Celebrate first day of spring with free ice cream
First day of spring
Free Italian Ice: Celebrate the first day of spring with a free Italian ice. Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Rita’s locations. ritasice.com/firstday-of-spring.
Taste of Spring: Celebrate the first day of spring with a signature one-time dish from each of the galley’s four kitchens and a specially crafted cocktail from the bar. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Smallman Galley, Strip District. $58. smallmangalley.org/events.
Classes
Seafood classes: Learn to make seafood broccoli stir fry (March 23) or crusted bronzini (March 30). 10 a.m. Saturdays at Wholey’s, Strip District. Free. wholey.com/ events.
Pre-Prohibition Era Libations: Learn to make four pre-Prohibition Era cocktails and the history behind them. 6:30 p.m. Thursday at The Pennsylvania Market, Strip District. $35. thepamarket.com/classes.
Introduction to Rye Sourdough: Learn to mix, shape and score, maintain a starter and bake with local rye flour. Noon Saturday at Chatham University Eden Hall Campus, Richland. $50. eventbrite.com (search for Introduction to Rye Sourdough).
Family Meal Planning 101: Dietitian Laura Zervos shows how to prepare a weekly family meal plan while integrating healthy patterns. 7 p.m. Tuesday at Peters Township Public Library. Free. ptlibrary.org (click What’s Happening, then Events).
Drink-related events
Wigle Whiskey Birthday Bash: Wigle is celebrating its seventh birthday with port rye whiskey, a Millie’s Homemade port rye ice cream flavor, port rye pastries from Prohibition Pastries, live music and free port rye samples. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Strip District distillery. Free admission. wiglewhiskey.com/events.
Hops for HEARTH: Local brews and food, live music, silent auctions. 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at Alloy 26, North Side. $45; $65 for VIPs (includes 6 p.m. admission); $25 for designated drivers. Benefits HEARTH’s support services for women and children in crisis. hearthbp.org/hops-for-hearth.
Tree Houses — A Traveling Cocktail Party: Visit three homes for hors d’oeuvres and beverages, then finish up with dessert at Butler Street Lofts. 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday in central Lawrenceville. $50; benefits Tree Pittsburgh. eventbrite.com (search for Tree Houses).
Pittsburgh’s Wine Shine & Spirits Pierogi Palooza: Wine and spirits samples, pierogi buffet, shopping vendors, live music, pampering stations. Choice of two sessions: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe. $10 online; $15 at door; $5 for ages 16 to 20; free for ages 15 and under. drinkfestpa.com.
For charity
Macaron Day: This year, Pittsburgh is making it Macaron Week instead of Macaron Day. From Wednesday through Sunday, visit participating bakeries and mention Macaron Day to receive a complimentary macaron. A portion of proceeds from macaron sales at the bakeries during those days will benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Participating bakeries are Macaron Bar in East Liberty and Ross Park Mall; Gaby et Jules in Squirrel Hill, Market Square and Pittsburgh International Airport; Madeleine in Regent Square, Le Macaron French Pastries in Robinson Mall, and Oakmont Bakery. macaron-day.com.
Jersey Mike’s Subs Day of Giving: Local Jersey Mike’s locations will donate all proceeds from their sales on March 27 to two local charities. Peters, Bridgeville and Bethel Park locations will donate to the Mario Lemieux Foundation, and the Ross and Cranberry locations will donate to the Woodlands Foundation. jerseymikes.com.
Other events
Olive Oil Dinner: The Essentials of Italian Food & Drink dinner series opens with an olive oil dinner that includes olive oil tastings and wine pairings for each course. 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Vallozzi’s Pittsburgh, Shadyside. $95. Reservations: 412-394-3400. (Future dinners will highlight cheese, May 23, $135; tomatoes, Aug. 15, $95; and Alba white truffles, Nov. 21, $195. A package ticket for all four dinners is $475.)
Feast: Fry: All-you-caneat pierogies from local vendors, plus after-hours access to the galleries. 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Carnegie Museum of Art, Oakland. $25. cmoa.org/event/feast-fry.
Maple Fest and Pancake Brunch: Sample and buy syrups from Rivendale Farms and Philsons’ Bushel and a Peck Farm; watch a 1 p.m. maple sugaring demonstration by Nick Lubecki of Grow Pittsburgh; enjoy a family-friendly maple activity with the Carnegie Science Center; try maple products from Edward Marc Chocolatier, Mezza Luna Café and Cherry Valley Organics; enjoy a pancake brunch, brunch pizzas and maple-infused cocktails. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Threadbare Cider, Spring Garden. Free admission. RSVP at threadbarecider.com (click on Tours & Events).
Contest
Neighborhood to Nation Recipe Contest: Enter a one-of-a-kind recipe using an eligible General Mills product for a chance to win $5,000 or a grand prize package valued at $50,000. Submit entries by April 30 at generalmillscf.com/resources/neighborhood-to-nation.