official day of Spring, so get ready for warmer weather and more outdoor events! To celebrate, we compiled a list of free or low-cost events in D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia for the month of March. Time to get excited for sunshine and weekend getaways!

All of the events and destinations listed can be reached via our Northeastern trains!

Plus…

Traveling on Amtrak this spring is worth double the points with Double Days from Amtrak Guest Rewards. Register and travel March 18 – May 18 to earn 2X the points toward great rewards like Amtrak travel, upgrades, hotels and more. Starting March 4th, you can register at Amtrak.com/DoubleDays.

Cherry Blossom DC Amtrak

Cherry Blossom Festival: Washington, D.C.

What better way to kick off spring than seeing the famous Cherry Blossom Trees bloom on the National Mall? The festival starts on March 20th and goes through April 13th. Pro tip: Peak bloom is very unpredictable and often depends on weather, so be ready to head to the National Mall at a moment’s notice. Check out where to find the best places to photograph the cherry blossoms here. Your Instagram will thank you.

Bonus: Taking in the blossoms is nice, but how about a cocktail on the side? The Cherry Blossom Pub, a D.C. pop-up bar, is returning for its third year. This year, the inside of the pub will be shaped like a ramen bowl, and the signature cocktails will resemble the famous cherry blossoms.

National’s Opening Day: Washington, D.C.

It’s almost springtime, so you know you what that means? It’s baseball season! 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of professional baseball. Head down to the Navy Yard on March 28th for the Nationals’ Opening Day, and see the fan-favorite Presidents Race! While in the area, head over to the newly built District Wharf where you can stroll up and down the waterfront or dine at one of the many restaurants before or after the game.

Washington Nationals

Brooklyn Bridge and 911 Memorial Night Tour: New York, NY

There is something special about “The City that Never Sleeps” and the twinkle of the skyline, come nightfall. Catch this breath-taking view of NYC on the Brooklyn Bridge and 911 Memorial Night Tour. Visit the 911 Memorial while it’s illuminated in the evening, and you’ll get a unique perspective of the powerful site.

This tour is pay-as-you-wish and is held on Tuesdays and Fridays from March through November. Reservations are required, so book fast!

Statue of Liberty: New York, NY

March is Women’s History Month and it’s only fitting to celebrate by visiting Lady Liberty herself! As if you needed another excuse to visit, March is off-peak tourist season, so head on over before the city gets even more packed during summer. There are multiple ticket options available. For example, take the FREE Staten Island Ferry, if you don’t care to walk on Liberty Island, but still want to drift past Lady Liberty.

Ellis Island

Museum of the American Revolution: Philadelphia, PA

Bummed you haven’t seen Hamilton live yet? Don’t fret! Skip the show (and save some money) by heading over to the Museum of American Revolution to experience its new exhibit, Hamilton Was Here: Rising Up in Revolutionary Pennsylvania. Now through March 17th, you can immerse yourself in the 1700’s and discover how Alexander Hamilton shaped America into the country it is today. The museum’s interactive experiences will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time!

Franklin Square: Philadelphia, PA

Starting Friday March 1st, Franklin Square re-opens after a winter break! This family-friendly park has a carousel and a mini golf course, both of which pay homage to the history of Philadelphia. Guests can also enjoy avid storytelling by characters dressed up as famous historians who explain the rich history of the iconic Franklin Square. If you can’t make it there now, be sure to pencil it in for April when the park debuts their new fountain, which will come to life with lights, music and dancing water!

Franklin Square