We all have Spring Break marked on the calendar, but there’s plenty of fun things to do the first three weeks of March, too. Here’s our list of what’s going on where around Mountain Brook this month.

1. Exceptional Foundation Chili Cook-Off

Saturday, March 2 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Brookwood Village

Eat chili—so much chili—while benefitting The Exceptional Foundation’s work to meet the social and recreational needs of individuals of all ages who are mentally challenged. Get your tickets here.

2. Advent Lenten Lunches

March 6-April 19 | Weekdays at 12:05 p.m.
Cathedral Church of the Advent

Lunch is served! Or it will be during the six weeks of Lent leading up to Easter at Cathedral Church of the Advent. Each weekday the church hosts a preaching service at 12:05 p.m. as well as a homemade meal (and desserts!), just as it has since 1908. Find the full preaching schedule at adventbirmingham.org. 

3. Spencer Lecture: Barbara Paul Robinson

Thursday, March 7 | 5:30 p.m.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

During a sabbatical from law firm, Debevoise & Plimpton, where she was the first woman partner, Barbara Paul Robinson worked as a gardener for Rosemary Verey at Barnsley House. She credits this life transforming experience with soon thereafter becoming the first woman President of the New York City Bar. Now she’s written a biography, Rosemary Verey: The Life and Lessons of a Legendary Gardener, and she has also published articles in the New York Times, Horticulture, Fine Gardening and Hortus and wrote a chapter in Rosemary Verey’s The Secret Garden. You can see her own gardens at Brush Hill she created with her husband Charles in northwestern Connecticut at brushhillgardens.com. Robinson will be signing her book, after the talk, and it will be available for purchase at Leaf & Petal. Get tickets here.

4. Village 2 Village Run

Saturday, March 9 | 7:30 a.m.
Mountain Brook Village

 Run through your favorite villages and neighborhoods with around 1,000 of your neighbors and friends. Plus, there will be chocolate-dipped strawberries, mimosas and more on the other side of the finish line at the after party in Lake Parke. Not feeling the 10K? You can also choose the 7.5K option (4.6 miles). Register at runsignup.com.

5. An Evening with the Author: Madeline Miller, Author of Song of Achilles and Circe

Saturday, March 9 | 7-9 p.m.
Emmet O’Neal Library

Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, the boys develop a tender friendship, a bond which blossoms into something deeper as they grow into young men. Come hear novelist Madeline Miller speak about this work as well as the story of the mythological witch Circe, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey. Miller has a BA and MA from Brown University in Latin and Ancient Greek, and has also studied at the Yale School of Drama, specializing in adapting classical tales to a modern audience.

6. Family Night: Birmingham Children’s Theatre – 3 Little Kittens

Tuesday, March 12 | 5:30 p.m.
Emmet O’Neal Library

The three little kittens they lost their mittens, and they began to cry. Join Katie Sue, Purr, Tuffy and Whiskers on their search for the lost items, and discover that any problem can be solved with a little bit of thinking in this theatrical production.

7. The Congo Series: Portraits of Mwana

Thursday, March 14 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Gallery 1930

Local artist Wellon Bridgers will be showcases seven portraits of Congolese men, women and children that are part of Mwana Villages, a nonprofit she runs the U.S. arm. Each portrait will feature a set of writing that goes into more depth about the issues and the stories behind it.  You can hear even more about the work at an artist conversation luncheon Wednesday, March 13 at 11:30 a.m.; reservations are required here.

8. Color4Friendship Color Run

Sunday, March 17 | 1:30 p.m.
Levite Jewish Community Center

Can running get more fun than getting doused from head to toe in different colors? There are just two rules for this event: One, wear white at the starting line, and two, finish plastered in color. Children must be age 6 or older to participate. Plus, Team Friendship plans the run to raise awareness for individuals with special needs. Register at eventbrite.com.

Did we miss any events? Do you have an event coming up in a future month? Email mm@mountainbrookmagazine.com to submit yours.