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In-Person Events
Virtual Events
Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, August 11, to Sunday, August 17.
Although inclusion in This Week in Geek is not an official endorsement of any event or organizer, we do our best to feature events that appear safe, responsible, and consistent with our mission and values. If you feel that one of the events below is incompatible with Twin Cities Geek as an organization, we encourage you to contact us at info@twincitiesgeek.com with your concerns.
In-Person Events
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Musical
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, August 17
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Musical returns to enchant audiences for its first North American tour in 25 years! The 30th anniversary production brings this tale as old as time to life up on the stage with new sets, new costumes, and a reuniting of members of the original creative team. Tickets start at $50.25.
The Pickup Truck Opera: The Return of King Idomeneo
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, September 14
Where: Various venues
Opera hits the road in a blue pickup truck with a traveling performance of The Return of King Idomeneo. This show brings Mozart’s opera about Greek General Idomeneo and the Trojan War into mid-century America and will mix together classic arias and choruses with the musical stylings of 1950s doo-wop and 1960s girl groups. All performances will be held outdoors in natural spaces throughout the state and ingeniously use the truck and trailer as a stage. See the website for a full schedule, including the different locations.
Free Yoga at Union Depot
What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 13, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Union Depot
Get your yoga mat and water ready for a free yoga class at the beautiful Union Depot in St. Paul. This event is taught by Studio 9-to-5 in the Depot’s Waiting Room or in the East Plaza when the weather is nice. Monday’s class focuses on a total-body sculpt workout, while Wednesday’s class is less-intense general yoga for all levels. See the event page on the Union Depot website for more information.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books
What: Arts
When: Tuesday, August 12, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Take a specially curated tour through the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collection as inspired by books. Each month’s tour will focus on a different book for inspiration, with August exploring The Women by Kristin Hannah. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor. Similar tours are available at other dates and times.
BuckSlam August Poetry Slam
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, August 13, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Indeed Brewing
BuckSlam is a monthly poetry slam where up to 12 performers use their words to battle it out over two rounds. There is a $1 cover and sign ups open up the day of the slam. The night’s top poet will walk away with the proverbial crown, $1, and a gift card to Indeed Brewing. “So grab a buck, grab a buddy, grab a beverage, and come experience some original poetry.”
Loose Frames & Hellavision Television Present: Hell Fables
What: Movies
When: Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Main Cinema
Loose Frames and Hellavision Television will be presenting Hell Fables, the result of an open call for submissions for animated shorts of original fables. Loose Fables is known for their annual fable anthologies and Hellavision Television is known for animation screenings and workshops, so expect a curated variety of intriguing animated content submitted by creative folks across the internet.
Nerd Nite Out: August Lightning Talks
What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Black Hart of St. Paul
The organizers of Nerd Nite invite you out for a night of “nice drink, good company, and some cold. hard. facts.” Those facts come in the form of “nerdy TED talks” where community members dive into a topic they are passionate about. August’s event is out on the patio and features five-minute lightning talks on 14 topics, including Fibonacci, microplastics, vampire bats, and more.
TC Trek Trivia: 12 Years of Boldly Going (a.k.a., the Prime Pajama Directive)
What: Trivia
When: Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Driftwood Char Bar
Hosted by Master Trekkie, TC Trek Trivia consists of five rounds: General Trek (questions covering all things Star Trek); Identify the Image; Ships, Technology, and Cultures; Complete the Quote; and a “Wild Card” round. Questions for each of these five rounds are drawn from all Star Trek television series and all 13 films. According to Master Trekkie himself, TC Trek Trivia is “all ages, no cover, food, drinks, and a whole lot of Trek!” This month’s theme celebrates 12 years TC Trek Trivia.
Lowertown Sounds: Yam Haus
What: Music, Community
When: Thursday, August 14, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Mears Park
Lowertown Sounds is bringing local music, food trucks, and Minnesota-made brews to Mears Park all summer long! This week features free performances by Yam Haus, The Thirsty River, and Haley E Rydell. Check out the event listing for the food-truck lineup and upcoming performances.
