We don’t care what you say, March is 100% underrated. Yes it’s still freezing, but spring is on the horizon and there’s actually plenty of amazing things going on if you know where to look. With that in mind, we asked nightlife know-it-alls DesignMyNight to give us the low-down on the most incredible things to do across the UK. From a Paddy’s Day drag queen extravaganza to a ‘press for gin’ pop-up; there’s no excuse to hibernate indoors this month.

1. Holi in the City – London

Wanna add a splash of colour to your March shenanigans? Make damn sure you visit London’s Holi in the City pop-up. You’ll be able to lob coloured paint at your mates (don’t worry, you’ll be wearing a protective suit), all in the name of the Indian festival of colour. They’ve partnered up with Cobra too, so you can quench your thirst on ice cold beers or Holi-inspired cocktails if you want something a little punchier.

2. National Chicken Wing Day – London

If you lost your mind when you heard about the UK getting a chicken nugget festival, we’ve got some clucking good news: the first ever national Chicken Wing Day is happening on March 22nd, right here in the big smoke. It’s brought to you by London Wing Fest, so you can expect to see most, if not all, of London’s chicken connoisseurs; think Butchies, Absurd Bird and Randy’s Wing Bar. The booze will, of course, be flowing, and live blues musicians will be providing the soundtrack to the day’s activities.

3. Brockmans Press For Gin Pop Up – London

Had it with having to queue and order your G&T at the bar? Us too. Luckily, Brockmans have hacked our dreams with a three-day ‘press for gin’ pop-up that’s taking place this March. Just like it says on the tin, you will literally press a button and be greeted with your favourite juniper-laced tipple. Ticking all the boxes, there’s also going to be gin-inspired small plates, entertainment and gin-ious prizes up for grabs on the night.

4. Strictly Come Drag Queen – St Patrick’s Day Special – London

No tea, no shade; but if you’re planning on celebrating St Patrick’s Day this year, it’s got to be at Doctor Kluger’s Olde Towne Tavern. Resident drag queens Shay Shay, Orangegina and Third Girl will be hosting an Irish extravaganza; so expect river dancing, bottomless booze, a two-course slap up meal and tonnes of drag-related (and outrageous) games.

5. Hip Hop Yoga – London

Yoga and hip hop might seem like an unusual combination, but if you want to add some seriously funky vibes to your yoga session, you’ve got to try it. This won’t be like your average class mind; you’ll be bending, stretching and bopping to a backdrop of hip hop beats, brought to you by Klub Yoga, with the option to cover yourself in glitter beforehand.

6. The Winter Games – London

Reckon you could give those Olympic figure skaters a run for their money? Queens: Skate-Dine-Bowl are hosting their very own version of the Winter Olympics, where you and your squad can compete in a triathlon, for one helluva giggle and a bottle of fizz if you win. You’ll be curling, playing ice hockey and giving go-nutting a try (that’s throwing yourself onto a huge rubber doughnut and seeing how far you can slide). So what are you waiting for already? Buy a ticket, wrap up warm, and get your head in the game.

7. The Independent Birmingham Festival – Birmingham

Independent Birmingham Festival is back at The Bond this month for another weekend of food, cocktails and music. Celebrating everything great about this cool city; local retailers, artists and performers will be keeping you entertained and fed, as you feast on the best of Brum’s street food and sip local beers while you’re there.

8. Swing & Rat Pack Cruise – Manchester

Time travel back to the glitz and glam of the Rat Pack days with a fancy-as-hell river cruise this month. You’ll be greeted with a glass of prosecco and canapés, before being serenaded with all of your favourite Frank Sinatra numbers, courtesy of swing professional, Russell Shaun. So feel free to dance in the aisles, or you know, do it your way.

9. Pug Cafe Pop-Up – Manchester

After an excuse to hang out with a load of pugs? To celebrate Chinese New Year of the dog, Pug Café is taking over Pen + Pencil to celebrate one of China’s oldest breeds. Whether you own a pooch yourself, (or you just really love dogs), you’re invited to feast on Chinese-inspired dishes and cocktails, whilst your canine friends scoff pupcakes, dognuts and pugaccinos. If this sounds like your pawfect Sunday, make sure you book a slot for the 4th March.

10. The Legends Ball 2018 – Glasgow

Glitter & Grind Revue isn’t your run-of-the-mill cabaret night, it’s Glasgow’s most hilarious, bonkers and glitzy cabaret night, and it’s back for its annual fundraiser this March. They’re hosting a Legends Ball; so expect a colourful (and risqué) toast to late legends of screen, stage and music. As well as an incredible all-singing all-dancing show, they’ll be hosting their famous raffle, with all proceeds going towards Cabaret vs Cancer.

For more info on what’s on in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.

By Niamh Brodie