Pi Day at Clark Montessori: Inflatable Planetarium, Pizza & Pie-in-the-Face Fundraiser in Cincinnati

Pi Day at Clark Montessori brings a playful, science-forward evening to the Clark Montessori High School Cafetorium in Cincinnati, Ohio. For two hours on March 14, families, students, and curious adults gather to explore circles - from pizza slices to planetary orbits - in an event that blends hands-on learning, crowd games, and whipped-cream theatrics. The evening centers on a brand-new inflatable planetarium whose domed interior becomes a moving map of the solar system: orbital paths, tilt and seasons, and the scale that links a wheel's circumference to the sweep of galaxies. Adjacent activity stations let visitors measure circumference, code simple circle algorithms, and tackle Pi-themed challenges that test math fluency and playful logic. Raffles and science-themed prizes add a carnival edge, while a pizza stand (slices for $3) keeps bellies full during show rotations. The Cafetorium's hardwood floor and stage make a practical amphitheater for short presentations, demonstrations, and the notorious pie-in-the-face fundraiser. Guests can donate to "Pie" or "Spare" a staff member - an interactive way to support the event and the Observatory's mission - and the evening's tally determines who gets a whipped-cream comet impact. That element of communal fun, and the presence of observatory staff, ties the schoolhouse setting back to Cincinnati's broader public astronomy programs. Why this night stands out: the inflatable dome turns a school cafeteria into a portable planetarium, making complex spatial ideas tactile - watching shadow, angle, and arc play across the dome helps the audience see math as physical reality. The event's family focus, low price of entry, and mix of active stations and theater-style shows make it accessible to a wide range of ages and learning styles. Practical notes: the celebration is indoors at Clark Montessori, 3030 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208 - easy to reach from central Cincinnati neighborhoods and ideal for a short, weatherproof evening of science. The program suits families and educators, newcomers to astronomy, and anyone who likes a little chaos with their curiosity. While not a wilderness outing, it's a standout community program in Cincinnati's outdoor and science culture because it funnels stargazing enthusiasm into an up-close, tactile experience that connects school, city, and observatory programming. Come prepared to learn something small that explains something vast, to laugh when someone gets pied, and to leave with a clearer sense of how a single ratio - π - threads through circles on plates, planets, and beyond. Expect a friendly, hands-on atmosphere where volunteers and staff answer questions directly; bring a notebook if you want to sketch or record surprising measurements. Accessibility information was not provided; contact the organizer through the booking link to confirm accommodations. Tickets and raffle items support local astronomy education, making this event both entertaining and a practical way to give back to Cincinnati's public science offerings. Join us.