Top astronomy stories of 2026
Astronomy stories of 2026 include the return of a total solar eclipse to the Artemis II mission that aims for humans returning to the moon in the future.
March is packed with events, holidays, national days and celebrations.
In March, we will see a total lunar eclipse, wave goodbye to winter when the Spring Equinox starts and gear up for daylight saving time. In addition, many will partake in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
March is also Women’s History Month and National Reading Month.
Here’s what else is in store for the month.
Are there any federal holidays in March 2026?
No. There are no federal holidays in March.
In total, 2026 has 11 federal holidays across 11 days, according to the Office of Personnel Management. The next one, Memorial Day, won’t be until Monday, May 25.
César Chávez Day
Although there are no federal holidays in March, César Chávez Day is a federal commemorative holiday and a state holiday.
In 2026, the day falls on Tuesday, March 31.
The holiday honors the life of Chávez, a civil rights and labor movement activist, according to the White House. In 2014, then-President Barack Obama proclaimed March 31, Chávez’s birthday, to be a federal commemorative holiday.
The day is considered a state holiday, commemorative holiday or state observance in the following states, according to Office Holidays:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Michigan
- Michigan
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
What religious holidays are in March 2026?
There are multiple cultural and religious holidays in March, including:
- Holi – Wednesday, March 4
- Hola Mohalla – Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 6
- Eid al-Fitr – Thursday, March 19 or Friday, March 20, depending on when the moon is spotted, according to Islamic Relief Worldwide.
- Ostara – Friday, March 20 to Monday, March 23
- Nowruz – Saturday, March 21
- Mahavir Jayanti – Tuesday, March 31
When does daylight saving time start?
In 2026, daylight saving time will begin on Sunday, March 8, at 2 a.m. local time, and clocks will spring forward an hour.
What space events are happening in March 2026?
There will also be a total lunar eclipse on March 3, according to NASA. The following celestial events will happen throughout the month:
- Full moon/blood moon – Tuesday, March 3
- New moon – Thursday, March 19
- Spring Equinox – Friday, March 20
Other notable dates in March 2026
Here are more celebrations, commemorations, and events coming up:
- International Women’s Day – Sunday, March 8
- March Madness begins – Selection Sunday is March 15 for men’s and women’s basketball. Tournaments for men’s basketball start on Tuesday, March 17, and for women’s basketball on Wednesday, March 18.
- St. Patrick’s Day – Tuesday, March 17
- International Transgender Day of Visibility – Tuesday, March 31
National days in March 2026
Here are more celebrations, commemorations and events coming up:
- National Read Across America Day – Monday, March 2
- Mario Day – Tuesday, March 10
- National Plant a Flower Day – Thursday, March 12
- National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day – Friday, March 13
- National Pi Day – Saturday, March 14
- National Goof Off Day – Sunday, March 22
- Manatee Appreciation Day – Wednesday, March 25
Contributing: Meghan L. Hall, John Leuzzi; USA TODAY Network
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].
