Every March, schools and science enthusiasts across Canada get ready to celebrate one of the most recognizable numbers in mathematics. Pi Day is a fun, informal observance dedicated to the mathematical constant $\pi$ (pi).
Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just someone who loves numbers (and pie), this day offers a great opportunity to explore the world of STEM. Here is everything you need to know about Pi Day 2026, from when it happens to why we celebrate it.
When is Pi Day 2026?
Pi Day takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
The date was chosen specifically because the first three digits of pi are 3.14. In the month/day date format, March 14 is written as 3/14, which matches the number perfectly.
While Pi Day is not a statutory public holiday in Canada—meaning schools, banks, and government offices remain open (or closed for the weekend, as is the case in 2026)—it is widely acknowledged in academic circles. You will often see activities happening in classrooms, science centres, and museums on the weekdays leading up to or following the date.
What is Pi?
Before celebrating, it helps to understand exactly what we are honouring.
In simple terms, pi ($\pi$) is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. No matter how big or small a circle is, if you divide the distance around it by the distance across it, you will always get the same number: approximately 3.14159.
Pi is an “irrational number,” which means its decimal representation never ends and never settles into a permanently repeating pattern. Computers have calculated pi to trillions of digits, but for most practical purposes, 3.14 is all you need.
Why Do We Celebrate It?
Pi Day is about more than just a single number. It is a celebration of mathematics and science as a whole.
The first organized Pi Day was held in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Since then, the idea has spread globally. In 2019, UNESCO even designated March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics.
In Canada, the day serves several important purposes:
- Promoting STEM: It encourages students to get excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
- Making Math Accessible: By connecting math to fun activities (and food), it helps remove the intimidation factor often associated with complex equations.
- Honouring Science History: March 14 is also the birthday of physicist Albert Einstein, adding another layer of scientific significance to the date.
How is Pi Day Observed?
Because it is an informal observance, there are no official rules on how to celebrate. However, schools and communities often have popular traditions.
In Schools
Teachers often use this day to break from the standard curriculum and focus on fun, hands-on learning. Activities might include:
- Memorization Contests: Students compete to see who can recite the most digits of pi from memory.
- Visual Art: creating “Pi Skylines” or bead necklaces based on the digits of pi.
- Measuring Circles: Students bring in circular objects to measure and calculate pi themselves, seeing the math in action.
At Home and in the Community
You don’t need to be in a classroom to participate. Many Canadians mark the occasion by:
- Baking Pies: The homophone connection between “pi” and “pie” is the most popular way to celebrate. Fruit pies, pizza pies, and tourtières are all fair game.
- Visiting Science Centres: Local museums or science centres often host special workshops or demonstrations on the weekend nearest to March 14.
- A “Pi Minute” Moment: Some enthusiasts wait until 1:59 PM to celebrate the sequence 3.14159.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pi Day a day off work or school in Canada?
No, Pi Day is not a public holiday. Businesses and schools operate on their regular schedules. In 2026, March 14 falls on a Saturday, so schools will be closed for the weekend, but not specifically for the holiday.
Who invented Pi Day?
Larry Shaw, a physicist at the San Francisco Exploratorium, organized the first large-scale celebration in 1988. It involved marching in circles and eating fruit pies.
Why is it on March 14?
The date corresponds to the first three digits of pi (3.14).
Do other countries celebrate Pi Day?
Yes, it is celebrated internationally. However, in countries that write their dates as day/month (like 14/3), the connection is less obvious. Some people in these regions celebrate “Pi Approximation Day” on July 22 (22/7), because the fraction 22/7 is a common approximation of pi.
Making Math Fun for Everyone
Pi Day 2026 is a reminder that math is everywhere around us. It connects the shape of a coffee cup to the orbits of planets. Whether you spend the day solving puzzles or just enjoying a slice of apple pie, taking a moment to appreciate the number 3.14 helps keep curiosity alive.