It’s a tradition we know and love here in Saint Paul: March Madness. And no, we’re not talking about basketball.

Every year, March transforms downtown Saint Paul into one of the busiest and most exciting places in Minnesota. It’s the single biggest month for Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul RiverCentre, and venues across the city, drawing massive crowds for sports, entertainment, and cultural events.

Last year, nearly one million visitors made their way to the capital city from across Minnesota and the country. This year delivered that same unmistakable buzz: streets bustling, restaurants packed, and venues filled with fans, families, and visitors eager to experience everything Saint Paul has to offer.

At the center of the excitement is the iconic Minnesota State High School League Boys Hockey State Tournament, an event many consider a statewide tradition. Alongside it, the city also hosts major high school competitions in wrestling, girls hockey, and gymnastics, turning downtown into a hub for athletes and fans alike.

But the action doesn’t stop at the rink or gym. Throughout March, venues across Saint Paul hosted an incredible lineup of events, including: 37 concerts and musical performances, 16 sporting events, including eight home games for the Minnesota Wild, four home games for the Minnesota Frost, a Minnesota Roller Derby bout, and the season opener for the St. Paul Saints on March 31, nine comedy shows, and the Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

Meanwhile, Saint Paul RiverCentre kept the momentum going with a wide range of conferences, galas, and fan experiences. Highlights included the popular Let's Play Hockey Expo and a large dance competition hosted at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

The single busiest day of the month is typically the opening day of the MSHSL Boys Hockey State Tournament when thousands of fans pour into downtown Saint Paul, filling arenas, restaurants, and hotels as they celebrate one of Minnesota’s most beloved sporting traditions.

“March is a sweet spot for Saint Paul,” said Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, President and CEO of Visit Saint Paul. “From annual events like the state hockey tournaments and St. Patrick’s Day, we see visitors and our community come out to celebrate. This year we’ve got incredible events and experiences that highlight the energy and creativity of Saint Paul reflected across our local businesses.”

From packed venues to vibrant streets, March continues to showcase the very best of Saint Paul, bringing together sports, culture, entertainment, and community in a way that only this city can.