Cat Video Festival
What: Arts, Meetup
When: Thursday, August 14, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: CHS Field
Celebrate the funny little weirdos who act as the main reason for the internet to exist! See the best videos, listen to music, watch fireworks, and celebrate felines with other cat and cat-video lovers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., but the film reel will start around 8:00. Costumes and cat-inspired looks are encouraged. Feline friends are welcome to attend. Tickets are $15. There are also all-inclusive VIP tickets available for $82.
Sound for Silents 2025
What: Movies, Music
When: Thursday, August 14, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center
Each year, the Walker Art Center commissions local artists to create scores to accompany experimental films in their Ruben/Bentson Moving Image Collection. This year’s program features a collaboration between filmmaker and musician Philip Harder and singer/songwriter Matt Arthur. DJ Bill DeVille of The Current will be spinning tracks before the film with live performance. This event is free.
Drop In Skate Deck Art Show Opening
What: Arts
When: Friday, August 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Modist Brewing Co.
Celebrate skate culture and great art at Drop In, an art show where skateboard decks are the canvas. The show will feature pieces from over 90 artists with backgrounds in a variety of mediums displayed on the taproom walls, all of which will be available for purchase. The skate decks will be on display at the brewery through September 12.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
What: Arts, Comedy & Theater, Educational, Family
When: Saturday, August 16 through Sunday, September 28
Where: 12364 Chestnut Boulevard (Shakopee)
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 54th season, and will be open weekends from August 16 to September 28! Come experience a wide variety of Renaissance-themed activities, including musical acts, comedy shows, artisan markets, food and drink, actors in costume, games, demos, jousting, and kid-themed events. This week’s opening Saturday also features a Penn & Teller performance celebrating their 50th anniversary, who made their first performance as a duo in 1975 at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. The fest is open rain or shine, and tickets are $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children at the gate, and there are other ticket and pass options available on the website. Please note, those making the drive to the festival will either need to purchase a pre-paid parking pass at $18 to park on the MN Ren Fest Ground or plan on utilizing the park-and-ride lots with round-trip bus rides for $6.
Excalibur Con
What: Convention
When: Saturday, August 16, through Sunday, August 17
Where: Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center
Nerd out in the Northland at Excalibur Con (formerly Teeb Con), a pop-culture and tabletop-gaming convention held in Duluth. The weekend features panels, gaming tournaments, a cosplay contest, artist and exhibitor hall, RPG adventures, and a silent auction. Special guests include Chris Bartlett (Star Wars franchise), Cheryl Chase (Rugrats, My Neighbor Totoro), Winona Nelson (Magic: The Gathering), Bushwhacker Luke (WWE), and more. Weekend tickets are $50, with additional options available for kids, day passes, and VIP. Please note that tournament entries and the Friday night preview party do require additional tickets; see website for details and specific prices.
Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
What: Food & Drink
When: Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Rosedale Center
The official Hello Kitty food truck returns to Minnesota this weekend, so make sure to take this opportunity to grab a variety of cute treats and merch while supplies last.
Connecting Conversations—Rewinding Sound: A Journey Through the History of Audio Tape Recording
What: Science & Tech, Educational
When: Saturday, August 16, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pavek Museum (St. Louis Park)
Connecting Conversations is a series that explores “the past, present, and future of electronic communications” with guest lectures from topic experts. At this talk, learn about the evolution of audio tape recording and companies that pioneered the industry from Robert Herman, whose career in broadcasting and digital media spans 35 years at companies including 3M and Imation. This event is included with regular museum admission of $11.
IndiaFest
What: Music, Food & Drink, Family, Community
When: Saturday, August 16, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: State Capitol Grounds
IndiaFest is bringing a taste of Indian culture to the State Capitol Grounds. Explore cultural exhibits, watch dance and music performances, try authentic cuisine, shop the bazaar, and more. This is a free event hosted by the India Association of Minnesota.
Uptown Porch Fest
What: Music, Community
When: Saturday, August 16, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple Locations
Enjoy live music while exploring the Wedge neighborhood in Uptown during this hyper-local music festival. Bands will be performing on porches and in yards throughout the neighborhood. There will also be a kid’s activity corner and food vendors. Check out the website for a full list of performers, a map, and a schedule. This event is free, but tips to the performers are appreciated.
