This Week in Geek (8/21/23–8/27/23)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, August 21, to Sunday, August 27.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Minnesota Fringe Presents Hollywood Fringe

What: Movies
When: Now through Sunday, September 10
Where: Virtual via Pennant

This year Minnesota Fringe, in conjunction with their annual festival, is presenting a virtual screening of Hollywood Fringe. The film is a dark comedy where ex-Minnesotan actors stage a Fringe play about their experiences trying to make art in the industry town of Los Angeles. It was written, produced, and directed by filmmakers Megan Huber and Wyatt McDill, stars Justin Kirk (Succession), and features music by John Munson (Semisonic, The New Standards). Virtual movie tickets are $5.

Creative Night @ GPS Online

What: Arts, Community
When: Monday, August 21, 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, August 21, 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.

Let’s Get Graphic with Ben Wilgus

What: Comics
When: Tuesday, August 22, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Graphic novelist and cartoonist Ben Wilgus will be discussing the process of creating comics and how the medium differs from other forms of storytelling. After the talk, he’ll be leading a workshop where attendees can learn to make their own comics. His works include graphic novels Chronin and Grace Needs Space, as well as the podcast Graphic Novel TK. He has also worked as an editor on The Adventure Zone and Bubble. This event is free.

Movie Jo Night

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, August 22, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Join Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Mary Jo Pehl for a screening of Death Cruise as she watches it for the first time. This event is free with ads on Twitch, or available with no ads for Mary Jo Pehl Show Clubhouse subscribers.

Science Story Time

What: Family, Books, Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, August 23, 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.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–The Body Farm: What the Bones Reveal

What: Educational
When: Thursday, August 24, at 5:30 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 the Forensic Anthropology Center, a.k.a. The Body Farm, their research, and how this information helps solve murders. General-admission tickets are $25, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

3D Paper Art: Pop-Ups and Paper Engineering with Yoojin Kim

What: Educational, Arts
When: Thursday, August 24, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

This four-part seminar series from Atlas Obscura explores the fascinating and versatile art that can be created from the humble medium of paper, as well as provides the tools and instruction to create both simple and complex 3D paper art. Designer and paper engineer Yoojin Kim will lead the interactive sessions, with the first one introducing the craft, tools, and one-sheet pop-ups. Sessions are held weekly through September 14, and tickets are $245 for the entire series.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, August 24, and Sunday, August 27; 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.

Zeitgeist Presents: The Spirit of the Time Zoomcast with Dale Mason

What: Arts
When: Friday, August 25, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

The Spirit of the Time is a live Zoomcast series that explores the history and the future of themed entertainment through discussions with top creatives in the field. This episode features Dale Mason, the Vice President and Executive Art Director of Universal Creative, discussing his 33 years of work on groundbreaking and beloved parks and attractions including Universal’s Islands of Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. This event is free.

Friday Night Comics Workshops

What: Comics
When: Friday, August 25, 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.

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.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

What: Arts, Comedy & Theater, Educational, Family
When: Now through Sunday, October 1
Where: 12364 Chestnut Boulevard (Shakopee)

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 52nd season, and will be open weekends from August 19th to October 1st! Come experience a wide variety of Renaissance-themed activities, including musical acts, comedy shows, artisan markets, food and drink, actors in costume, games, demos, jousting, and kid-themed events. The fest is open rain or shine, and tickets are $26.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors, and $17.95 for children at the gate, and there are other ticket and pass options available on the fair website. Please note, parking passes are needed to park on the MN Ren Fest Grounds.

The Pickup Truck Opera: Romeo & Juliet

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, September 10
Where: Various venues

Opera hits the road in a blue pickup truck with a traveling performance of Romeo & Juliet. This show is adapted from Bellini’s 1830 opera, and will feature popular music of passionate feuds and romance including Fleetwood Mac, the Pixies, and the Fugees. All performances will be held outdoors in natural spaces throughout the state and ingeniously use the truck and trailer as a stage. See the website for a full schedule, including the different locations.

