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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 27, to Sunday, November 2.
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 in**@************ek.com with your concerns.
In-Person Events
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 27, and Wednesday, October 29, 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.
Object Stories Minneapolis
What: Arts
When: Monday, October 27, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Twin Ignition Startup Garage
Object Stories is a live, storytelling event that brings together various types of artists to showcase handmade objects and share stories about what the objects mean to them. This event features Einar and Jamex de la Torre, glass artists and American Craft Council award fellows. Several other local artists will also join the panel. Tickets are $15 with discounts for ACC members.
Teen Writers’ Guild presents: Book Binding
What: Books, Meetup
When: Tuesday, October 28, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: St. Paul Public Library – Dayton’s Bluff
Every fourth Tuesday, teen writers can get together at the Dayton’s Bluff Library for encouragement, peer critiques, and opportunities to develop their craft. This month features the step-by-step process of folding, stitching, and binding a book. This meetup is free, with snacks and hot drinks provided.
Dungeons & Dragons LIVE!
What: Theater & Comedy, Gaming
When: Tuesday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Hive Collaborative
Join Ben Stoddart and his band of heroes for a Halloween-themed, interactive adventure. The audience will have opportunities to influence the action and even heckle the Game Master. Everyone, regardless of gaming experience, will enjoy this “evening of improv, laughter, and storytelling mischief.” Tickets are $27.38
Dragons, Dungeons & Drinks: The Heretic’s Gambit Adventure
What: Food & Drink, Gaming
When: Wednesday, October 29, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Brühaven
Dragons, Dungeons & Drinks sponsors frequent one-shot, single-session adventures that can be completed in an evening. For this adventure, “a ritual has been discovered that ascends mortals to godhood, but will it work? The party investigates whether it’s real, worth the cost, or another deception.” Tickets start at $40. Read more about Dragons, Dungeons & Drinks.
Gangster Ghost Tour 2025
What: Educational
When: Wednesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Landmark Center
One night a year, experience a guided tour of the ghosts of gangsters, G-men, and judges who once frequented the Landmark Center. Browse displays of famous gangsters, take your own “mugshot,” and enjoy some cider and cookies. Tours begin every 15 minutes. Tickets are $11.55 and must be purchased in advance.
Pumpkins and Power Tools
What: Community, Family
When: Thursday, October 30, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Blackstack 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.
BareBones’ 32nd Halloween Extravaganza: Up in Smoke
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, October 30 through Sunday, November 2; at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Powderhorn Park
This year’s Halloween Extravaganza “Up in Smoke” tells the story of loss, grief, and survival in challenging times using the magic combination of puppetry, stilting, dance, fire, live music, and song. Dress for the weather and bring your own chair/blanket. A masked-only section will be available each night. Suggested ticket price $20, but also Pay-What-You-Can.
Spooky Scavenger Hunt
What: Family, Educational
When: Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota
Bring your kids to the Science Museum for some Halloween-themed festivities including a scavenger hunt for hidden wolf figurines. Keep what you find and if you find the special silver wolf, you get an extra prize. Included with the price of museum admission.
SMM is also hosting an adults-only “spook-easy” Thursday evening after 7:00 p.m. Details at the same link above.
The Bearded Company’s Swords & Sorcery
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2, and Thursday, November 6; various times
Where: Theatre in the Round
The Bearded Company embarks on another improvised fantasy campaign where their fate is decided by the roll of a 20-sided die. Each show will have something for everyone: legendary adventurers, dragons to slay, dungeons to explore, and more! Tickets are $17–20.
Midtown Global Market Halloween Trick or Treat
What: Family
When: Friday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market
Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Midtown Market where they can decorate their own trick-or-treat bag, walk thru the market to collect goodies, get their face painted, enjoy a balloon artist, and even have dinner. This event is free.
Witches Ball in the Halloween Capitol of the World
What: Nightlife
When: Friday, October 31, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Divine Lights (Anoka)
Enjoy music, dancing, and mocktails in a candlelit basement with a spooky vibe. Dress in costume or elegant formal wear. Admission is 18+ only and $59 per person. Intuitive readings are also available for purchase.
