7 free things to do in March

Activities are springing up around Pitt and Pittsburgh this month. Spend your March writing, cooking and celebrating women’s history with these free events.

Meet window women of Heinz Chapel

Various dates and times

For Women’s History Month, walk through an unexpected home of historic figures — Heinz Memorial Chapel. Hourlong tours through March will introduce attendees to Joan of Arc, Pocahontas, English novelist Emily Bronte, American Red Cross founder Clara Barton and many more familiar female faces depicted in the stained glass windows, which feature an equal number of men and women.

Where: Heinz Memorial Chapel, S. Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: $10, or free with a Pitt ID.

[Before you go: Learn more about the women depicted.]

Explore the works of August Wilson

Friday, March 3, 6-8 p.m.

Experience the legendary playwright’s scenes, notes, poetry and artwork in a new light during the University Library System’s grand opening of the August Wilson Archive. See interactive displays from the library and Pitt’s Department of English, and enjoy music, food and a documentary to celebrate the sense of place in Wilson’s work as the University welcomes that work home to Pittsburgh.

Where: Hillman Library, First Floor, 3960 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: This is a free event, but registration is required.

Take a slice out of Pi Day

Tuesday, March 14, 2-4 p.m.

Here’s an equation you don’t need to be a math major to solve: Free pie + Pitt student entrepreneurs = a delicious, educational day. Grab your slice while supplies last and chat with the minds behind Greatings, a mobile platform that aims to foster connections through food.

Where: Big Idea Center, 3601 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: This is an unticketed event.

Celebrate spring’s arrival

Sunday, March 19, 12-4 p.m.

It’s time to exit your winter hibernation. The Festival of the Egg, hosted by Nationality and Heritage Room Committees, will welcome spring with family friendly activities from across ethnic traditions. Try out crafts like egg dying, palm weaving and butter sculpting, or watch cooking and baking demonstrations from various cultures.

Where: Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom, 4227 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: This is an unticketed event.

Pop into Hillman for a paper craft

Tuesday, March 21, 5:30 p.m.

Ever wonder how a pop-up book is made? Learn the art of "paper engineering" at a workshop from the Text and conText Lab. In addition to making their own cards, attendees will see pop-ups that date from the 15th century to the present in the University Library System Archives and Special Collections. 

Where: Hillman Library Third Floor, 3960 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: This is a free event, but registration is required.

Hone your writing with a visiting poet

Tuesday, March 28, 12-6 p.m.

Pitt’s Writing Program will host an evening of events with Paul Tran, whose debut poetry collection, “All the Flowers Kneeling,” was named a Best Book of 2022 by The New Yorker. The poet and professor will answer questions over lunch beginning at noon, offer a craft workshop at 2 p.m. and read from and sign books at 6 p.m.

Where: Cathedral of Learning, Fifth at Bigelow, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: This is an unticketed event.

Discover opportunities for women in tech

Thursday, March 30, 3-6 p.m.

Celebrate the School of Computing and Information’s fifth anniversary and hear from distinguished women in the field at the 2023 SheLeads Women's Forum. This year’s event features a forward-looking keynote from Catherine Marsh, director of Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity, and a panel of women technology leaders moderated by Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd.

Where: Information Sciences Building, Third Floor Theater, 135 N Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: This is a free event, but registration is required.

— Nora Smith, photography by Tom Altany