Parks and Recreation - Season 3

First aired: 1/20/2011 16 episodes

The third season consisted of several major story arcs, including a complete shutdown of the Pawnee government for budgetary reasons, inspired by the real-life global financial crisis. Other storylines included the parks department's organization of a harvest festival, a romance between Leslie and Ben, and the dating and eventual marriage of Andy Dwyer and April Ludgate.

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Episodes

1. Go Big or Go Home

Aired: 1/20/2011

Leslie and the Parks Department return to work after three months to discover that the budget crisis still looms. After unsuccessfully trying to have their budget restored by using Ann to charm Chris with a date, Leslie decides to make an all or nothing play by resurrecting the Pawnee Harvest Festival. Meanwhile, Ben restarts the youth basketball league and instates Ron and Andy to coach the only two teams. April returns from a vacation with a new boyfriend.

2. Flu Season

Aired: 1/27/2011

While planning for the local Harvest Festival, Leslie is struck with the flu and is forced to go to the hospital. Ron and Andy have a day of male bonding, and Tom hits the spa.

3. Time Capsule

Aired: 2/3/2011

Leslie wants to bury a time capsule that encapsulates life in Pawnee, but an odd suggestion from a local man causes unforeseen consequences. Andy seeks help from Chris about how to win back April.

4. Ron & Tammy: Part Two

Aired: 2/10/2011

Tom tries to get back at Ron by going out on a date with Ron's ex-wife Tammy, while Leslie tries to protect Ron from falling prey to her charms. Meanwhile, April is assigned to work with Chris.

5. Media Blitz

Aired: 2/17/2011

While advertising for the Harvest Festival, Ben has to deal with some troubling questions about his past. Meanwhile, Andy continues to try to win April back.

6. Indianapolis

Aired: 2/24/2011

Ron and Leslie take a road trip to the big city in order to visit Ron's favorite place which happens to be a steakhouse, but Leslie has alternative motives for the trip.

7. Harvest Festival

Aired: 3/17/2011

It's make it or break it for the Parks Department at the Harvest Festival which is full of surprises.

8. Camping

Aired: 3/24/2011

Leslie takes the whole department camping in order to brainstorm new ideas. Meanwhile, Andy attempts a romantic gesture for April, while Ann gets nervous when Chris returns to Pawnee as the new city manager.

9. Andy and April's Fancy Party

Aired: 4/14/2011

April and Andy host a dinner party for the Parks Department. Meanwhile, Ann tries to move on from Chris at a singles' party.

10. Soulmates

Aired: 4/21/2011

Leslie tries an online dating service, but doesn't end up with a stranger as she expects. Also, Chris challenges Ron to a grilling competition as part of his plans to make Pawnee healthier.

11. Jerry's Painting

Aired: 4/28/2011

Jerry’s contribution to Leslie’s community art show causes a stir. Ben moves in with April and Andy and attempts to teach them how to be adults. Meanwhile, Leslie is frustrated by Chris and his interoffice dating rules.

12. Eagleton

Aired: 5/5/2011

Leslie's ex-best friend, Lindsay Carlisle Shay, launches an attack on Pawnee, banning residents from visiting a nearby park in the neighboring city of Eagleton with a large fence, causing Leslie to go to war with Eagleton. Meanwhile, everyone finds out that it is Ron's birthday, a fact that he went to extreme lengths to conceal.

13. The Fight

Aired: 5/12/2011

When Leslie tries to get Ann a job at city hall, her lukewarm reaction causes their first-ever fight. Tom invites the entire department to the Snakehole Lounge to help him promote his new alcohol, "Snake Juice."

14. Road Trip

Aired: 5/12/2011

When Chris sends Leslie and Ben on a trip to Indianapolis, Leslie is afraid she won't be able to deny her feelings for him. Ron teaches a young student about his views on government. Meanwhile, Andy gets his feelings hurt by April after playing Tom's new game.

15. The Bubble

Aired: 5/19/2011

Everyone in the office is unhappy when Chris decides to make some big changes in the parks department -- especially Tom who starts to question his career choices. Leslie is caught off guard when Ben has a meeting with her mom.

16. Li'l Sebastian

Aired: 5/19/2011

Leslie and the parks team put together a memorial service for a dearly departed friend. Meanwhile, Tom makes a big life decision, while Chris reacts badly to a health problem.