This Week in Geek (2/10/2020–2/16/2020)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, February 10, to Sunday, February 16.

Ice Castles

What: Arts, Family
When: Monday, February 3, through Monday, February 17; various times
Where: Long Lake Regional Park (New Brighton)

Embrace winter and explore the frozen wonderland of the Ice Castles. This annual attraction created by “professional ice artisans” features ice tunnels, slides, crawl spaces, and fountains. Attendees are welcome to dress in costumes and do photo shoots, but be sure to check the FAQs for their guidelines. Ice Castles opens at 4:00 p.m. on weeknights and at 12:00 p.m. on weekends. Tickets are $9.99–$22.

Pre-K Mornings

What: Family, Educational, Science & Technology
When: Monday, February 10, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: The Works Museum

This morning full of special activities is designed to handle the rapidly expanding minds of some 3- to 5-year-olds. This event will feature activities specifically designed for preschool-age children in order to spark critical thinking and interest in engineering for long-term growth. Kids get in for $4.25, adults for $9.

Pundamonium: The St. Paul Pun Slam

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Monday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Black Dog Cafe

Pundamonium is a pun slam, a contest of wordplay with 10 contestants, each given two minutes to make puns based on prompts they are given ahead of time. The audience acts as judge, and this process repeats throughout the night until a final pun-off. This night of groans and laughs is $10.

Books & Bars: The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

What: Books, Food & Drink
When: Tuesday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Moon Palace Books

Books & Bars is an “open public book club show” hosted and moderated by Minnesota Public Radio senior 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 read and discussed this month is The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North, a story in which Harry, upon his deaths, restarts his life from the same moment, and how his actions and memories change the future, not only for himself, but for the entire world. Next month’s book will be The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemison.

Pokémon Go Trainer Tuesdays at Parkway Pizza

What: Gaming, Food & Drink
When: Tuesday, February 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Parkway Pizza

A trainer strives to catch them all, and gain prowess and respect. This weekly event at Parkway Pizza is an opportunity to catch fun drink and food specials, meet other aspiring trainers, and square off against worthy opponents to win status and power. You can and will win, even if winning may just mean having a good time meeting other pocket-monster fans.

Terror Tuesday: My Bloody Valentine

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, February 11, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Alamo Drafthouse Twin Cities

Terror Tuesday, a horror-screening series at the Alamo Drafthouse Twin Cities, seeks to liven up weeknights with blood-pumping terror. This week’s screening is My Bloody Valentine, the violent slasher tale of a spurned valentine who goes on brief killing spree, only to return to his murderous ways decades later when the town brings back the Valentine’s Day dance he hates so much. Tickets are $6, and as always, the Alamo Drafthouse has a variety of food and drink available to enjoy with the film.

Preschool Party

What: Family, Educational, Science & Technology
When: Wednesday, February 12, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota

This daytime science party is designed to handle the rapidly expanding minds of some of the Science Museum’s greatest young minds. This event will feature activities specifically designed for preschool-age children in order to spark critical thinking and interest in the sciences for long-term growth. Kids under 5 get in free.

TC Trek Trivia: Resting Engineer Face

What: Trivia
When: Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Driftwood Char Bar

Hosted by Master Trekkie, TC Trek Trivia consists of five rounds: General Trek (questions covering all things Star Trek); Identify the Image; Ships, Technology, and Cultures; Complete the Quote; and a “Wild Card” round. Questions for each of these five rounds are drawn from all Star Trek-television series and all 12 films. According to Master Trekkie himself, TC Trek Trivia is “all ages, no cover, food, drinks, and a whole lot of Trek!” This month’s theme is “Resting Engineer Face.”

The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema

Hip-hop music and fashion trends have long been tied together, well beyond and more inextricably than Run DMC and their Adidas. From music-video looks and iconic styles to global cultural impact, The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion focuses on the rise and legacy of designers and stylists including Misa Hylton, April Walker, Dapper Dan, and Kerby Jean-Raymond. Tickets are $12.

Galentine’s Day Party at Up-Down

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Thursday, February 13, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Up-Down Minneapolis

As Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation said, “What’s Galentine’s Day? Only the best day of the year!” Celebrate your platonic relationships on this Valentine’s Eve at Up-Down’s first Galentine’s Day Party with arcade games, drink specials, themed movies, and a playlist featuring all female artists. This event is for the 21-and-up crowd only.

