This Week in Geek (12/26/22–01/01/23)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, December 26, to Sunday, January 1.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, December 26, 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! Watch for other Monday-night virtual pub-trivia events going forward.

The Mary Jo Pehl Show Holiday Special

What: Theatre & Comedy
When: Tuesday, December 27, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Mary Jo Pehl, of Mystery Science Theater 3000 fame, is hosting a free interactive variety show every month. December’s show embraces the festive season by featuring vintage holiday ads of the strange and bizarre variety. Future episode themes are decided by viewers, so be sure to stick around until the end to cast your vote.

Science Story Time

What: Family, Books, Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, December 28, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join WonderLab for a virtual story time featuring children’s picture books that support STEM skills, scientific concepts, and experimentation. This program is free and geared towards children 3–6 years old.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, December 28, 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.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 29, and Sunday, January 1; 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.

Kwanzaa Stories with Auntie Beverly

What: Community, Family
When: Friday, December 30, at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa and honor Nia (purpose) through holiday stories with Auntie Beverly and the Hennepin County Library. This event is free and open to all.

Friday Night Comics Workshops

What: Comics
When: Friday, December 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join the Sequential Arts Workshop community and a guest artist every Friday night for a virtual comics-making workshop. This event is free and open to all skill levels. While geared towards adults, kids, and teens are welcome to join with a parent. Participants are encouraged to share their workshop creations with the group or on social media.

Futurology Meetup Group

What: Science & Tech
When: Saturday, December 31, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Meet up with fellow futurists and tech enthusiasts to discuss the latest trends, stats, and any major events. Anyone interested in tech, society, and the ecosystem is invited for this free meetup.

Seattle Aquarium Presents Rockin’ Rockfish Noon Year’s Eve

What: Family
When: Saturday, December 31, at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

Little ones can get in on the New Year’s Eve excitement without breaking their bedtime! This free event features aquatic friends, dancing, animal facts, and an early afternoon countdown.

Virtual New Year’s Eve (VNYE)

What: Nightlife, Gaming
When: Saturday, December 31, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration and ball drop are returning to virtual space. Multiple live feeds and livestreams of the event can be viewed in a web browser, as well as their free app. The app also feature a Times Square metaverse where attendees can use avatars to enjoy the virtual-event space with other attendees, play games, join the dance floor, and more. This event and app are free and compatible with Windows 10+, Android, and iOS.

The Shaq’tacular Spectacular: A New Year’s Eve VR Concert Experience

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Saturday, December 31, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Meta Horizon Worlds (Meta Quest)

Ring in the New Year with a virtual-reality concert! Iconic basketball player Shaquille O’Neal will be hosting and spinning tunes as his alter ego, DJ DIESEL. Musical performers include Ludacris, Cardi B, Killer Mike, Lil Yachty, and WHIPPED CREAM. Expect guest appearances from former NFL player Rob Gronkowski (a.k.a. Gronk) and model Camille Kostek. This event is free but does require the Meta Horizon Worlds app and a Meta Quest virtual-reality headset.

Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve

What: Nightlife, Music
When: Saturday, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via ABC broadcast channel and website

This long-standing New Year’s Eve event is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will feature live broadcasts from celebrations in Times Square, Disneyland, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, and New Orleans. Featured musical performers include Duran Duran, Ciara, Aly & AJ, J-Hope (from BTS), Fitz and the Tantrums, Halle Bailey, Farruko, Billy Porter, and many more. This event can be watched on broadcast channel ABC, or streamed for free on ABC’s website.

FREE ZOOM COMEDY

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, January 1, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Enjoy a fresh line-up of some of the world’s best comics for free on Zoom! This long-running event is a great chance to enjoy great comedy from your home.

In-Person Events

Please note: Due to the 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 government and business policies change frequently and we cannot guarantee the safety of anyone attending an event we are not affiliated with, we do avoid featuring organizers or venues we believe to be following unsafe practices. 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.

A Christmas Carol

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Monday, December 26, through Saturday, December 31; various times
Where: Guthrie Theater

The classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol is back at the Guthrie Theater with their fun adaptation that debuted in 2021. 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 $20, and discounts are available.

Sherlock Holmes Winter Break Activities

What: Family, Books, Science & Tech
When: Monday, December 26, through Sunday, January 1
Where: Minnesota History Center

Take the family on a winter break excursion to Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition. The exhibit features interactive crime solving, Victorian-era forensic science, and artefacts from the University of Minnesota’s Sir Arthur Conan Doyle collection. During the winter break week there will be additional cryptography-based games, crafts, and hands-on activities. Entry to this event is included with regular admission to the Minnesota History Center, which is $12 for adults and $8 for children.

