Pi Day is a whimsical celebration on March 14 to celebrate the mathematical constant pi (3.14…), with celebrations often including eating pie. While today Pi Day is now celebrated all around the country, it was actually started right in San Francisco over 30 years ago at the Exploratorium.
Physicist Larry Shaw came up with the wholesome celebration of the mathematical constant in 1988, which started as a parade around a shrine to Pi. Since then, the celebration has grown into a national event, and the Exploratorium continues to host it every year.
This year’s Pi Day event will be on Saturday, March 14, from 11 am to 4 pm at the Exploratorium. The celebration includes the Pi Procession, demonstrations, exhibits, educational discussion, and free slices of pie.
The Pi Procession kicks off at 1:59 pm at the Exploratorium (because 159 is the numbers that follow 314) and will feature brass and percussion music. Demonstrations include a weaving workshop, dancing, and puzzles. Finally, you can grab a free slice of pie made by the Constellation Culinary Group. Aside from the special festivities, you can also explore the museum’s regular exhibitions during your. visit.
Exploratorium’s Pi Day celebration is a family-friendly, educational event, although adults can join an after-hours event on March 12. The museum’s Thursday evening events are 18+, with drinks available to those 21+, and this Thursday’s theme is Crafty and Calculating. The event will highlight the connection between math and the fiber arts, specifically women’s often-overlooked contributions to modern technology, to honor Women’s History Month.
You can learn more about the Exploratorium and find tickets here. Pi Day festivities are included with a general admission ticket to the museum.
