This Week in Geek (12/13/21–12/19/21)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, December 13, to Sunday, December 19.

Virtual Events

SocietyX: Making a Home for Houseplants

What: Educational
When: Monday, December 13, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual event

Learn best practices for being a good host to your plant comrades in this weekly class taught by Jocelyn Perez-Blanco. Perez-Blanco is the founder of Herban Garden and an educator, herbalist, naturalist, conservationist, flower-essence therapist, essential-oil coach, and avid gardener with a background in biology, animal husbandry, ethnobotany, and agriculture.

Teen Geekery Trivia and Gaming

What: Trivia
When: Monday, December 13, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Teens can hang out, put their geeky knowledge to the test, and win prizes! The afternoon will feature trivia-style games like Jackbox, Jeopardy, and more. This event is free and is presented by the Brookdale Library, Anime Twin Cities, and the Friends of the Hennepin County Library.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Redwood National & State Parks

What: Educational
When: Monday, December 13, 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. At this event, learn about California’s redwood forests, including the history with the logging industry, establishment of national parks, and the latest discoveries from up in the canopies. General admission tickets are $25. Check out the website for more about the streaming series and to see the many other upcoming events this week, including topics on the jazz age, Italian holiday traditions, and the architecture of ancient Angkor, Cambodia.

Live from the Intrepid Museum: Inside the Submarine Growler

What: Educational, Science & Tech
When: Tuesday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Learn about Growler, a decommissioned nuclear submarine, and take a tour through areas that are not typically open to the public. Joining the tour is Jon Rousseau, who served aboard the Growler and will be sharing stories from his time serving on the vessel. Tickets are $22.85, including fees.

The Mads: Manos: The Hands of Fate

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Join Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu for a night of movie riffing in classic MST3K style. This show will feature Manos: The Hands of Fate. After the riff will be a Q&A with the Mads and a special guest: Jackey Neyman Jones, who plays Debbie in the film. Tickets are $12.24 (including fees), with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Friends in Need Food Shelf in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, December 15, at 7:45 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Start your morning with yoga at the zoo! Each week, the instructor teaches a yoga routine live from exhibits around the zoo. These classes are appropriate for both beginners and experienced yogis. Each class is $8 for nonmembers, with reduced rates available for zoo members or when registering for multiple classes at the same time.

Twin Cities Playtest

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, December 15, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

This online-only playtest event ran by the Twin Cities chapter of the International Game Developer’s Association highlights in-development games by streaming them to Twitch, and by allowing participants to test them with a service called Parsec. See the event for all of the details on how to participate as a developer or a player.

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Wednesday, December 15, and Saturday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

The popular Transmission dance night is moving to virtual space every Wednesday and Saturday. DJ Jake Rudh will be bringing New Wave, Alternative, and more ’80s-centric greats to the safety of your homes. So, dance, dance, dance to the radio (or, in this case, Twitch stream).

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 16, and Sunday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

The Twin Cities Geek art club meets every Thursday evening 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. You can join by visiting twincitiesgeek.com/discord.

GalaxyCon Live

What: Community, Conventions
When: Friday, December 17, through Sunday, December 19
Where: Virtual event

GalaxyCon, a convention for fans of various genre properties, is returning to live virtual events throughout the fall. These events are a great way to bring the convention experience home with panels, chats, autographs, virtual shout-outs, and more. Check the website for full details and pricing information, but this week includes events for fans of Ming-Na Wen, Once Upon a Time, Chevy Chase, The Walking Dead, and more.

Cantus Presents: Christmas with Cantus

What: Music
When: Friday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Enjoy a night of holiday music with Cantus. The vocal ensemble will be performing narration and songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, and Dakota and the Snow Phoenix. Tickets are pay-what-you-can starting at $5 and include on-demand streaming through January 2, 2022.

Drink & Draw—Costumed Model Drawing

What: Arts
When: Saturday, December 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Gallery Girls is a Los Angeles–based event organizer popular for its themed-drawing nights, often featuring models in fantasy, comic-book, and science-fiction costumes. Now, due to the pandemic, it’s shifted to online sessions that can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. Each session is $10 and offers a mix of posing times. Artists of all levels are encouraged to dress up (if they like), grab a drink, and share their work on social media. This week’s theme is “Candy Cane Pin-Up” with Eve Mobley. Discount tickets are available for students and when buying for multiple sessions.

Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Between the continued global pandemic, distressing news about climate change, and other things in the news, it’s easy to be stressed. This gentle yoga experience aims to help center and calm yourself to move out of the fight-or-flight mode that a distressing world can create. This is a free event and intended to be accessible to all—however, folks are encouraged to donate if they enjoy and have the means.

Alamo Drafthouse OnDemand

What: Community, Movies
When: Daily, various times
Where: Virtual via Scener

The Alamo Drafthouse has taken its curated approach to film online to keep bringing the weird, great, bad, and amazing-to-the-public in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check this space for live events like watch parties, exclusive releases, and more (only this time you’ll be required to provide your own snacks and drinks). Check the website for all of the current and upcoming films, events, and prices.

Sofi Tukker Presents Daily DJ Sets

What: Music
When: Daily at 12:00 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch, Instagram, and Facebook

House-music duo Sofi Tukker present live DJ sets every day that include popular dance tracks, original music, and community interaction. Noon sets are performed by the duo or guest DJs from around the world. On Tuesdays, Sofi Tukker plays an extended evening set. These shows are a great opportunity for a dance break, to interact with other music fans, and see new music evolve before it hits streaming services. Be advised that the music and hosts are not censored, and this may not be the best livestream for younger music fans.