Winter Lights 2022

What: Community, Arts
When: Monday, December 26, through Sunday, January 1; various times
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)

Take a stroll through the illuminated gardens at the Arboretum! These outdoor light displays feature flowers, trees, a giant tribute apple, a 25-foot poinsettia tree, and a new weeping willow. Other activities include live music on the weekends and marshmallow roasting in the S’mores Village. Check out the event page for more information on hours, performers, and theme nights. Tickets are $25 with discounts available for members; kids 15 and under are free with a ticketed adult.

Christmas in Color Animated Light Show

What: Community, Arts
When: Monday, December 26, through Sunday, January 1
Where: Valleyfair Parking Lot (Shakopee)

Millions of holiday lights come to life every night at Valleyfair. This drive-through experience features illuminated tunnels, animated characters, and seasonal favorites all synchronized 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.

GLOW Holiday Festival 2022

What: Family, Arts
When: Monday, December 26, to Sunday, January 1
Where: CHS Field

Enjoy a new holiday experience at CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints. GLOW is a holiday spectacle featuring over a million holiday lights, illuminated trees, icicles, and art installations. Tickets are $12.75 for children, and $20.75 for adults.

Open Board Game Night

What: Gaming
When: Monday, December 26, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Tower Games

Come on down to one of the best gaming shops in Minneapolis for a bit of board gaming using their library (or bring your own!). This is a great chance to game with your friends or make some new geeky gaming pals. There’s a $5 cover for this event.

Science Studios

What: Science & Tech
When: Tuesday, December 27, through Saturday, December 31
Where: Bakken Museum

Star Wars and science come together at the Bakken Museum with hands-on activities inspired by the droids from the film franchise. No prior knowledge is needed to participate, making this a great opportunity for geeks of all ages to learn something new. This event is included in regular museum admission, which is $13 for adults and $7 for kids.

Beauty and the Beast

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Tuesday, December 27, through Saturday, December 31
Where: Ordway

Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast returns to enchant audiences at the Ordway! This beloved adaptation of the Disney classic brings this tale as old as time to new life up on the stage. Tickets start at $50.

Gingerbread Wonderland

What: Arts, Community
When: Tuesday December 27, through Sunday, January 8; various times
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 $10; kids 12 and under are free.

Kwanzaa Stories with Auntie Beverly

What: Community, Family
When: Wednesday, December 28, at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Hennepin County Library—Sumner

Celebrate the third day of Kwanzaa and honor Ujima (collective work and responsibility) through holiday stories and crafting with Auntie Beverly and the Hennepin County Library. This event is free and open to all.

Level Up at the Library!

What: Gaming, Community,
When: Wednesday, December 28, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: George Latimer Central Library

Geek out, hang out, and enjoy the company of other geeky teens at this event for everyone 12–18 at the Teen Room of the George Latimer Central Library. This is a great space for gamers, crafters, techies, and art geeks to get together, socialize, and have a little fun.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 29, at 6:30 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 December exploring Chronicles of a Radical Hag (with Recipes) by Lorna Landvik. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

Friday Night Commander

What: Gaming
When: Friday, December 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Dreamers Vault Games

Enjoy an evening of Magic: The Gathering played in the Commander style at Dreamers Vault Games. There’s a $5 entry fee for this event, but players will receive packs to play on entry. Additionally, you’ll have access to free play pods of your choice.

Sparklerama: A New Year Celebration

What: Family
When: Friday, December 30, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Children’s Museum

Little ones and their families can get in on the New Year’s Eve excitement a day early at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. The celebration kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with live music, crafts, and other activities. General admission tickets are $20, or $10 for members, which includes museum admission.

Lizz Winstead in Bad Men and Some Crappy Women: A Comedy Purge of 2022

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, December 30, and Saturday, December 31, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Cedar

Lizz Winstead is back with 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 2022. The show will be opened by musician Sam Breckenridge. Tickets start at $50.

Candlelight and Ice New Year’s Eve

What: Family
When: Saturday, 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 $6 and can be purchased online by clicking the Enroll Now button on the event page.

New Year’s Eve Moonlight Circus

What: Family
When: Saturday, 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.

A New Year’s Celebration

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

The Minnesota Orchestra is celebrating the new year with renowned conductor Marin Alsop and pianist Awadagin Pratt. The performance will feature pieces by composers Bernstein, Montgomery, and Rimsky-Korsakov. Pre-show entertainment includes a snow globe photo booth, a folk art exhibit from the Museum of Russian Art, and vintage jazz music from Belle Amour. Tickets vary by seat and start at $50.

Game-A-Thon 2023

What: Gaming, Family
When: Sunday, January 1, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Buffalo Community Center

The Wright County Geeks, a geeky Minnesota organization that focuses on RPGs and science fiction, returns with its traditional New Year’s Day family-friendly gaming day. Play board games, tabletop role-playing games, miniatures games, card games, computer games, and more. There will also be a movie lounge playing sci-fi and fantasy titles throughout the day and attendees are welcome to bring along a pillow and blanket to get cozy in the glow of the screen. The weather might be cold, but a room full of friendly geeks with games and door prizes could warm anyone up. This event is free.

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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!