Galentine’s Day Happy Hour

What: Books, Meetup
When: Thursday, February 13, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Milkweed Books

Another opportunity to celebrate Galentine’s Day is at Milkweed Books’s fourth-annual happy hour. “You, your gals, and your pals” will be treated to complimentary snacks, drinks, and bookish activities. Attendees can also add their favorite songs to the community playlist. This event is free, but organizers request that you RSVP on Facebook.

Black Ingenuity: A Conversation about Blacks in STEM

What: Science & Tech
When: Thursday, February 13, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery

Join the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery for a “lively and informative discussion about Blacks in STEM in Minnesota,” exploring everything from achievements and challenges, to opportunities in STEM. Distinguished panelists include Dr. Reatha Clark King (who worked on Apollo 11), John Henry, Damaris Hollingsworth, Brian Kelley, and Michael Wulf. Admission is free and all are welcome.

Con of the North

What: Conventions, Gaming
When: Friday, February 14, through Sunday, February 16
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

Roll dice, meet fun geeks, learn some games, or jump back into old favorites. Con of the North is a nonprofit gaming convention held in the Twin Cities catering to role-playing, miniatures, board games, card games, LARPing, and computer gaming. Preregistration is closed, but onsite registration is still open. All of the available gaming space has been booked for events, meaning that there will be a plethora of games to choose from. Expect strong showings from Saturday Night Space Opera, Pathfinder Society, and other more niche groups like the Tekumel track. Tickets are $25–$40.

Player Up: The Midwest’s Amateur eSports Tournament

What: Gaming
When: Friday, February 14, through Sunday, February 16; see site for times
Where: Mystic Lake Casino

Do you want to test your mettle, or are you just curious enough to dip your electronic beak in the world of eSports? Then Player Up is the event for you. Tickets start at $10 for general admission, and $30 for general admission and tournament entry. Expect tournaments of some of the hottest competitive games today, including League of Legends and Fortnite. This is also a great way to connect with fellow gamers, and chill out for a weekend with an after-party and more.

Ramsey After Dark: The Language of Love

What: Nightlife, Educational
When: Friday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Where: Alexander Ramsey House

Discover the Victorian love and courting traditions, as well as the secret messages behind gifts, at this Valentine’s Day-themed tour of the Alexander Ramsey House. Attendees will “enjoy freshly baked Valentine’s Day treats, listen to excerpts from Ramsey family love letters, and play Victorian courtship games in the parlor.” This event is intended for those 18 years or older. Tickets are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and students; MNHS members get a 20% discount.

Sextravaganza: The Sex Pun Show!

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, February 14, at 8:00 pm.
Where: Club Underground

Pundamonium will be hosting the seventh annual Sextravaganza: The Sex Pun Show! at Club Underground this Saturday night. At this event, “eight of the dirtiest Twin Cities comedians and Pundamonium regulars will be given suggestive prompts and have two minutes to make the dirtiest puns, innuendos, and double entendres they can think of while we watch.” Tickets are $12.

Tsuinishi Anime Club

What: Movies
When: Friday, February 14, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Event Horizon at the Waterbury Building

Anime Twin Cities has joined forces with the Geek Partnership Society “to bring a little bit of fun to you on the second and fourth Fridays of each month with this cosponsored anime club.” The group will show various anime movies and series.

13 Gears: An Eclectic Steampunk Event

What: Meetup, Arts, Family, Music
When: Saturday, February 15, and Sunday, February 16; see site for times
Where: Grain Belt Bottling House

13 Gears brings steampunk to the Twin Cities with a bazaar, live steampunk bands, tea dueling, and a costume contest. Tickets are $10 for a day pass or $20 for a weekend pass.

United Geeks of Gaming Open Gaming

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Saturday, February 15, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Event Horizon at the Waterbury Building

The Geek Partnership Society’s United Geeks of Gaming group offers its open-gaming session, to which gamers of all ages and abilities are invited to “spend the day hanging out with fellow geeks playing, learning, and teaching games.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite board games, card games, and role-playing games, but the group has amassed an impressive library of its own games as well.

