The best things in life are free, indeed, and our monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up all of the free #CLE events that get our "stamp" of approval. Got a free event you want us to include? Drop us a line here.

Shake Up Your Weekend

This week, District Weekends has two events in store in Shaker Heights—starting with happy hour tonight at Tower East (20600 Chagrin Blvd., Shaker Heights). Mix and mingle from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shaker’s tallest building, taking in the sounds of jazz pianist and composer Marshall Griffith and enjoying food and drink specials from Saffron Patch.

This Saturday, March 10, the fun continues over at Thornton Ice Arena. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., families are invited to enjoy ice skating, broomball, figure skating demos, and STEM activities—plus a sneak peek of the new Shaker Rocks climbing gym set to open later this year.

For the Fleet of Feet

It’s all happening at the Towpath Tappening event...tonight! Head to Forest City Brewing from 4 to 8 p.m. to get in the know about the Towpath Trilogy race, Towpath Trail updates, and National Heritage Area news. Free apps will be on hand, and former/future Towpath Trilogy participants get their first drink free. There will also be race registration discounts and a raffle. RSVP here.

Get Crafty
On March 10, support Cleveland's mighty makers at the 7^th Annual West Tech Alumni Spring Craft Show. The event is free and will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Byzantine Church. Register here.

Breaking Brogrammer

What would happen if more women and minorities chose careers in computer programming—a field dominated by the so-called “brogrammer?” On March 15, join other tech aficionados in exploring that question at the Tech Elevator’s free screening of the award-winning documentary “Code: Debugging the Gender Gap.” Start the evening off with networking at 5 p.m., followed by the film at 6:30 p.m. Register here to attend for free.

Poverty & Profit in the American City

Currently the subject of Cleveland’s first citywide reading club, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City investigates the plight of eight families living in extreme poverty and on the verge of losing their homes. On Thursday, March 15, at 7 p.m., Pulitzer Prize-winning author Desmond will give a presentation about the book at KeyBank State Theatre, followed by a book signing. While the event is free, tickets are required.

Spring Into Your Happy

MidTown Cleveland celebrates the season on March 22 with a day of philanthropy and fun. Give back to the community from 3 to 5 p.m. with projects at City Mission, Ohio Guidestone, and Children’s Museum. (Please register by March 15 to participate.) Afterwards, hit up the MidTown happy hour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to enjoy food, drink, and a tour of the newly renovated historic Agora Theater. There’s no charge for the event, but you’ll need to register here.  

There’s No Crying in Baseball

But there were skirts – sort of. If you don’t know the story of Ohio’s own Alta Weiss, who put herself through med school by playing professional baseball on a men’s team in the early 1900s, then stop by the Baseball Heritage Museum on March 24. Actor Anne McEvoy will present Weiss' story in character during “You Can't Play Ball in a Skirt: The Story of Alta Weiss” from 1 to 3 p.m. Sign up to attend here.

Extending the Olive Branch

Smooth sips and smart discourse are the name of the game at Craft Beer and Conversation—which takes place Sunday, March 25, at Noble Beast Brewing Company from 4 to 6 p.m. This month’s installment focuses on the topic of immigration, on which diverse viewpoints are not only welcomed, but encouraged. Express your viewpoint and listen to others in a safe, moderated, space. Please RSVP for free here.

Dive Into the Lore of Lake Erie
On March 26, uncover the mysteries hidden in Lake Erie's depths with the latest installment of the “Unwritten History” series at Grays Armory. Free and open to the public, "Shipwrecks of Lake Erie—Fire, Storm, and Collision" will feature stories of the most legendary ships and their losing battles against Lake Erie’s turbulent tides. Doors open at 6 p.m. and presentations begin at 7 p.m. Register here.

Arty Party

Need a little break from your kids’ spring break? Drop your mini-me(s) at Art in the Park at the Brooklyn Heights Community Center. The event offers age-appropriate crafts & games for ages 5 through 12, as well as snack time. The events are free for kids who live in The Village of Brooklyn Heights, with two dates to choose from: Tuesday, March 27, and Thursday, March 29 (both from 12 to 2 p.m.). Call 216-739-3702 to register.

Spring Bling

Put on your best face, your finest frock, and rock your fiercest self at "The Flawless Ball #3: Spring Bling." DJ Yeezy Garcon will be minding the turntables, while commentator Precious Ebony hosts a series of competitions for cash and trophies. The event is presented by The Legendary Blaque Mizrahi & the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland at the Cleveland Masonic Temple on Saturday, March 31, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Entry is $25, or get in free with a confidential AIDS test. Sign up here. 

FreshWater intern Marlee Berlan contributed reporting to this story.

Want to see more free events going on around Cleveland? Check out Cuyahoga Arts and Culture's event database.