Things to Do in Indianapolis in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Indianapolis
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Basketball season peaks with March Madness - Butler University and Indiana Pacers games create electric atmosphere throughout the city
- Ideal outdoor weather for running/walking the Indianapolis Cultural Trail - 13 km (8.1 miles) of connected paths before summer heat arrives
- Spring training energy builds toward Indy 500 season - track opens for tours and early season events with smaller crowds
- Restaurant patio season begins - Mass Ave and Fountain Square establishments open outdoor seating with perfect 18-21°C (65-70°F) afternoon temperatures
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 17°C (30°F) in 24 hours requiring layered clothing strategy
- Spring break crowds from surrounding universities increase downtown foot traffic and hotel rates mid-month
- Limited daylight hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 7:30pm) restrict outdoor photography and sightseeing compared to summer months
Best Activities in March
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Track Tours
March marks the beginning of racing season preparation with behind-the-scenes access before massive May crowds arrive. Perfect weather for walking the 4.0 km (2.5 mile) track perimeter and outdoor museum exhibits. Track temperature comfortable for extended visits unlike summer's brutal heat.
Downtown Cultural District Walking Tours
March's mild afternoons are perfect for exploring Monument Circle, Mass Ave Cultural District, and Indiana Avenue historic jazz corridor on foot. Spring weather eliminates summer heat concerns while trees begin budding for photography. Basketball energy from March Madness creates vibrant street atmosphere.
Indianapolis Museum and Gallery Indoor Experiences
March's variable weather makes indoor cultural attractions ideal backup plans. The Children's Museum of the World (largest children's museum globally) and Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields offer climate-controlled environments during unpredictable spring weather days. Perfect for rainy afternoon alternatives.
White River State Park Outdoor Activities
March weather perfect for biking, walking, and outdoor exploration of this 101-hectare (250-acre) urban park system. Comfortable temperatures for visiting Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens without summer heat stress. Early spring means fewer families, more peaceful experiences.
Indiana Basketball Experience Tours
March Madness season makes this the absolute peak time for basketball culture in Indianapolis. Bankers Life Fieldhouse tours, Pacers games, and Butler University campus visits showcase why Indiana is basketball's heartland. Tournament atmosphere citywide creates unique cultural experience.
Fountain Square and Lockerbie Square Neighborhood Exploration
March's pleasant walking weather perfect for exploring these historic districts. Fountain Square's vintage shops, local breweries, and Duckpin Bowling provide authentic local culture. Lockerbie Square's preserved 1800s architecture best appreciated on foot during comfortable spring temperatures.
March Events & Festivals
Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament
Annual tournament brings college basketball excitement to downtown Indianapolis with games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Creates electric atmosphere throughout downtown with fans from across the Midwest converging on the city.
Indianapolis Indians Season Opener Preparation
Victory Field begins preparing for baseball season with facility tours and early promotional events. While games don't start until April, March offers behind-the-scenes access to one of America's best minor league stadiums.