Discover what’s happening this month across our communities.
March arrives with longer days, hints of green along the trails, and a calendar that refuses to sit still. Across Mansfield and Richland County, you’ll find free movie nights, live music, maple syrup traditions, and a few thrills. If you’re searching for things to do in Mansfield this March, start here and fill in the rest with a few spontaneous stops along the way.
A Classic on the Big Screen
The Shawshank Redemption returns to the big screen for a special free showing on March 1 at Cinemark Ontario Towne Center. The Shawshank Redemption was filmed right here in Mansfield in 1994. Watching it in a theater packed with fellow fans adds a new layer of appreciation. Grab your popcorn, settle into your seat, and relive the iconic moments that put Mansfield on the cinematic map. Whether you know every line or plan to experience it for the first time, this free event sets the tone for a memorable month.
First Friday Energy
Kick off the weekend at First Friday Live at Social on Main on March 6. Downtown Mansfield comes alive during First Friday, and Social on Main keeps the momentum going with live music, great food, and a welcoming space to gather with friends. Start your evening with dinner, stay for the music, and let the night unfold naturally as you reconnect with familiar faces and discover new local talent.
Looking for even more live entertainment in Mansfield this month? Local venues across Richland County fill their stages with bands, solo artists, themed nights, and acoustic sets throughout March. Plan a date night around a show, invite friends out for trivia and tunes, or follow the music wherever it leads. You’ll find no shortage of opportunities to hear something new. Find your date night inspiration here!
A Sweet Sign of Spring
Celebrate one of Ohio’s sweetest traditions during the 49th Annual Maple Festival at Malabar Farm State Park (March 7 – 8 & 14 – 15). The festival invites visitors to watch maple syrup production in action, tour the sugar shack, and learn how sap transforms into syrup. Families can explore the farm, enjoy demonstrations, and soak in the early signs of spring across the rolling hills.
Malabar Farm delivers more than maple. Walk the trails, tour the historic Big House, and take in wide-open views that stretch toward the horizon. March may carry a chill in the air, but the promise of spring shows up in every drop of fresh syrup and every step along the path.
When Night Falls at the Reformatory
Step into the shadows during Frights & Lights at the Ohio State Reformatory, held on select evenings throughout March. This immersive event combines dramatic lighting, theatrical elements, and the reformatory’s imposing architecture to create a chilling experience you won’t forget. You’ll move through corridors and cell blocks where history lingers, and every turn invites a closer look.
If you prefer your history with a side of intrigue, join the Public Ghost Walk on March 20 at the same iconic site. Guides lead you through spaces known for reported paranormal activity while sharing stories that connect the building’s past to the present. Whether you approach it with curiosity or courage, the experience offers a new way to explore one of Ohio’s most recognizable landmarks.
More Ways to Fill Your Calendar
March also invites you to slow down and savor the in-between moments. Spend an afternoon exploring local shops in downtown Mansfield. Make reservations at a favorite restaurant and turn dinner into a lingering evening out. Visit area wineries and breweries along the Wine & Ale Trail and pair live music with a tasting flight.
Plan Your March in Mansfield
March offers a full lineup of Mansfield, Ohio events. Build your calendar with experiences that match your mood, whether you crave community energy, family-friendly outings, or a little after-dark adventure.
Share your March memories by tagging @DestinationMansfield, and visit our Calendar of Events for even more things to do in Mansfield and Richland County this month.