Those Who Remain Turn The Pages: A Horror Anthology
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Weekends, Saturday, November 1 through Sunday, November 9; various times
Where: Theatre in the Round
In this “terrifying and timely triptych of tales,” each story involves a monster among us. Due to stylized violence and scary moments, this show is recommended for ages 12+. Tickets start at $18.
4th Annual Collectors Day at the Bell Museum
What: Community
When: Saturday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: The Bell Museum
In this annual event, members of the community are invited to showcase their own personal collections, discuss their gathering process, and share stories about their collections. Collections range from Lego mini figures to lava lamps. Included in the cost of regular admission to the Bell.
Disney Villains Drag Brunch
What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, November 1, 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, enjoy tributes to various Disney villains including Scar, Cruella, and Captain Hook. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $20.28 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.
First Saturday Science: Microbiology
What: Science & Technology, Educational, Family
When: Saturday, November 1, at 10:35 a.m.
Where: Jason R. Carter Science Education Center, Metro State University
First Saturday Science, a monthly program at Metro State, seeks to improve accessibility to science with open programs that can lead folks towards scientific careers, or just greater curiosity. This month, learn all about microbiology including bacteria, viruses, and single-celled organisms. No RSVP required, though young people under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check out the event page for more details, as well as future topics and science resources that can be used at home.
Día de los Muertos
What: Community
When: Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market
Join in the observation of this traditional Mexican holiday that joyfully honors the lives of loved ones who have passed away. Activities include live music, cultural art activities, delicious food, and an authentic Ofrenda (altar). Visitors are encouraged to bring a picture of a lost loved one to add to the Ofrenda. Free.
First Saturday Guided Tours at Pavek Museum
What: Science & Technology, Educational
When: Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication
Learn about the history and cultural significance of electronic communication during this 45-minute guided tour of the Pavek Museum. See vintage and “please don’t say that’s already considered vintage” pieces as well as some expert demonstrations. First come, first served. Tour is included with museum admission: adults $11, with discounts for children, military, and more.
Spooky Trains
What: Family
When: 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.
Picturegoer Film Club Presents: Double Indemnity
What: Movies
When: Saturday, November 1, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Center for Performing Arts
This showing of the noir classic Double Indemnity (1944) will include a pre-show of vintage materials including trailers, theater snipes, and a classic cartoon, as well as a special introductory presentation. Tickets are $17.85.
Midnight Mayhem: The Silence of the Lambs
What: Movies
When: Saturday, November 1, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: The Main Cinema
The Midnight Mayhem series returns with a screening of the chilling psychological thriller, The Silence of the Lambs. Expect special surprises and giveaways with host Chaz Kangas throughout this fun community film night. Tickets are $13.
Shieldmaiden Sunday
What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, November 2, 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!
Virtual Events
Purple Places: Walk in Prince’s Footsteps
What: Educational
When: Anytime you choose
Where: Virtual or 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, and even entirely from your couch without leaving home at all. 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.
Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night
What: Trivia
When: Monday, October 27, 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 28, at 7:00 a.m. and Friday, October 30, 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.
A History of Fantasy, Part 2: Robert E. Howard and Pulp Fantasy
What: Educational
When: Wednesday, October 29, 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 focuses on Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan the Barbarian, who successfully published pulp fiction at a time when anything “fantasy” was considered a bedtime story for children. 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 29, 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 29, 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.
Psycho-Analysis: A Look Inside Hitchcock’s Horror Masterpiece
What: Movies, Educational
When: Friday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
In another seminar sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, explore the influence of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic movie, Psycho, on subsequent horror and thriller films, serious works of art in every medium, and how it “continues to haunt our cultural imagination.” 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.
Virtual Transmission
What: Music, Nightlife
When: Friday, October 31, 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).
Virtual Dungeons & Dragons for Teens
What: Gaming
When: Sunday, September 21, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom and Roll20
Online D&D for grades 6–12. All experience levels welcome. Registration required.
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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