This Week in Geek (7/10/23–7/16/23)

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

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–The Geology of Western National Parks: Yosemite, California

What: Educational
When: Monday, July 10, at 6:00 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 Yosemite, including stunning valleys, iconic waterfalls, granite monoliths, and how glaciers and tectonic plates shaped the land. General-admission tickets are $30, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Creative Night @ GPS Online

What: Arts, Community
When: Monday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Google Meet

Let your creativity shine with drawing, painting, crafting, or whatever your heart desires at Creative Night, a weekly event put on by the Geek Partnership Society. This is a free event and a great opportunity to work on projects in great company.

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, July 10, 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.

Geeks Read Book Discussion

What: Books
When: Tuesday, July 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

Geeks Read, from Geek Partnership Society, is a monthly book club for folks who want to explore horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Social time typically runs from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a discussion of the book at 7:30. July’s selection is Agent to the Stars by John Scalzi.

The Mads Are Back: A Night Of Shorts XII—Three-Year Anniversary Show!

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, July 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

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 a variety of short films and celebrate three years of livestream shows. After the riff will be a Q&A with the Mads and some very special guests. Tickets are $10, which also grants access to rewatch and download the stream.

Science Story Time

What: Family, Books, Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, July 12, 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.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, July 13, and Sunday, July 16; at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

The Twin Cities Geek art club meets every Thursday and Sunday 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.

Friday Night Comics Workshops

What: Comics
When: Friday, July 14, 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.

Air and Space Adventures

What: Educational, Science & Tech
When: Saturday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Virtual event

Play along with this family-friendly educational game presented by the National Air and Space Museum. The game runs for three hours, and includes missions, activities, and photo challenges. See the event listing for instructions.

Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club

What: Books
When: Saturday, July 15, at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Discuss new sci-fi and fantasy novels at this free monthly book club hosted by the St. Anthony Library. This month’s selection is Assassin’s Orbit by John Appel, with next month featuring The Measure by Nikki Erlick.

Transcendence Cabaret: Indigenous/Two Spirit Show & Fundraiser

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, July 15, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Transcendence Cabaret lights up the stage each month with a night of burlesque, drag, and spoken word performances starring BIPOC and LGBTQ artists. This month celebrates the art and heritage of their Indigenous and two spirit artists, featuring Enbe Guiling, Sophie le Piff, Stormy Knight, Nina Rose, and Nick Metcalf. This performance is also raising funds for Intertribal, the local indigenous softball team, through a silent auction and by donating $5 of each ticket sale. Tickets are $12–22.

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.

Open Eye Theatre Presents: Loch Mess

What: Comedy & Theater
When: Now through Sunday, July 16
Where: The Bakken Museum

Enjoy a night of shipwrecks, a lake monster, and some very real water on the Bakken Museum’s rooftop lawn. This all-ages musical adventure is written and composed by Joseph Evans, and directed by Joel Sass. This event takes place on the lawn, so a lawn chair or blanket is recommended. Tickets are $30 with various discounts available.

Shakespeare in Our Parks: Much Ado About Nothing

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, July 25
Where: Various events

The Classical Actors Ensemble is back for its ninth summer of Shakespeare in Our Parks. This year the group is performing Much Ado About Nothing, a romantic comedy where gossip twists intrigue and passion for a returning prince, his soldiers, and their paramours. These events are free and are performed at different parks throughout the state. Check out the website for the full list of performances, including locations and times.

Immersive Disney Animation

What: Movies, Family
When: Now through Sunday, August 13
Where: Lighthouse Immersive Studios

Be surrounded by the art and music of Disney’s animated worlds at this immersive, walk-through experience. See scenes from Disney favorites like The Lion King, Encanto, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid projected on the massive walls accompanied by audio and some interactive elements, like bubbles to simulate being under the sea. The experience also features installations exploring the processes behind making the films, like storyboarding, real-life geographic inspirations, and animation effects. Individual tickets start at $28 and discounted rates are available for family and group packs.

Into the Woods

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, August 13
Where: Guthrie Theater

Head Into the Woods on a storybook adventure that explores what happens beyond happily ever after. This award-winning Broadway musical by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim features a cast of familiar and original fairytale characters, who also graced the silver screen in the 2021 Disney film adaptation. Tickets are $20–94.

Minneapolis Movies in the Parks: School of Rock

What: Movies, Community, Family
When: Monday, July 10, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Webber Park

Enjoy a night of community and movie magic under the stars! Movies start at dusk, and are free and open to the public. Screening this week is School of Rock, the family comedy where a guitarist down on his luck poses as a substitute music teacher in a private school and turns his class into a rock band. Starring actors include Jack Black, Miranda Cosgrove, Joan Cusack, Mike White, and Sarah Silverman. Check out the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Movies in the Parks screenings.

Pike Island Habitat Hike

What: Educational, Sports & Fitness
When: Tuesday, July 11, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Fort Snelling State Park

Discover the different habitats around Pike Island, as well as the animals that call them home, while on a three-mile hike with park naturalists. Hikers are encouraged to come prepared for the weather and terrain with water, bug spray, and proper footwear. This event is free.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, July 11, at 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 July exploring Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

Music in the Parks: Band of Praise

What: Music, Community, Family
When: Wednesday, July 12, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell

Enjoy the Music in the Parks series as it continues through the summer. This week features Band of Praise playing a repertoire of jazz music from 1900–1930. This event is free. Check out the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Music in the Parks performances.

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, July 13, through Sunday, July 16; various times
Where: Xcel Energy Center

Cirque du Soleil is bringing their grand acrobatic storytelling back to Minnesota for their latest show, Corteo. In this production, the clown Mauro imagines the ceremony of his burial as a carnival, where fantasy teases reality and silliness is contrasted with tragedy. Tickets start at $59.

