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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, October 13, to Sunday, October 19.
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
Purple Places: Walk in Prince’s Footsteps
What: Educational
When: Anytime you choose
Where: Various locations around the Twin Cities
Take a GPS-guided audio tour of iconic places from Prince’s life and his movie, Purple Rain. Tour is designed to start anywhere along the route and can be done entirely on your own timeline. Download the free app SoundAround Tours, available for both iOS and Android. Purple Places tour is $9.99 or you can buy a package of Prince-themed tours for, of course, $19.99.
Chap Snatchers! A True-ish Crime Story
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through October 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Bryant Lake Bowl
“In 1978, two men kidnapped the corpse of Charlie Chaplin and held it for ransom. This *might* be how it happened.” From a forgotten headline, this play blends a forgotten caper with pop-culture savvy and slapstick comedy in an ode to laughter itself. Created by Josh Carson (A Very Die Hard Christmas), Neal Skoy (Ringling Brothers, Big Apple Circus), and Joshua English Scrimshaw (Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society). Tickets are $20.
Lizzie: The Rock Musical
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, November 2
Where: Open Eye Theatre
The award-winning Lizzie: The Rock Musical “is a suspenseful, queer, and rebellious new musical laced with political depth and a mischievous sense of humor.” The story explores the events leading up to the sensationalized trial of her parents’ axe murder, with Lizzie as the prime suspect. Tickets are $15–35.
Pinehaven Farm Fall Festival
What: Family, Food & Drink
When: Weekends, Now through November 2, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming)
Enjoy a weekend of autumnal family fun at Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming, Minnesota. There will be 30+ activities and attractions, including picking pumpkins, launching them from a cannon, swimming through a corn pit, and more. There will also be sweet and savory snacks and drinks. Tickets are $14–25. The festival runs weekends through November 2.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
What: Family, Community
When: Now through Sunday, November 2
Where: Minnesota Zoo
This is a chance to explore a trail of artistically carved glowing pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo. This year’s theme is “What Goes Bump in the Night,” and features new artists’ creations. Tickets range from $19 to $30, and zoo members receive a discount.
The Dead End Hayride
What: Nightlife
When: Now through Sunday, November 2
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming)
Experience the terror of the night on this haunted hayride/walk featuring deranged horror scenes and dazzling pyrotechnics. Explore as much of the 160 acres as you dare! Recommended for ages 13+. Tickets start at $20. Food and beverages also available for purchase.
Rain Taxi 30th Anniversary Exhibit
What: Community, Books
When: Now through Monday, November 3
Where: Open Book
Celebrate 30 years of Rain Taxi, a local organization that champions the literary community through events, programs, and a quarterly magazine. The anniversary exhibit brings together a collection of magazine covers, chapbooks, posters, author letters, artwork, and ephemera from throughout its 30-year history. Free.
Goth & Halloween Market
What: Community
When: Monday, October 13, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe
Find vendors selling spooky wares at this free goth and Halloween-themed market. The Lodge of Lazarus Crowe will also have food, drinks, and puzzle-room experiences available for purchase. See the Facebook event listing for more details and a preview of some of the vendors.
Free Yoga at Union Depot
What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 15, 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.
Tipsy Tabletops
What: Gaming, Food & Drink
When: Tuesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: King Coil Spirits
Play games, meet local game creators, and compete in trivia for a Games by James gift card, all while sipping on your favorite cocktail at this new monthly event. Free admission.
Books & Bars: The Final Girl Support Group
What: Books, Food & Drinks
When: Wednesday, October 15, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Utepils Brewing
Books & Bars is an “open public book club show” hosted and moderated by former Minnesota Public Radio producer Jeff Kamin that provides attendees with “a unique atmosphere for a lively discussion of interesting authors, fun people, good food, and social lubrication.” The book being discussed this month is The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix. Next month’s book is God of the Woods by Liz Moore.
Twin Cities Playtest
What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Noble Robot and Virtual via YouTube
This playtest event run by the Twin Cities chapter of the International Game Developer’s Association highlights games that are currently in development. Participants (either online or in-person) can play the games, demo their projects, or simply watch along to see what the community has cooking.
Trash Film Debauchery
What: Movies
When: Wednesday, October 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema
Long-running local cult-cinema group Trash Film Debauchery returns to the Trylon for a screening of Ozone, a 1993 film by J.R.Bookwalter about a tough cop who gets injected with a substance with nightmarish side effects. Tickets are $5.