Music @ Franconia: Nur-D & Pokémon Go Jamboree
What: Music, Gaming
When: Saturday, August 16, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Franconia Sculpture Park (Shafer, MN)
Take a trip outside the cities for an afternoon of live music, art sculptures, and Pokémon Go. Enjoy an energetic performance from local hip-hop artist Nur-D. Then grab your phone, your friends, and maybe a power bank, to catch ’em all throughout the 40-acre park and snap fun photos of Pokémon with the sculptures. Music @ Franconia events are $20 per vehicle.
MN Toy Posse Mid-Summer Swap
What: Arts, Community, Family
When: Sunday, August 17, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Bloomington Knights of Columbus
Seek out vintage and new toys and other plunder to bring back to your home! This event at the Bloomington Knights of Columbus will be a great opportunity to track down rare stuff you might not otherwise find and get in contact with other toy geeks.
PokéCon World
What: Convention, Gaming, Family
When: Sunday, August 17, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Eagan Community Center
Celebrate all things Pokémon at PokéCon World! There will gaming, anime, artists, tournaments, Pokéstops, and vendors, as well as special guest Jay Goede who is the voice of Mewtwo. Free Geek will also be onsite hosting a free battery replacement clinic for retro games while supplies last. Tickets are $30.
Shieldmaiden Sunday
What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, August 17, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Source Comics and Games
Shieldmaiden Sundays are a dedicated space for female-identifying (including trans women/femme) and nonbinary nerds and geeks at Source Comics and Games. This is a recurring weekly event providing a space for women to play games, chat about comics, cosplay, or just enjoy the company of other geeks. Be sure to check out the Source calendar for additional events!
Chuck Tingle, Lucky Day
What: Books
When: Sunday, August 17, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater
Author and internet icon Chuck Tingle will be discussing his latest novel, Lucky Day, which follows a bisexual stats professor as she goes “up against horrifying odds to save the world, fearlessly exploring existence, absurdity, and love as only Chuck Tingle can do it.” After the talk, there will be a Q&A session and an opportunity for photos. Tickets are $40 and come with a signed copy of the book.
Virtual Events
Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night
What: Trivia
When: Monday, August 11, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch
Get your trivia on from the comfort of home with Geeks Who Drink’s online trivia night. Prove your mettle, and maybe learn a little something!
Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Recent Discoveries in the Deep: Dark Oxygen, the Rare Biosphere, and a $17 Billion Shipwreck
What: Educational
When: Tuesday, August 12, at 5:45 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
The Smithsonian Institution, home to famed museums and world-class research centers, is bringing educational programs and art courses online for all to enjoy. At this event, journalist and author Susan Casey discusses recent discoveries from beneath the ocean waves, the role of technology in these revelations, and why understanding Earth’s underwater ecosystems might be essential for humans to thrive above ground. General-admission tickets are $30, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.
Twin Cities Geek Art Club
What: Arts
When: Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord
The Twin Cities Geek art club meets every Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the Twin Cities Geeks Discord. Hop on voice or video and chat while you create art, then share your finished pieces on the #art-club channel! This event is open to all. Join the server by visiting twincitiesgeek.com/discord.
Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs
What: Movies
When: Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord
Enjoy a free screening of an obscure film with Miss Emmy Martian and other cinephiles on Discord every Wednesday night.
Illustrating Worlds with Wendy Pini
What: Comics
When: Saturday, August 16, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
ElfQuest co-creator and illustrator Wendy Pini will be joining Momentus for a live-drawing demonstration class. She’ll also be discussing her inspirations and what drives her creativity. Tickets start at $15 for general admission, and there are additional options that include meet and greets, an ElfQuest book, or a signed art print. Wendy and Richard Pini will also be hosting a storytelling class on November 15.
Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club
What: Books
When: Saturday, August 16 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event
Discuss new and interesting sci-fi and fantasy titles at this free book club hosted by the Hennepin County Library. This month’s read is The Runes of Engagement by Tobias S. Buckell.
So, which of these events will you be attending? What events would you like to see featured in the future? Let us know in the comments section below or contact us via email. And don’t forget to add your events to the Twin Cities Geek Community Calendar!
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