Rochester Retro Video Game Swap Meet

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Saturday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Rochester Games and Arcade

Video games have a long and storied history, and this event is a great way to connect to that history. Meet up with your fellow gamers and collectors to swap, trade, and purchase old-school video games, ranging from the Atari to the Xbox and more. This event is free to attend. Entry to Rochester Games and Arcade’s arcade arcade and axe throwing is available for purchase at a discounted rate.

Weekly Comics Chat

What: Comics, Meetup
When: Saturday, February 15, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market

The Girls Only Comic Club hosts a Weekly Comics Chat on Saturday afternoons where there will be shared opinions, drinks, and fries for comics fans. Additional information about this event is posted on the Girls Only Comic Club’s Facebook group. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to join.

Button Mashers Art Show

What: Arts, Gaming
When: Saturday, February 15, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: A-Mill Artist Lofts

Otherworldly Arts Collective presents Button Mashers, an art show that celebrates the diverse media and aesthetics of video games. Artwork from over 50 artists will be on display, paying homage to their favorite popular and niche titles. This free show will also feature music and playable games.

Odd Night Out: VR of the Weird and Disturbing

What; Gaming
When: Saturday, February 15, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: REM5 Virtual Reality Laboratory (St. Louis Park)

REM5, a virtual-reality game center, is getting weird for its first adults-only night. Play a myriad of bizarre VR games that are not available on their regular game menu. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, which includes a beer. This event is 21-plus only.

Kara-O-Con 5

What: Arts, Meetup, Nightlife, Music
When: Saturday, February 15, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Grumpy’s Bar & Grill (Roseville)

Represent your favorite fandoms and your favorite music at this annual cosplay and karaoke extravaganza held at Grumpy’s Bar & Grill in Roseville. This is a 21-and-up event and promises an evening of geeky fun with singing, costumes, and partying. Costumes are not required but highly recommended.

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science: Beauties and Beasts and Also the Average-Looking

What: Comedy & Theater, Educational, Family
When: Saturday, February 15, at 10:30 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Theater

Reverend Matt’s Monster Science puts love in the air for a Valentine’s rendition of this recurring comedic-lecture series that focuses on monsters. This month’s show explores the love and dating lives of creatures, from classic Beauty and the Beast tales to the exploits of satyrs, sirens, and fire-breathing lizards. Opening entertainment will be provided by Leslie Vincent. Tickets are $12.

MN Toy Posse After Valentines Swap and Sale

What: Arts, Meetup
When: Sunday, February 16, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Geek Partnership Society

Warm your heart in this wintry season with a swap meet and sale with fellow Twin Cities toy geeks, as assembled by the MN Toy Posse. Expect 70 tables jam packed with toys, novelty items, collectibles, comics, and art. It should go without saying, but treasures and fellowship await on this Sunday morning event.

Put Up or Shut Up: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 64 Tournament

What: Gaming
When: Sunday, February 16, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Brit’s Pub

Think you have the skills to defeat all comers in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Mario Kart 64? Well, it’s time to put up or shut up at Brit’s Pub during their inaugural tournament. Top player in each game will take home cash prizes. Attendees can also put their game knowledge to the test with retro video-game trivia. This all-ages event is free for both competitors and spectators.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, February 16, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Source Comics & Games

Shieldmaiden Sundays are a dedicated space for female nerds and geeks at Source Comics & 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. See the calendar for more events!

Global Game Jam Play Party 2020

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, February 16, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Keg and Case Market

Game on! This is your chance to explore the games created by locals in last month’s 48-hour Global Game Jam while checking out one of the coolest repurposed spaces in St. Paul. Gaming and creativity nerds can rejoice at the great works people created with significant time limits, while food and beer nerds can enjoy all the libations and food that Keg and Case has to offer. This event is free! Gamers are asked to bring open minds and friends, while jammers are asked to bring the equipment needed to show off their rad new works.

Al Church’s Cinematic Orchestra Presents: The Passion of Joan of Arc

What: Movies, Music
When: Sunday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Parkway Theater

Al Church, a prolific and versatile musician in the local scene who plays with a variety of bands and has backed up local greats like Gaelynn Lea, brings his musical talents to this monthly movie series. This Cinematic Orchestra will provide live backing tracks to classic films, and February’s film is The Passion of Joan of Arc, a dramatic chronicling of Jeanne d’Arc’s trial and the pressures from the jurors to renounce her holy visions.

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!