This Week in Geek (12/27/21–1/2/22)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, December 27, to Sunday, January 2.

Virtual Events

SocietyX: Making a Home for Houseplants

What: Educational
When: Monday, December 27, 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.

Guided Watercolour—Weekly Art Class

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, December 28, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event via Zoom

Express yourself on a winter’s Tuesday under the guidance of Cathy Wild in this guided watercolors class. Check the event posting for detailed basic-materials recommendations.

Minnesota Night Skies in January

What: Educational, Science & Tech
When: Tuesday, December 28, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Facebook

The Bell Museum will be hosting this Facebook Live event focused on the wonders of January nights in the great state of Minnesota. Planetarium educators will be present to answer your questions regarding the starry night (including seasonal constellations, the moon, and visible planets).

Virtual Transmission

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Wednesday, December 29, 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 30, and Sunday, January 2, 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.

Virtual 24 Hour New Year’s Eve Horror Movie Marathon

What: Movies
When: Friday, December 31, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual

Horror fans can ring in the new year with 24 straight hours of classic frights! The lineup is a mix of 14 great and so-bad-they’re-great films, including Night of the Living Dead, Flesh for Frankenstein, Night Train to Terror, and Don’t Go in the House. Other activities include themed trivia, drinking games, charades, chat rooms, and more. Tickets are £11.82 including fees ($15.86 USD at the time this article was written; additional currency-exchange fees may apply) and attendees can come and go as they wish throughout the screening.

Paint Your Own Alebrije with Puech Ikots’ Carlos Orozco

What: Arts
When: Friday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Join this virtual event for instructions on painting your own hand-carved alebrije, with instruction from master artist and Indigenous activist Carlos Orozco. Copal-wood alebrijes are a traditional art form, recently popularized in the film Coco. Attendees are encouraged to order ahead and paint along at home—or to just observe and learn.

New Year’s Eve with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

What: Music
When: Friday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Celebrate the new year with a selection of classical music highlighting energetic pieces from the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra’s recent seasons. The evening is hosted and curated by violinist Eunice Kim. The free livestream airs at 7:00 p.m. and will be rebroadcasted at 10:30 p.m.

A New Wave New Year’s Eve!

What: Music, Night Life
When: Friday, December 31, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

DJ Jake Rudh, host of Transmission, is ringing in the new year with classic new-wave hits. Playing off the many two’s of 2022, he’ll be playing back-to-back music videos from each artist. The night will also feature countdowns for multiple time zones, so this is a great opportunity for anyone to get the excitement of the midnight strike without staying up as late. This event is free with opportunities to tip.

Sibelius Festival: A New Year’s Celebration

What: Music
When: Friday, December 31, at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 1, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via stream, Twin Cities PBS, and Your Classical Minnesota Public Radio

The Minnesota Orchestra is celebrating the new year and the start of their Sibelius Festival with a concert. The performance will feature works by composer Jean Sibelius and showcase music director and “greatest living Sibelian” Osmo Vänskä. This event is free at time of broadcast. This, and many other concerts, will be available after broadcast for members to stream on demand. Learn more about the Minnesota Orchestra’s digital concerts, including viewing options, on their website.

New Year’s Showdown

What: Gaming
When: Saturday, January 1, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

The folks at AvidGeek are starting the year with a showdown. Watch them compete in party games for the Streamapalooza belt, or join in on the fun and play along. This event is free.

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.

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.

Droid December

What: Arts, Educational, Science & Technology
When: Monday, December 27, through Friday, December 31, 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.

Lizz Winstead in Bang the Dumb Slowly: A Comedy Purge of 2021

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, December 29, through Friday, December 31, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Cedar

Lizz Winstead returns to the Cedar for her annual year-end comedy retrospective. The co-creator and former head writer of The Daily Show will point her political-satirist sights on everything 2021. The Wednesday night show will be opened by musicians Sam Breckenridge and Ben Abrahamson. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door, or $70 for VIP.

Counting Moons: A Journey Through the Seasons

What: Arts
When: Friday, December 31, through Sunday, January 2; various times
Where: Fort Snelling State Park

Reflect on the past and coming year through artwork along an outdoor trail. The “Counting Moons” installation explores the Dakota calendar and its cycle of 13 moons. Each illuminated artwork features a lunar designation and aims to inspire reflection. This is a free, self-guided tour that is approximately half a mile long.

Sparklerama: A Daytime New Year’s Eve Celebration

What: Family
When: Friday, December 31, at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Minnesota Children’s Mueseum

Little ones can get in on the New Year’s Eve countdown excitement without breaking bedtime at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! The celebration kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with music, dancing, and party favors, then culminates in a bubble-wrap countdown at noon. This event is included with regular museum admission of $14.95, or free for museum members.

Candlelight and Ice New Year’s Eve

What: Family
When: Friday, December 31, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve stroll along a luminary-lit trail through nature. Lucky eagle-eyed attendees might even spot some deer, coyotes, or owls in the distance. Afterward, head to the Wood Lake Nature Center and warm up at the fire while roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online by clicking the Enroll Now button on the event page.

New Year’s Eve Moonlight Circus 

What: Family
When: Friday, December 31, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Mall of America

The whole family can get in on the New Year celebrations at Nickelodeon Universe. Cirque performances—including aerials and contortion—will be happening multiple times throughout the evening, along with giveaways, character meet-and-greets, and a 10:00 p.m. countdown. This event is free, but expect regular prices for rides, games, and refreshments. VIP packages are available for $75 and include a ride wristband, reserved performance seating, food vouchers, and more.

Sibelius Festival: A New Year’s Celebration

What: Music
When: Friday, December 31, at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 1, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall

The Minnesota Orchestra is celebrating the new year and the start of their Sibelius Festival with a concert. The performance will feature works by composer Jean Sibelius and showcase Music Director and “greatest living Sibelian” Osmo Vänskä. Pre-show entertainment includes a photobooth, outdoor drink service, and vintage jazz music from Belle Amour. Tickets vary by seat and start at $50.

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!