In-Person Events

Please note: Due to risks from the ongoing pandemic, we urge all readers to take appropriate safety measures when choosing to attend in-person events, such as masking, physical distancing, and frequent handwashing. We also urge all eligible Minnesotans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to wear a mask in indoor settings even if vaccinated. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, please get tested and follow Minnesota state guidelines on isolating from others. See our COVID-19 resources page for more information on vaccination, health and safety, financial and other assistance, and more.

While we cannot guarantee the safety of anyone attending an event we are not affiliated with, our aim is to include only those hosted by groups and venues that list clear, reasonable COVID safety precautions. If you feel something in this column does not meet those criteria, we encourage you to contact us at info@twincitiesgeek.com with your concerns.

GLOW Holiday Festival

What: Community, Arts
When: Thursday, November 18, through Sunday, January 2; various times
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Glow it up with a festival of lights at the State Fairgrounds! This outdoor event features holiday lights, themed displays, tasty treats, art installations, a maze, bonfires, and more. Adult tickets are $20.75, with lower rates for kids and additional options for VIP. Some attractions have additional fees, including the Sky Glider, big slide, and trolley rides. Each night of the event also supports a different charity, with $1 of each ticket being donated. Learn more about the event and charities at their website.

Gingerbread Wonderland

What: Arts, Community
When: Tuesday, November 23, through Friday, December 31
Where: Norway House

The annual Gingerbread Wonderland is a gallery collection featuring cookie recreations of famous locations in Minnesota, fairytales, and beyond by local bakers of all ages and skill levels. Tickets are $7 and visitors are highly encouraged to make a reservation to avoid wait times with their reduced gallery capacity.

Christmas in Color Animated Light Show

What: Community, Arts
When: Friday, November 26, through Sunday, January 2; various times
Where: Valleyfair Parking Lot

Millions of holiday lights come to life every night at Valleyfair. This drive-through experience features illuminated tunnels, animated characters, and seasonal favorites all timed to music that plays through car radios. Tickets start at $35 per vehicle, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Minnesota chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Nature Illuminated

What: Community, Arts, Educational
When: Thursday, December 2, through Sunday, January 16; various times
Where: Minnesota Zoo

Enjoy the beauty of larger-than-life animal art installations and light shows at the Minnesota Zoo! This popular drive-through event returns for a second year, along with a new outdoor walking-trail experience that opens on January 6. Driving-tour tickets are $35–60 per vehicle and walking-experience tickets are $14–20 per person, both of which have discounts available for zoo members.

Anastasia

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 11, through Sunday, December 19; various times
Where: Orpheum Theatre

After a nearly two-year COVID delay, the Broadway musical Anastasia is finally gracing the Orpheum’s stage. Inspired by the 1997 animated film of the same name, the story follows Anya on her journey to uncover her past and find her family. Tickets start at $40. The December 15 show is also kids night, featuring ticket discounts and special treats for young audience members.

A Christmas Carol

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 11, through Monday, December 27; various times
Where: Guthrie Theater

The classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol is back at the Guthrie Theater with a brand new adaptation! This production stays true to the familiar story of Scrooge and his visits with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future, while bringing a fresh perspective and injecting humor from the Dickens original (read our full review here). Tickets start at $15, and discounts are available.

Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Ordway

Lightwire Theater is bringing their signature luminescent style to the Ordway and lighting up the stage with a holiday show! The story follows Max, a young bird who gets separated from his family and finds himself at the North Pole. This adventure of friendship and hope is set to a soundtrack of classic and modern holiday music including Nat King Cole, Tchaikovsky, and Mariah Carey. Tickets start at $23.

It’s an Honorable Life: A Star Trek-Fan Production

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, December 16, through Sunday, December 19; various times
Where: Historic Mounds Theatre

Star Trek fans can enjoy a Klingon holiday production at the Historic Mounds Theatre. It’s an Honorable Life features a blend of holiday classics through the perspective of a great Klingon warrior afraid to die outside of battle from old age. The show is presented in Klingon with English subtitles. Tickets are $20–$35.

Cantus Presents: Christmas with Cantus

What: Music
When: Friday, December 17, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ordway

Enjoy a night of holiday music with Cantus. The vocal ensemble will be performing narration and songs from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, and Dakota and the Snow Phoenix. Tickets start at $12.

Holidazzle

What: Nightlife, Arts, Movies, Family
When: Friday, December 17, through Sunday, December 19; various times
Where: Loring Park

The Holidazzle is back in Loring Park! Shop local craft vendors, enjoy live music and food, walk through an illuminated art display, go on amusement rides, and more. There are fireworks at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Holidazzle is open Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with free admission. A full schedule of events and additional information can be found on the Holidazzle website.

Droid December

What: Arts, Educational, Science & Technology
When: Saturday, December 11, and Sunday, December 12, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: The Bakken Museum

Droid enthusiasts are in luck with this event at the Bakken, celebrating robots and tech inspired by sci fi! This is a great chance to partake in a number of droid-focused activities, including an Art-Bot, Droid Noise, a Droid Scavenger Hunt, Stop-Motion Animation, and a Trench Run (using a remote-controlled droid to avoid obstacles). Cost is included with general admission.

Wondering why we didn’t include your geeky event? We are only including in-person events from organizers and venues with responsible, clearly advertised COVID-19 safety precautions that meet our standards. If you’d like to be considered for future listings, send your safety info to info@twincitiesgeek.com!