Southwest Events and Destinations for March

1. Baseball Spring Training in Arizona

It's that time of year again. Here in Arizona both the locals and the winter visitors are eagerly awaiting the beginning of Spring Training for Major League Baseball. Affectionately referred to as the Cactus League (Grapefruit League is in Florida), nine teams come to the Phoenix area and three go to Tucson to get their workout before the real season begins.

2. Remember the Alamo - San Antonio, Texas

Each March, commemorative programs take place in San Antonio to honor the men, women and children on both sides of the historic Battle of The Alamo. The programs are free, open to the public and put on by the San Antonio Living History Association.

3. Fiery Foods and BBQ Show - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Set the world on fire from Albuquerque, NM! The main attraction is the largest collection of hot and spicy products every assembled in the U.S. There is an astonishing variety of hot and spicy foods on display, including hot sauces, salsas, barbecue sauces, candies, honeys, chips, pestos, nuts, jams, jellies, snacks, soups, salad dressings, mustards, beans, ketchup and many more. Open to consumers and buyers.

4. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a long-standing Houston tradition. More than 30,000 participants are entered in the livestock show portion of the event and over 1 million spectators watch the rodeo events, which are spread across the three-week duration of the show.

5. Heard Museum Indian Fair and Market - Phoenix, AZ

The Heard Museum Indian Fair & Market is an unrivaled experience that brings together the finest Native artists against a backdrop of entertainment and food. Each spring, more than 20,000 visitors experience the sights, sounds and smells of one of the world's finest Native American art festivals - an unparalleled combination of art, entertainment and food

6. Celebration of Fine Art - Scottsdale, Arizona

Imagine visiting 100 artists' studios in one day! At the Celebration of Fine Art you can watch art develop. This annual gathering of over 100 artists, who show and sell their gallery quality work, in the "big white tents on Scottsdale Road" has become one of the foremost annual events in Scottsdale.

Photo Tour of the Event.

7. Rattlesnake Roundup - Sweetwater, Texas

Who might go to the Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas? Well, not snake lovers. At the roundup, they deep fry the rattlesnakes and eat them. And certainly not those who are afraid of snakes because they might actually see a live one. Yet, somehow, The Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater Texas has become quite a draw and has grown over it’s 17 year history.

8. SXSW South by Southwest Music and Film Festival - Austin, Texas

The first South by Southwest Music Conference and Festival (SXSW) was held in 1987 in Austin, Texas. Despite the fact that Austin is not a major metropolitan city, the background and character of the city made it a perfect location for the conference. The event has grown from a music festival to include film and trade conferences. Enjoy music at small and large venues during SXSW.

9. Parada del Sol Parade, Rodeo and Events - Scottsdale, Arizona

Head to Scottsdale for a full month of western themed events including the Parada del Sol Parade and Trail's End Celebration in Old Town Scottsdale, the Kid's Corral Art Show, the Official Parada del Sol Art unveiling and elementary school assemblies. The fun is topped off with 5 PRCA rodeo performances and 2 rodeo dances. A portion of all proceeds benefits Scottsdale Jaycees Charities and the Scottsdale Community.

10. Ostrich Festival - Chandler, Arizona

The annual Ostrich Festival (formerly referred to as the Chandler Ostrich Festival) is recognized as one of the "Top 10 Unique Festivals in the United States" with its lanky ostriches, multiple entertainment bands and many special gift and food vendors. It is truly a unique festival, and suitable for the entire family.