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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, November 3, to Sunday, November 9.
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
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, November 3, and Wednesday, November 5, 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.
Twin Cities German Film Festival
What: Movies
When: Thursday, November 6, through Sunday, November 9
Where: The Main Cinema
The annual Twin Cities German Film Festival will explore the theme of “Home in Motion” through six films featuring characters on the move and themes of “belonging, identity, and reinvention.” Check out the website for a full list of films and screening times. Individual film tickets are $14.
Walker Art Center Art Club
What: Arts
When: Thursday, November 6, 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 levels of experience. Materials are free while supplies last. This week, create climate-conscious and sustainable art with local artists using methods of upcycling, preservation, zero waste, and more.
How Minnesota Sent a Generation on The Oregon Trail
What: Educational, Gaming
When: Thursday, November 6, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Mill City Museum
Minnesota Historical Society Program Specialist Jacobe Rorem will dive into the game history of The Oregon Trail, from its humble beginnings as a project of three student teachers in Minneapolis to its growth to a cultural phenomenon that impacted an entire generation. The free event will also examine the role that Minnesota’s educational technology industry played, look at some of variations of the game (including parodies and indigenous responses), and feature a playthrough of the game with commentary and trivia.
Monster Science First Thursdays: Monstromance
What: Theater & Comedy, Educational
When: Thursday, November 6, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Bryan Lake Bowl & Theater
Reverend Matt’s Monster Science, a recurring comedic-lecture series with a focus on monsters, returns this month with guests Wini Froelich and Kira Pontiff to explore the monsters of modern romance novels, including dragons, werewolves, minotaurs, and more. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 at the door.
The Bearded Company’s Swords & Sorcery
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m.
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.
Twin Cities Con
What: Conventions
When: Friday, November 7, through Sunday, November 9
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
Twin Cities Con is a convention celebrating TV, film, comics, cosplay, and all things nerdy. This three-day event will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center and includes panels, celebrity guests, vendors, costume contests, gaming, and on-site tattoos. Special guests include Brendan Fraser, Rosario Dawson, Giancarlo Esposito, Amber Benson, Mick Foley, Alyson Stoner, Epic Rap Battles of History, and many more. Weekend passes are $95, day passes are $50, and kids passes are $10; some events may require the purchase of additional tickets. Be sure to visit the Twin Cities Geek table! (Read: How Does a Convention Like Twin Cities Con Get Its Guests)
Those Who Remain Turn The Pages: A Horror Anthology
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, November 7, 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.
Illuminate Festival of Lights
What: Arts, Family
When: Weekends, Friday, November 7 through Saturday, December 27
Where: Pan Asian Center (Maplewood Mall)
This festival features handcrafted lantern sculptures, Chinese acrobatic performances, and a red-lantern night market featuring local businesses. There are also photo stations that rotate themes throughout the festival’s run, including lanterns and legends, winter blooms, pop culture, anime, and bows of holly. Individual tickets are $14.95–25; season passes are available.
MiniARTure Exhibition
What: Arts
When: Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: ALTR Gallery
The MiniARTure exhibition is a showcase of intricate miniatures and small-scale art. Lean in for a closer look at these detailed sculptures, paintings, and more.
The Witches Ball at RaptureMN
What: Nightlife, Cosplay
When: Friday, November 7, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Ground Zero
Dress up as your favorite magical user or creature and break out your flow-dancing props for this EDM dance night hosted by RaptureMN. Featured DJs include DJ Gwiingwans, DJ Death Lily, The Necronancer, and Zer-0. In addition to the dancing, there will be projected visuals, aerial acrobatics, fire performances, and vendors. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Tickets for this 21 and over event are $15.
Extra Life Gaming Fundraiser Event
What: Gaming, Community
When: Saturday, November 8, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: St. Paul Masonic Center – Scottish Rite Temple
Play games for a good cause this Saturday! “Extra Life unites thousands of gamers who help local kids by playing games and raising funds” for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This event will feature tabletop gaming, raffles, a silent auction, Nerf battles, Nintendo Switch gaming, and more, with prizes from local game stores and game makers. Entry is $5 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Gillette Children’s in St. Paul.
Twin Cities Book Festival
What: Books
When: Saturday, November 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Union Depot
The 25th-annual Twin Cities Book Festival is upon us! Book geeks rejoice for this showcase of all things literary, with local publishers, local talent, great guest speakers, and above all, books! Admission and Metro Transit rides are free. This is a great opportunity to see intimate conversations with special guests like Eoin Colfer, Vanessa L. Torres, Trung Le Nguyen, George O’Connor, Misako Rocks!, and more. See the website for a complete schedule.
