Highlights in March 2025: Clouds of white cherry blossoms are reflected in the Tidal Basin at the nation’s capital and in Amsterdam, thousands of Dutch tulips kiss the air with spring. On March 8, hundreds of events all over the world mark International Women’s Day and on March 14, it’s Pi Day. Mega fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana turns 40 with a major retrospective in Paris. And, in San Francisco, the oldest professional ballet company in the United States presents two productions this month.
Through March 31
Du Coeur à la Main: Dolce & Gabbana | Grand Palais, Paris
Discover the inspiration, creative process, and craftsmanship behind one of the world’s most renowned fashion houses, Dolce & Gabbana. In a stunning setting at the Grand Palais, a first-ever exhibition on the occasion of the 40th anniversary, is getting rave reviews. paris.dolcegabbanaexhibition.com/en
March 1 – 8
San Francisco Ballet | Raymonda
A woman ahead of her time, Raymonda embodies resilience and compassion. The backdrop is set against the 19th-century Crimean War in an adaptation by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
March 1 – July 6
Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64 | de Young, San Francisco
More than 250 personal photographs are exhibited at the de Young museum in the show, Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm. Nearly 60 years after The Beatles performed their final concert at Candlestick Park, visitors get a behind-the-scenes look into the meteoric rise of Beatlemania. Organized by London’s National Portrait Gallery. famsf.org
March 8
International Women’s Day
The first International Women’s Day was held in March 1911. With events worldwide, Accelerate Action is the 2025 theme to emphasize the importance of taking swift and decisive steps toward gender equality. internationalwomensday.com
March 20 – 26
San Francisco Ballet | Frankenstein
A captivating production breathes new life into Mary Shelley’s classic tale, it’s an emotionally charged journey into life, death, love, and identity, enhanced by a hauntingly evocative score. Recommended for ages 14+.War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org
March 20 through April 13
National Cherry Blossom Festival | Washington DC
What began with a gift from Tokyo in 1912 at the Tidal Basin now spans four weeks. Some 3,000 trees burst into pink bloom and themed events honoring Japanese and American culture take place. washington.org
March 20 through May 11
Keukenhof | Lisse, Netherlands
A world-famous attraction for 75 years, the park outside Amsterdam showcases seven million spring-flowering bulbs for a period of eight weeks only.
Images: Unsplash: Fellipe Ditadi, Andy He. SF Ballet, @Erik Tomasson. Keukenhof Gardens.