9 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, March 21-24

What’s going on this weekend, March 21-24? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, March 21: Little Italy March Madness Pizza Festival at Trace Brewing
5-7 p.m.
Eat all the pizza, watch all the action on the court and support Bloomfield? Sounds like a great happy hour. Victory will taste so good when the Bloomfield Development Corp. and Trace Brewing team up with five neighborhood pizzerias to host this first-of-its-kind mini-fest. Cheer on your fave teams in the NCAA tournament while savoring slices from the delicious diversity of Pittsburgh’s Little Italy. Proceeds from this celebration will support affordable housing, small businesses and the Saturday Market in Bloomfield. Tickets.

Thursday, March 21: CMU International Film Festival Opening Night at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
7 p.m.
Every March, Carnegie Mellon University kicks off its award-winning film festival, which pairs independent works from around the globe with engaging public programs. Running through April 7, the festival’s 18th season turns its lens to the universal concept of fear. Don’t miss tonight’s opening festivities featuring a screening of Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated documentary, “Four Daughters.” A co-production among France, Tunisia, Germany and Saudi Arabia, the film blends documentary and fiction to examine the destructive impact that radicalized religion has on motherhood and sisterhood. The event features Tunisian cuisine from Salem’s Market and a discussion moderated by Professor Nevine Abraham. Tickets.

Thursday, March 21: Adult Spelling Bee at St. Clair Social
6 p.m.
Wordsmiths unite for Wilkinsburg! Spell your way to the top while supporting Civically‘s largest fundraiser. Put your vocabulary to the test and bring your A-game for a night of friendly competition and plenty of hilarity. It’s also a great spectator sport. All that “word wizardry” will support the nonprofit social enterprise, which fosters community and economic development, civic and social literacy and self-reliance. Tickets.

Thursday, March 21: Pittsburgh International Dance Film Festival Opening Night at The Oaks Theater
7:30 p.m.
Multiple disciplines converge when the inaugural Pittsburgh International Dance Film Festival kicks off tonight in Oakmont. Showcasing dance on film, the 17-day event also includes public art, workshops, live music, meet and greets, and virtual offerings. Tonight’s opening showcases selections from the festival’s pool of international applicants and Shana Simmons Dance and live music by Else Collective. Tickets.

Saturday, March 23: Backyard Garden Forum at Phipps
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Spring is springing so it’s time to make that green thumb greener. Local experts are here to share pro tips and proven gardening techniques during this one-day forum. Whether you’re starting an edible garden at home or volunteering at a community garden, this eco-event is for you. Topics range from specialty fruits, sustainable cover crops and fungi, to medicinal herbs, soil remediation and nocturnal insect pests. Attendees can also have their soil samples analyzed by the Allegheny County Conservation District. Admission includes a catered lunch by Café Phipps. Tickets.

Saturday, March 23: Neighborhood Night Flea Market at The Block Northway
6-10 p.m.
Now that Daylight Saving Time and spring are here, it’s time to shop after hours! Pre-game the official flea market season at this first-of-its-kind event at the McKnight Road retail hub. Held indoors, the night market showcases 90 local vendors selling an eclectic mix of goods. Patrons will also find small-batch prepared foods, baked goods and treats. Information.

Sunday, March 24: Ukrainian Pysanky sale at St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
It’s the perfect time to support this Ukrainian cultural celebration in Carnegie. The 56th annual egg-stravaganza features a staggering selection of 1,200 Pysanky (Easter eggs), including ornate goose and ostrich eggs and hand-painted wooden eggs. Attendees can shop for Ukrainian crafts and baked goods and tour the landmark church. Bring your appetite because the church kitchen is serving authentic Ukrainian cuisine. Information.

Even more things to do this weekend …

The Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival continues through March 28 at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. On Saturday, March 23, a creepy ScareHouse character will greet film-goers before the screening of the horror sensation, “Ringu.” Return on March 24, for Anime Sunday, to watch “The First Slam Dunk” (with a hoops competition just in time for March Madness), “Blue Giant,” “Lonely Castle in the Mirror” and newly restored episodes of “Future Boy Conan.” Tickets.

Bonus event

Monday, March 25: Tracy Kidder at Carnegie Music Hall:
7:30 p.m.
For its next Ten Evenings event, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder. For five years, the nonfiction writer followed Dr. Jim O’Connell and his colleagues at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. The result is Kidder’s latest book, “Rough Sleepers,” a “powerful story of an inspiring doctor who made a difference, by helping to create a program to care for Boston’s homeless community.” There will be a Q&A with Kidder and O’Connell. Tickets.

Find more things to do in Pittsburgh, including live music, outdoor recreation, shopping, festivals and family activities.