Veterans Day Luncheon at Sibley
What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, November 8, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Sibley Historic Site
This Veterans Day, hear stories of Minnesotan recipients of the Medal of Honor, which recognizes service members who have “distinguished themselves at the risk of their own lives above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States.” The event will also include a three-course lunch sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 1776. Registration is $35–40 and closes on Wednesday, November 5.
Brewlabs Battle: Minnesota vs. Iowa
What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, November 8, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Bauhaus Brew Labs
Fully armored fighters will be showcasing their combat skills and testing their mettle in an afternoon of 5v5 and pro fights between the Twin Cities Wyverns and Iowa’s The New Order. Admission is free.
Family Day: Listen Closely
What: Arts
When: Sunday, November 9, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Family Day is a free monthly event at the Minneapolis Institute of Art that gives the young and the young at heart an opportunity to check out performances, hands-on activities, tours, and more. This weekend’s theme is “Listen Closely” and features activities from Heart of the Beast Theater and Mashkiki Studios.
Prince Drag Brunch
What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, November 9, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Where: Crave Rooftop
Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week invites the purple fam out for celebratory Prince party. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $20.28, and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.
Fall 2025 Board Game Market
What: Gaming
When: Sunday, November 9, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: The Brewing Projekt (Eau Claire, WI)
Pick up some new-to-you games at this board-game market. It’s organized garage-sale style by Eau Claire geeks who are active in the Twin Cities community. So if you’re one of our Wisconsin neighbors who hits up the geeky events here in the Twin Cities, this event might be a good chance for you to nerd out a little closer to home. Admission is free and organizers recommend having cash on hand for market purchases.
Shieldmaiden Sunday
What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, November 9, 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
Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night
What: Trivia
When: Monday, November 3, 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, November 4, at 6:00 a.m. and Thursday, November 6, at 6:00 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.
Club Book: Oyinkan Braithwaite
What: Books
When: Tuesday, November 4, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event
Join author Oynikan Braithewaite for a discussion of her latest novel, Cursed Daughters, about a woman who “encumbered by both a family curse and the widely held belief that she is the reincarnation of her dead cousin.” Braithwaite’s previous book was My Sister, The Serial Killer, which received the 2019 Anthony Award for Best First Novel and landed on TIME‘s 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time list. This free event is hosted by Club Book and the Carver County Library.
entoL!VE–More Moths Please!
What: Educational
When: Tuesday, November 4, at 7:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual Event
Learn about insects and the science of invertebrates with the free entoL!VE webinar series. This week’s event features Georgina Lindsay, conservation manager at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, discussing the rare Dark Bordered Beauty moth and the current efforts to both restore and safeguard the species through a conservation breeding program.
Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—A History of Fantasy: J.R.R. Tolkien & High Fantasy
What: Educational
When: Wednesday, November 5, 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 explores the life and influences of J.R.R. Tolkien, his struggle to get his stories taken seriously, and how they became part of a newly respected modern fantasy literary genre. 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.
Natural Observers: A Conversation at the Intersection of Art and Science
What: Educational
When: Wednesday, November 5, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
“Observing and documenting nature is part of a long tradition in science going back centuries.” This panel discussion hosted by the Bell Museum will examine the link between art and scientific inquiry, the role of early naturalists, and the science of the exhibition Curious Allies: Exploring relationships in Fungi, Parasites, and Carnivores. Panelists are professors from the University of Minnesota, including Jennifer Powers, Charlie Willis, and Daniel Stanton.
Twin Cities Geek Art Club
What: Arts
When: Wednesday, November 5, 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, November 5, 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.
Jewish Exiles in Paris: Art & Ideas in Europe’s Darkest Hour
What: Educational
When: Friday, November 7, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event
During the 1930s and 1940s, Paris became a refuge for Jewish writers and thinkers, making the city a hub of resistance and new ideas. This webinar explores the lives and works of these Jewish creators and how they helped shape modern history. Tickets are $15.71.
Virtual Transmission
What: Music, Nightlife
When: Friday, November 7, 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).
Women from Nightmares: Vulnerability and Powerful Women in K-Dramas
What: Educational
When: Saturday, November 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual Event
Romancing the Gothic hosts’ weekly classes and events exploring gothic, romantic, and horror topics. This week looks at how power and vulnerability are intertwined and are used narratively to explore life-tragedy through the lead women in the K-Dramas Hotel del Luna, It’s Okay Not to Be Okay, and Hi, Bye Mama. Romancing the Gothic events are free to attend, but donations or patronage to support the series are appreciated.
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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