March is not only the month of my birth, but Montana’s allotted month for spring break. With a full week off for local students, families are challenged with how to fill the time. If you’re staycationing, you’re probably looking for ideas that won’t break the bank. I’ve collected a handful of 2023 March events in our area that are sure to please families and vacationers of all varieties.

Let’s start off with hot springs recommendations. We have three amazing hot springs within an hour of Bozeman proper, all with their own draws. Closest to the center of Bozeman is Bozeman Hot Springs, with both indoor and outdoor pools, a steam room and sauna, and an outdoor stage for music on Thursday and Sunday evenings. BHS is a great place to take the family—there really is something for everyone, and space to spread out. Keep in mind their hours: BHS closes Friday evenings until sundown Saturday evenings, so be sure to plan accordingly. Thirty-three miles west is Norris Hot Springs, offering a more intimate experience. The small pool at Norris is lined with wood, and fed with hot water that sprinkles into the pool from overhead on one side. Norris is great for smaller groups, or for couples who want to spend quality time together in this hot water oasis. Furthest from the center of Bozeman is Chico Hot Springs, where they’ve known since the early 1900s that folks will travel to spend time at a hot spring. Chico offers a large pool with space for the family, as well as a smaller, hotter pool adjacent to the pass-through bar window! Plan ahead for next spring break and make a reservation to spend the night in one of the many room offerings. Multiple on-site dining options exist and can be a draw all their own. Chico is an adventure every local or visiting family should experience. Grab your suit, it’s time to soak!

St. Patrick’s Day is March’s only big holiday, and can be celebrated in a number of ways in Bozeman. Landing on a Friday in 2023, the Tune Up Bar will host Bozeman’s own Irish cowpunk, animal-spirit-driven band, The Ornery Jacks, beginning at 8 pm. Green beer and Irish Whiskey are sure to flow freely for this pot of gold party. For the fitness-minded beer drinker, Run to the Pub (voted Bozeman’s Choice) takes place on Saturday, March 18th. Both beginning and ending in Downtown Bozeman at Pub 317, this run ends with a pint of beer and a whole lot of green. Runners must sign up ASAP to participate in this year’s festivities, and the public is invited to cheer on racers and meet up downtown for all things St. Patrick’s Day, including food and drink favorites with an Irish flair.

With a full week off, you’ll have plenty of time for a drive up Gallatin Canyon to the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center in Big Sky, for Big Sky favorites James Sewell Ballet & The Ahn Trio and/or the Powerful Drumming of TAIKOPROJECT. Any size group will be comfortable in this 280-seat venue, which was built for community inspiration, and which consistently brings both world-class acts and local performers to the stage.

Lastly on this list of Spring Break 2023 suggestions is your chance for a good laugh at Last Best Comedy Club. On Tuesdays in March, LBC will open their stage for an open mic to give budding comedians a chance to connect to the Bozeman Stand Up scene. Jump in or just enjoy the laughs, then come back for Thursday Night Out!, a perfect time to check out the company’s hilarious improv show. Ticketed shows are open to ages 18+ and are quite affordable for a night out.

Whether you’re staycationing, or visiting for your own Spring Break, Bozeman has events and venues for every taste or entertainment desire. The Greater Yellowstone Events Calendar has all of Bozeman’s best events; check in advance to make the best plan for an excellent Spring Break.