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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 20, to Sunday, October 26.
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
2025 Twin Cities Film Fest
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now 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: Now 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. Individual tickets start at $15, with additional festival pass options available.
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.
Purple Rain
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now 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.
Free Yoga at Union Depot
What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, October 20, and Wednesday, October 22, 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.
Dead Media Film Premiere
What: Movies
When: Monday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater
Catch the premiere screening of Dead Media, a horror movie about “a haunted DVD and a movie night that just won’t die“ that was filmed in Minneapolis. It stars Sammi-Jack Martincak (Shameless) and James Urbaniak (The Fablemans), and also features several actors from Minnesota’s theater and film community. Writer and director Joseph Scrimshaw, along with Bill Corbett (MST3K, RiffTrax), will be providing preshow entertainment. A Q&A will follow the screening. Tickets are $12–24.
John U. Bacon Presents The Gales of November
What: Books
When: Tuesday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Magers & Quinn Booksellers
Author and journalist John U. Bacon will be at Magers & Quinn to discuss his book, The Gales of November, about the Edmund Fitzgerald. Through more than 100 interviews, the book explores not only tell the tragic sinking of the ship in Lake Superior, but also the economic impact of Great Lakes shipping during that time, the lives of those sailors, and the aftermath of the maritime disaster on the people left behind. The event is free and registration is highly recommended.
Rainbow Romance Book Club
What: Books
When: Wednesday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Rootlab Coop
Join other romance readers for a discussion about the book That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming. This 18+ event is free.
Cellula
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, October 23 through Saturday, October 25
Where: Sabathani Community Center
Cellula shows the biologic marvels of cells and mitosis through blacklight puppetry, a cappella music, and the narration of a mother introducing her daughter to this scientific wonder. The stage production “fuses a unique style of playful naturalism with scientific beauty—like a bedtime story as told by biologists.” Arrive early to check out microscope activities with the Minnesota Microscopy Society and University of Minnesota Imaging Centers. Tickets are choose-your-price of $5–35, with some free tickets available for each performance.
Books & Bars: The Final Girl Support Group
What: Books, Food & Drinks
When: Thursday, October 23, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Urban Growler
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.
St. Paul Scary Movies Series: Sixth Sense
What: Movies, Community
When: Friday, October 24, at dusk (approximately 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Mears Park
Enjoy a free night of community and movie magic under the stars! Screening this week is Sixth Sense. 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.
The Goonies in Concert
What: Movies, Music
When: Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall
“Hey, you guyyyyys!” Grab a Baby Ruth and head over to Orchestra Hall for a screening of The Goonies with a live score performance by the Minnesota Orchestra. Tickets start at $64.
Howl-O-Ween
What: Family
When: Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Wildlife Science Center (Stacy)
Enjoy a day of Halloween-themed activities among the resident wolves, cougars, and bears at the Wildlife Science Center. There will be pumpkin painting, candy collecting, and a scavenger hunt. On-leash dogs are welcome, and everyone is encouraged to come in costume. Tickets are $10-15 with proceeds benefiting the center; kids aged four and under get in for free.
Hmong Arts Festival
What: Arts
When: Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Mall of America
This free festival celebrates the creativity, resiliency, and cultural legacy of Hmong Arts. The event will showcase live performances from musicians, dancers, poets, visual artists, and more. Featured vendors include the Hmong Cultural Center, Red Green Rivers, and the Hmong Museum. It’s all emceed by Chenue Her, anchor on Fox 9 Morning News, and Bee Vang Moua, Director of the Hmong language program at the University of Minnesota.
MapleCon
What: Convention
When: Saturday, October 25, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Maplewood Mall
MapleCon is back for another year of cosplay, vendors, guests, and raffles at the Maplewood Mall. The free event is hosted by the Real Life Peter Griffin, aka Robert Franzese, a cosplayer who has an uncannily similar look and laugh to the animated character. Show up in your best cosplay or Halloween costume for a chance to win a $1,000 in the costume contest.
Starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Pan Asian Center inside the Maplewood Mall, there will also be a free Kpop Monster Mash, featuring random dance, games, giveaways, photocard trading, a costume contest, vendors, and more!
North Star Voices: Brutal Utopias
What: Movies
When: Saturday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota History Center & Virtual via Zoom
In the 1970s, the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis had two clashing utopian visions between an urban renewal project featuring modern brutalist concrete buildings and the counterculture of its residents who resisted against the project. The film Brutal Utopias revisits this history and explores the question of “how do we design cities and for whom?” through archival footage, motion graphics, and interviews with current residents. This free screening is followed by a talk and Q&A session with the film’s maker, Dr. Morgan Adamson.
Spooky Trains
What: Family
When: Saturday, October 25 and Saturday, November 1, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Twin City Model Railroad Museum
The Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum is getting into the spooky spirit with Halloween-themed trains and decorations on their layouts. Costumes are welcome and they will be handing out treats. Tickets are $10.
Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons
What: Music
When: Saturday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre
Journey back to the Valley with a live orchestral concert performance of the most memorable tracks from Stardew Valley. The program is curated by the game’s creator, ConcernedApe, and will feature gameplay footage of the farm growing throughout the seasons and explorations of game locations like Skull Cavern and Ginger Island. There will also be new content that is exclusive to this tour. Tickets start at $95.70.
Crypticon’s Nightshade Cinema 4: Halloween Bash & Costume Contest
What: Movies, Trivia
When: Saturday, October 25, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Railwerks Brewing
Nightshade Cinema is a series of horror-film screenings featuring a special guest Q&A and photo ops, brought to you by the folks behind Crypticon. This event features a 9:00 p.m. screening of Demons and a post-show Q&A with the film’s lead actress Geretta Geretta, who has also starred in RATS, Terminator 2, and Bloody Christmas. Leading up to the movie, there will be several rounds of horror trivia and costume contests, all with prizes. Tickets are $25.
Carrie + Halloween Prom Dance Party
What: Movies, Nightlife
When: Saturday, October 25, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Eagles Club
Dress as your favorite Scream Queen (or King) at TriLingua Cinema’s screening of Carrie with a prom-themed danced party featuring DJ IZZIE P. This event is 18+ and tickets are $15 for both the movie and the dance, or $5-8 if you only want to attend one portion of the festivities.
Shieldmaiden Sunday
What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, October 26, 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!
Spooky Book Fair
What: Books
When: Sunday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: BlackStack Brewing
Romance readers who like a little supernatural spice can find their next spooky season read at this themed book fair. There will be authors on site, over 20 vendors, and giveaways throughout the afternoon. Free entry.
HORA: Romanian Dark Legends—Monsters, Vampires, and the Undead
What: Educational
When: Sunday, October 26, 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. Additional concurrent activities include a mask and dance workshop as well as a Halloween festival. Free.
Pumpkins and Powerdriills
What: Community, Family
When: Sunday, October 26, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Fulton Brewing
Carve pumpkins with the help of power tools while keeping the mess out of your home! Pumpkins will be available for purchase with proceeds supporting the MN Tool Library, or you can bring your own pumpkins if you have them on hand. This event is free to attend, and early registration is highly encouraged.
Virtual Events
2025 Twin Cities Film Fest
What: Movies
When: Now 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.
How to Dine Like a Victorian, Part 3: Desserts
What: Educational, Food & Drinks
When: Monday, October 20, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual Event
Learn about the popular desserts in America during the Victorian era and the innovative technologies that made them possible and accessible. Tickets are $17.13; passes for the entire three-event Victorian dining series are $44.74 (which includes video access to previous webinars).
Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night
What: Trivia
When: Monday, October 20, 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!
Writer’s Roulette
What: Meetup
When: Tuesday, October 21, at 7:00 a.m. and Friday, October 24, at 7:00 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.
Keeping Bees! A Webinar with Red River Valley Beekepers
What: Educational
When: Wednesday, October 22, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
The Minnesota Women in Conservation host a series of free lunch-time webinars with “news you can use” This event features a discussion about small-scale beekeeping with the Red River Valley Beekeepers, a group that educates the public on pollinators, mentors new beekeepers, and promotes sound beekeeping methods.
Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—A History of Fantasy: Evolution of Fantastic Storytelling
What: Educational
When: Wednesday, October 22, 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. This series explores the origins and evolutions of the modern fantasy genre, from gothic novels to Dungeons & Dragons, and beyond. This installment takes a look at humanity’s psychological need to tell fantastic stories about the world and the different forms it has taken throughout history. 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.
Twin Cities Geek Art Club
What: Arts
When: Wednesday, October 22, 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 22, 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.
Virtual Transmission
What: Music, Nightlife
When: Friday, October 24, 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).
North Star Voices: Brutal Utopias
What: Movies
When: Saturday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota History Center & Virtual via Zoom
In the 1970s, the Cedar Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis had two clashing utopian visions between an urban renewal project featuring modern brutalist concrete buildings and the counterculture of its residents who resisted against the project. The film Brutal Utopias revisits this history and explores the question of “how do we design cities and for whom?” through archival footage, motion graphics, and interviews with current residents. This free screening is followed by a talk and Q&A session with the film’s maker, Dr. Morgan Adamson.
Spooky Charcuterie with Chef Shannon Feltus
What: Food & Drinks, Educational
When: Saturday, October 25, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Learn how to build a spooky charcuterie board that mixes fall flavors with eerie presentation. This workshop is hosted by Chef Shannon Feltus, who is the founder of Urban Farm Foods, a farm-to-table educator, and a TV personality who has competed on the Food Network. Tickets are $15, and there is a “meat and greet” ticket option that is $50.
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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