Green Roof Poetry: An Homage to Hip-Hop

What: Books
When: Thursday, July 13, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center

Take a poetic journey that explores the art and culture of hip-hop storytelling with artist Tish Jones and DJ Just Nine. This event is free and held outdoors.

Diversicon 30: The Con on the Edge of Forever

What: Convention
When: Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16
Where: Crowne Royal Minneapolis

Diversicon is a speculative-fiction convention aimed at helping Minnesota’s sci-fi community more closely reflect Minnesota’s cultural diversity. This event is a project of SF Minnesota, and includes special guests, parties, and more. This year’s guests include authors Steven Barnes and Mark Rich. Registration is $45 at the door, or $5 for kids ages 5–11.

Twin Cities Tattoo Festival

What: Arts
When: Friday, July 14, through Sunday, July 16
Where: RiverCentre

Get your next nerdy ink at the Twin Cities Tattoo Festival. Over 200 local and national artists will be tattooing, as well as selling art, shirts, and more. Throughout the weekend there will also be tattoo competitions and live performances. Walk-in tattoos are available, but attendees are encouraged to book ahead of time if they are hoping for a tattoo from a specific artist. Check out the website for the schedule and artist information. Tickets are cash only at the door, with a weekend rate of $65 or a day rate of $30.

Literacy Day

What: Books, Family, Community
When: Saturday, July 15, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Rondo Community Library

Celebrate summer reading with a superhero-themed day of author signings, book giveaways, and food. This event is free and attendees are encouraged to dress up in their superhero gear.

Interactive Artist Makers Market

What: Arts
When: Saturday, July 15, and Sunday, July 16, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Hidden MN (Roseville)

Head over to Hidden MN for a free makers market dedicated to interactive art! Booths will include game designers, artist-made activities, craft material creators, collaborative art-making vendors, and more.

International Day of Music

What: Music
When: Saturday, July 15, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall

The Minnesota Orchestra is celebrating summer and the start of their new season with 12 hours of free music and dancing! Four stages will feature performances by Milo & the Kabeyas, the Children’s Theater Company, Duniya Drum and Dance, Minnesota Orchestra, Alma Andina, and more. Check out their website for a full lineup and schedule.

Greenharbor LARP Amtgard—Outdoor Park Day

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, July 15, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Lakefront Park (Prior Lake)

Play games and face off in battle with other live-action roleplay (LARP) enthusiasts. This free event is hosted by Greenharbor LARP, a local chapter of the global medieval-fantasy combat LARP organization Amtgard. New players are encouraged and all equipment is provided for free.

Songs of Hope with The Eddies

What: Music
When: Saturday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Wacouta Commons

Take a musical tour of the world with the youth from Songs of Hope, a summer performing-arts camp that welcomes campers from several countries around the globe. They’ll be singing a mix of popular and traditional songs across different genres. The concert will also feature a performance by the local quartet The Eddies. This event is free.

Ordway Inside Out: Finding Her Beat

What: Music, Community
When: Saturday, July 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Rice Park

Enjoy a beautiful summer night in Rice Park along with a free performance projected from the Ordway into the park. This evening features a screening of the locally-filmed documentary Finding Her Beat, which follows five women who come together to form a Taiko drumming group and shine a light on women in a musical discipline that was traditionally reserved for men. Before the screening, there will be a performance by Enso Daiko.

Cockblockbusters: Vilification Tennis Ruins Your Summer

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Strike Theater

Vilification Tennis, a local structured-improv show focused on insult contests, returns for a night of comedy skewering the annual slate of big-budget and action-packed films known as summer blockbusters. Tickets are $12 in advance, or $15 at the door.

Transcendence Cabaret: Indigenous/Two Spirit Show & Fundraiser

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, July 15, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Theater

Transcendence Cabaret lights up the stage each month with a night of performances starring BIPOC and LGBTQ artists. This month celebrates the art and heritage of their Indigenous and two spirit artists, featuring Enbe Guiling, Sophie le Piff, Stormy Knight, Nina Rose, and Nick Metcalf. This performance is also raising funds for Intertribal, the local indigenous softball team, through a silent auction and by donating $5 of each ticket sale. Tickets are $12-$22.

#KidsLit is Lit—Children’s Book Festival

What: Books, Family
When: Sunday, July 16, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Moon Palace Books (Outdoors)

Families can delight in a day of children’s literature at the new #KidsLit is Lit festival. Activities include story-time readings, interactive discussions with authors, craft stations, and a book fair. Food trucks and a bouncy house will both be on site. Featured authors include Shelby Voeltz, Jerry Gale, Mark Therrien, Colleen Canning, and many more. This event is free.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, July 16, 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!

Minneapolis Sister Cities Day Celebration & Ice Cream Social

What: Community, Family, Food & Drink
When: Sunday, July 16, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion

Join the city of Minneapolis for a celebration of its international sister cities! This free event will feature multicultural entertainment, ice cream, and refreshments. Performers include Harisen Daiko, Linda Breitag, Tonada 3/4, Rafiki USA, and more. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the sister-city relationship with both Winnipeg, Canada and Kuopio, Finland, which will be recognized by remarks from elected officials of all three cities.

Fire & Nice Game Night

What: Gaming, Food & Drink
When: Sunday, July 16, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Fire & Nice

Come on down to Fire & Nice every Sunday for board games, pizza, and beer. The Twin Cities Board Game Group sets up every Sunday for a community game night, with many games available. Guests are also welcome to bring their own favorites—just walk in, grab a seat, and game!

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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!