Pundamonium: The Minneapolis Pun Slam
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, October 15, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Club Underground at the Spring Street Tavern
Pundamonium is a pun slam—a competition of wordplay with 10 contestants, each given two minutes to make puns based on prompts they are given ahead of time. A few lucky audience members act as judges for the night, with their top-four pun slingers going head to head in a final pun off. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Walker Art Center Art Club
What: Arts
When: Thursday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center
Get creative at the Walker Art Center’s weekly Art Club during the museum’s free Thursday nights. Explore different mediums and ideas through themed activities designed to be accessible for all ages and all levels of experience. Materials are free while supplies last. Start a new project, or bring one that’s already in progress. This week, the Loft Literary Center’s Marianne Manzler will host an interactive writing workshop.
Lit & Libations Book Fair
What: Books, Food & Drink
When: Thursday, October 16, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: King Coil Spirits
Join local authors and literary lovers for an evening of book-inspired cocktails, book signings and readings, and good conversation. Free admission.
2025 Twin Cities Film Fest
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, October 16, through Saturday, October 25
Where: Marcus West End Cinema, Edina Mann Theatre, and Virtually
The 15th annual Twin Cities Film Fest returns with 10 days of film screenings, special-guest conversations, and educational panels. Special celebrity guests include Teri Weinberg, Christine Dávila, and Kit Williamson. This year features more than 140 films across multiple genres, spanning categories including Changemaker, Code Red, Her, Empower, Out, Black on Screen, MN-Connected, and Studio. In-person festival passes for 5 to 12 screenings are $55 to $125. A stream pass is $60, which includes viewing access to all films that are available online. Individual in-person and virtual tickets are also available, and some film screenings and streams are available for free.
Twin Cities Horror Festival Season XIV
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, October 16, through Thursday, October 30
Where: Crane Theater
The Twin Cities Horror Festival returns for its 14th year with 15 “terrifying days of onstage horror” at Minneapolis’s Crane Theater. This is a chance to explore family-friendly spookiness or deep-seated fears through theater—check out our guide to this year’s festival to figure out which of the shows might appeal to you most. Individual tickets start at $15, with additional festival pass options available.
Purple Rain
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, October 16, through Sunday, November 23
Where: State Theatre
Be one of the first to enjoy this stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film Purple Rain during its pre-Broadway run at the State Theatre. Tickets start at $87.50.
Anime Fusion: Mechs and Madness
What: Convention
When: Friday, October 17, through Sunday, October 19
Where: Crowne Plaza Mpls West
Anime Fusion is a Twin Cities anime convention featuring panels, anime showings, cosplay, gaming, and more. Guests this year include Tiana Camacho, Tiffany Grant, Tony Oliver, Spike Spencer, CosmicRobin and KookyKatCosplay. See the website for complete schedule information. Preregistration is closed, but walk-up registration is $60 for the whole weekend, and there are day passes available.
Austi-Con 2025
What: Convention
When: Friday, October 17, through Sunday, October 19
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton and Austin Conference Center, Austin
Come see the greatest gaming event Austin, Minnesota has to offer with open gaming, miniature painting, scheduled events, and a silent auction! The silent auction is a charitable event with benefits going to the Autism Day Camp program in Austin. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door for the whole weekend, or $10 for a family badge for Sunday.
St. Paul Scary Movies Series: I Know What You Did Last Summer
What: Movies, Community
When: Friday, October 17, at dusk (approximately 7:00 p.m.)
Where: Mears Park
Enjoy a free night of community and movie magic under the stars! Screening this week is I Know What You Did Last Summer. Note that this film is rated R and the event is for those aged 18 and over. The film starts at dusk, but arrive early to grab a spot and some treats from the Sweet Dairy food truck. The event is weather dependent, so be sure to check the event page for any updates.
Twin Cities Board Game Marathon October 2025
What: Gaming
When: Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19
Where: 2D Con Headquarters
Join the 2D Con community for an all-day gaming marathon. Bring your favorite games along to share or try something new from 2D Con’s gaming library. Tickets are $5.
ConFluence: Futures in Color
What: Convention, Family
When: Saturday, October 18, and Sunday October 19
Where: Northrup King Building, Minneapolis
ConFluence is a 2-day convention “celebrating art, sci fi, futurisms, and fantasy centered on content by and for Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color.” One-day admission is $35; the full weekend is $55 in advance. Tickets at the door are $45 and $65, respectively. Various discounts are also available.
Taylor Swift: The Life of a Showgirl Drag Brunch
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Where: Union Rooftop
Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week, celebrate the debut of Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $22.48, and attendees must purchase the entrée during the event.
Shieldmaiden Sunday
What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, October 19, 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!
