5 best March events to check out in Philadelphia

While it didn't make the list below, perhaps the most glorious happening scheduled for this month is the official first day of spring (March 20).

Surrounding that wonderful au revoir to frigid temps and snowy streets are a ton of other blockbuster events destined to get you both back outdoors and also exploring the thriving city that surrounds us.

Read on for the best events happening in March.

From tropical jungles to temperate forests to desert landscapes, this year's Philadelphia Flower Show will take you across the world with plant and floral installations showcasing a "Wonders of Water" theme. Designed to celebrate the relationship between horticulture and water, the nine-day extravaganza features thousands of plants from all types of environments as well as a 25-foot-tall waterfall and a rain curtain intended to transport visitors into the rain forest. Prepare for a colorful oasis of camera-ready, verdant works of art.

Through March 11; Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.; tickets start at $29.95 for adults; 215-988-8800; theflowershow.com

Raid your wardrobe for all shades of green and prepare to partake in an emerald party across the streets of Philadelphia. As one of the oldest parades in the entire country, the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade is an annual tradition you won't want to miss. The roughly two-mile route makes its way down Market Street from City Hall to Penn's Landing, bringing plenty of opportunities to take in the dance performances, spirited floats, and marching band music that make up the celebration. The festivities kick off at noon and end on the Delaware River waterfront at 3 p.m.

Noon to 3 p.m. March 11; along Market Street from City Hall to Penn's Landing; free; philadelphiastpatsparade.com

Three cheers for an entire week devoted to vino! This year's Philly Wine Week features more than 100 events unfolding in bars and restaurants that span the city. Partake in tasting challenges, enjoy five-course wine pairing dinners, engage in educational happy hours, compete in a wine pong tournament, and make your own vermouth during the spirited, eight-day celebration, welcoming both wine connoisseurs and novices alike.

March 22-29; select locations throughout the city; prices vary per event; phillywineweek.org

The opening of Franklin Square serves as an official sign that spring has arrived here in Philadelphia. Its seasonal return means mini-golf playing, carousel-riding, and fountain gazing can all now resume in the eight acres of green space. Bring the kids for a little playtime on the playground. The park restaurant, SquareBurger, opens March 24. Its signature, all-Philly Cake Shake blends ice cream with plenty of Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets, creating a sweet treat destined for enjoying on a warm spring day.

Opens March 1; 200 N. 6th St.; free admission, pay as you go for rides, games, and food; 215-629-4026; historicphiladelphia.org

BalletX kicks off its spring series this month. The Philadelphia ballet collective produces contemporary shows that push beyond the boundaries of traditional techniques and story lines to captivate those of all ages and backgrounds. This season, celebrated choreographers Darrell Grand Moultrie, Trey McIntyre, and Matthew Neenan are teaming up with BalletX to deliver a series of world premieres, as well as Neenan's 2014 Increasing. A dozen performances will unfold throughout the series, and the seats for each are already selling out fast. Book now if you want to snag a few before it's too late.

March 7-18; 265 S. Broad St; $50 and up; 215-546-7824; balletx.org