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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, September 15, to Sunday, September 21.
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
Only Ugly Guys
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Saturday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gremlin Theatre
In four short stories, Only Ugly Guys explores “how affection manifests in a non-committal, algorithm-fueled culture” and positions the audience in the role of voyeur, enabler, confidante, and friend to the characters as their romantic lives unfold. Tickets are $28, and there is a discount for the Thursday preview performance; see event page for more information.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
What: Arts, Comedy & Theater, Educational, Family
When: Now through Sunday, September 28
Where: 12364 Chestnut Boulevard (Shakopee)
The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 54th season and will be open weekends through 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. 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 prepaid parking pass at $18 to park on the festival grounds or plan on utilizing the park-and-ride lots with round-trip bus rides for $6.
Free Yoga at Union Depot
What: Sports & Fitness
When: Monday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 17, 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.
WTF! Watch Terrible Films Club
What: Movies
When: Monday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: 56 Brewing
If you’re a film buff who likes cheesy movies that are so-bad-they’re-kind-of-good, then this free club is for you. Every third Monday, catch a screening of a curated movie in 56 Brewing’s barrel room, while enjoying local brews and movie night snacks. Check out The WTF Club’s Instagram for a preview of the upcoming movie, or just show up the night of to be surprised.
Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books
What: Arts
When: Tuesday, September 16, 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 September exploring The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.
Books & Bars
What: Books, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, September 17, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Utepils Brewing, Minneapolis
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 Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. Next month’s book is Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix.
Twin Cities Playtest
What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, September 17, 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. Check out the full details of how to join on the event page.
Trash Film Debauchery
What: Movies
When: Wednesday, September 17, 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 Alien Private Eye, a 1989 film about an alien here to retrieve a drug before her people’s enemies find it. Tickets are $5.
Pundamonium: The Minneapolis Pun Slam!
What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, September 17, 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, September 18, 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, “speed dating” style portrait sessions. Everyone gets a chance to be both artist and subject. All experience levels welcome.
Stories at the Station—Star Party Edition
What: Books, Science & Technology
When: Thursday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Union Depot
Storytelling and stargazing combine in this Star Party Edition of Stories at the Station. Join local authors and astronomy enthusiasts for this event under the open sky. This is a free event.
James Kakalios launches The Physics of Superheroes Goes Hollywood
What: Books, Science & Technology
When: Thursday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Magers & Quinn Booksellers
Author James Kakalios, professor of physics and astronomy, debuts his latest book, The Physics of Superheroes Goes Hollywood. How much of science fiction is actually science fact? Explore the extent that fantastical elements are based in real science. Event is free, but registration is required.
The Dead End Hayride
What: Nightlife
When: Friday, September 19, 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 are $14–$25. Food and beverages also available for purchase.
Anime Wonder
What: Convention
When: Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds Education Building
Visit Anime Wonder, the new annual “celebration of all things Anime, Manga, Asian culture, Gaming, Cosplay, Fandom, and more.” Play Anime Jeopardy, meet cosplay talent, hear from voice actors, celebrate Asian food, culture, cars, and more. Tickets start at $39 in advance.
Viva La Vida: Taco and Tequila Festival
What: Community
When: Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21
Where: 425 Rice Street (St. Paul)
Latin cuisine and Latino-owned businesses combine to celebrate culture through food. “From family recipes to regional classics with a modern twist, it’s all made with heart—and zero shortcuts.” Musical guests include Los Amigos Invisibles and Salsa del Soul. Tickets start at $23.50, with kids under 12 free. No one under 18 allowed without an adult.
Sensory Friendly Saturday at the Bell
What: Science & Technology, Family
When: Saturday, September 20, at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Bell Museum
Each month, the Bell Museum turns down the lights and adds other accessibility options to provide a welcoming environment to individuals with sensory sensitivities. Explore the exhibits, visit the Touch & See Lab, and even enjoy a brief planetarium show. Event included in the cost of regular admission.
Otaku Fest
What: Convention
When, Saturday, September 20, at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Brühaven Craft Co
Join Anime Detour and Anime Fusion at Brühaven for a full day of fandom, cosplay, trivia, and music. Also featuring crafters, vendors, and karaoke! Admission is $10, with a discounts available.
Avant Garden
What: Nightlife, Music, Arts
When: Saturday, September 20, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center
Support the arts in style with this night of music, art, cocktails, and food in a beautiful setting. Nosh on gourmet food and sip craft cocktails while enjoying an art auction and rubbing elbows with other patrons of the arts. There will be live musical performances by Trixie Mattel and DJ Sophia Eris. Tickets start at $150; see the event website for more details on ticket packages.
Hamilton Sing-Along Drag Brunch
What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drink
When: Sunday, September 21, 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 features songs from the Broadway musical Hamilton. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $20.28 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.
Shieldmaiden Sunday
What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, September 21, 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
Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series—Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death: Celebrating the Author’s 135th Birthday
What: Educational
When: Monday, September 15, at 11:00 a.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, join Kathryn Harkup, a former chemist and author of V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death, to explore some of the poisons used in Christie’s books, as well as the “feasibility of obtaining, administering, and detecting these poisons” in Christie’s time. General-admission tickets are $25, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming-series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.
Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night
What: Trivia
When: Monday, September 15, 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!
Queer Nonfiction Book Club
What: Books
When: Tuesday, September 16, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
This monthly online book club focuses on queer and trans selections. This month’s title is The Stonewall Reader by the New York Public Library and discusses the five years before and after the Stonewall uprising. Reading the book is not required to attend. This event may include some explicit/mature topics and is recommended for adult audiences only.
Twin Cities Playtest
What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, September 17, 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. Check out the full details of how to join on the event page.
Twin Cities Geek Art Club
What: Arts
When: Wednesday, September 17, 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, September 17, 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.
First Friday: Third Thursday QuickRead
What: Books
When: Thursday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom
If you are always looking for a new science-fiction, fantasy, or horror read, check out this literary speed-dating event featuring several authors who each get eight minutes to pique your interest. Q&A at the end of the event. Free, but tips accepted.
Writer’s Roulette
What: Meetup
When: Friday, September 19, 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.
RUBYETC: Drawing Daily Comics
What: Comics, Arts
When: Saturday, September 20, at 8:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Eventbrite
Learn to draw your own comics! Bring paper, pen, and any other materials you enjoy drawing with. No experience necessary and everyone is welcome. Cost is ~$27, but also available as pay-what-you-can.
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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