HORA: Romanian Dark Legends—Monsters, Vampires, and the Undead
What: Educational
When: Sunday, October 19, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Landmark Center
Every Sunday in October, join the Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans for presentations about Romanian folklore and myth. Learn how Romanian tales have influenced modern horror and vampire lore in sessions that blend historical context, storytelling, and cultural insights. Free.
Vilification Tennis: Dungeons & Dickheads II
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Strike Theater
Vilification Tennis, a local structured-improv show focused on insult contests, returns for a night of comedy. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door.
Virtual Events
entoL!VE–Getting to Know Weevils
What: Educational
When: Monday, October 13, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event
Learn about insects and the science of invertebrates with the free entoL!VE webinar series. This week’s event looks at weevils, one of the most diverse groups of beetles in the UK, and how to identify them. Free. Registration is required to get the event link. Registered participants will receive a recording of the event, or anyone can view it and many other similar topics on the entoL!VE blog.
How to Dine Like a Victorian, Part 2: Chocolate
What: Educational, Food & Drinks
When: Monday, October 13, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event
Learn how innovation and new ingredients led to changes in how people ate during the Victorian era. This webinar will explore why chocolate was mainly consumed as a beverage, how chocolate was produced at the time, how chocolate came to be associated with Valentine’s Day, and some of the period’s most popular chocolate indulgences. Tickets are $17.13; passes for the entire three-event Victorian dining series are $44.74.
Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night
What: Trivia
When: Monday, October 13, 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!
Writers to Watch
What: Books
When: Tuesday, October 14, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event
A selection of authors discuss their books and take audience questions. This week includes Brad Meltzer, T Kira Madden, Justin C. Key, and Claire Douglas. Free, but must register to get the link.
Twin Cities Playtest
What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Noble Robot and Virtual via YouTube
This playtest event run by the Twin Cities chapter of the International Game Developer’s Association highlights games that are currently in development. Participants (either online or in-person) can play the games, demo their projects, or simply watch along to see what the community has cooking.
Twin Cities Geek Art Club
What: Arts
When: Wednesday, October 15, 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, October 15, 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.
2025 Twin Cities Film Fest
What: Movies
When: Thursday, October 16, through Saturday, October 25
Where: Marcus West End Cinema, Edina Mann Theatre, and Virtually
The 15th annual Twin Cities Film Fest returns with 10 days of film screenings, special guest conversations, and educational panels. Special celebrity guests include Teri Weinberg, Christine Dávila, and Kit Williamson. This year features more than 140 films across multiple genres, spanning categories including Changemaker, Code Red, Her, Empower, Out, Black on Screen, MN-Connected, and Studio. In-person festival passes for 5 to 12 screenings are $55 to $125. A stream pass is $60, which includes viewing access to all films that are available online. Individual in-person and virtual tickets are also available, and some film screenings and streams are available for free.
Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—The World According to the James Webb Space Telescope
What: Educational
When: Thursday, October 16, at 6:30 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, astrophysicist and author Mario Livio will discuss images taken by the telescope and explain their significance. Discoveries credited to the James Webb Space Telescope include “detection of Neptune’s auroras, the determination of the composition of the atmospheres of extrasolar planets, and the detection of some of the earliest, most distant galaxies that formed in the universe.” General-admission tickets are $35, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming-series webpage for the many other upcoming events this week.
Writer’s Roulette
What: Meetup
When: Thursday, October 16, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Stretch those creative-writing muscles at Writer’s Roulette! Each event starts with a writing prompt and 20 minutes to write whatever comes to mind in any genre or style. Then participants are given the option to share their work. “Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practice, or just a creative jolt, Writer’s Roulette is your chance to see where the words take you.” Tickets are $7. Sessions also available this week on Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. or Friday at 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Transmission
What: Music, Nightlife
When: Friday, October 17, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch
The popular Transmission dance night is hosting a virtual-music video stream every Friday. DJ Jake Rudh will be bringing New Wave, Alternative, and more ’80s-centric greats directly to your home. So, dance, dance, dance to the radio (or, in this case, Twitch stream).
Smithsonian Associates 60th Anniversary Celebration Weekend
What: Educational
When: Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19
Where: Virtual via Zoom
The Smithsonian Institution celebrates 60 years of museum-based education programs with a special event including a range of educational seminars. A full day of programming on Saturday with topics from The Films of Alfred Hitchcock to The Lincoln They Didn’t Teach You About In School to Beautiful Florals in Watercolor. A lighter day on Sunday includes Mosaic Jewelry and Rick Steves: On the Hippie Trail. Sessions can be purchased individually, with discounts based on how many you choose. There is also a Diamond Online Pass that includes eight specific seminars.
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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