Music in the Parks: Brian Allen

What: Music, Community, Family
When: Monday, August 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Water Works at Mill Ruins Park

Enjoy the free Music in the Parks series as it continues through the summer. This week features an interactive sing-along of piano favorites with Brian Allen. Check out the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Music in the Parks performances.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, August 22, 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 August exploring Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

Game Night at Roxy’s Cabaret

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, August 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Roxy’s Cabaret

Enjoy a night of games, drinks, and friendly competition every Wednesday night at Roxy’s Cabaret! They’ll have a variety of tabletop and card games available, including traditional game-night classics and modern hits, as well as Mario Kart up on the big LED wall. Attendees are also welcome to bring along their favorite games to play.

August Star Party

What: Science & Tech, Education, Family
When: Wednesday, August 23, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Bell Museum

We stand at the edge of an endless cosmic ocean, and Star Party is an opportunity to gaze into infinity with fun activities like a planetarium program, fun activities, and a chance to look into a telescope. This Star Party is a free event, and provides a great opportunity for folks of all ages to explore space. This month, the Bell is going back to basics with an outdoor-only event featuring telescopes and expert staff to guide your stargazing, so be sure to check for any weather-related updates before venturing out.

Minnesota State Fair

What: Community, Family, Food & Drink, Music
When: Thursday, August 24, through Monday, September 4
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Twelve days of fun from August 24th to September 4th, famous for its foods on sticks, butter princesses, musical acts (including Brandi Carlile and Duran Duran this year!), prize-winning animals, arts and crafts, and limited-run beer! They don’t call it the great Minnesota get-together for nothing, and geeks of all stripes are likely to find activities that interest them. Adult tickets are $15 (see the ticket site for all costs and deals) for this family-friendly event, with musical performances requiring separate tickets. See the website for more details on planning your trip, and be sure to check out our article regarding the character alignments of the new state fair foods!

Movies in the Parks: Frankenweenie

What: Movies, Community, Family
When: Thursday, August 24, at 8:15 p.m.
Where: Powderhorn 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 Frankenweenie, a Tim Burton stop-motion film where a young Victor Frankenstein endeavors to bring his beloved pet dog back to life. Check out the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Movies in the Parks screenings.

2D Con

What: Gaming, Convention, Music
When: Friday, August 25, through Sunday, August 27
Where: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis

Celebrate all things gaming with 2D Con, an inclusive and charitable gaming event held every summer. This community-driven convention features a wide variety of games and activities, including esports, tabletop games, panels, cosplay, arcade games, musical performances, side quests, industry events, and more. This year’s special guests include MC Chris, Carey Means, Kelly Baskin, Sean Chiplock, and Corina Boettger. Standard preorder badges are currently $55, but there are a variety of other cost options. See the website for more details on registration and the schedule of events.

Friday Museum Nights: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

What: Movies
When: Friday, August 25, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota

Experience classic fan-favorite movies up on the massive Omnitheater screen every Friday night at the Science Museum. While waiting in line, attendees can also enjoy some hands-on activities. The theme for August is dinosaurs, with this week featuring Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Tickets are $9.95; packages are available to bundle one or more screenings and museum admission.

Cars and Caves

What: Science & Tech, Family
When: Saturday, August 26, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Chanhassen Autoplex

Car geeks: this is your chance to see a wide variety of classic cars at the Chanhassen Autoplex. This is a free and family-friendly event! Check the website for monthly theme car shows.

ToshoCon 2023

What: Convention
When: Saturday, August 26, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Arlington Hills Community Center

ToshoCon is a free one-day convention focused on anime, cosplay, and Asian pop culture held at Arlington Hills Community Center. This event will feature a cosplay contest, manga lounge, K-Pop dancing, geeky crafts, gaming, art, and more.

Greenharbor LARP Amtgard—Outdoor Park Day

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, August 26, 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.

An Afternoon with Independent Graphic Novel Creators

What: Comics
When: Saturday, August 26, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: DreamHaven Books & Comics

Head over to DreamHaven to spend an afternoon with local independent graphic novelists and cartoonists featuring Blue Delliquanti, Daisy Finch McGuire, and Nathan Leuth! Delliquanti is the creator of the award-winning comic O Human Star, as well as Across a Field of Starlight and Meal. McGuire is the creator of Gastrophobia and Yellow Brick Ramble, and has also worked on Nickelodeon Magazine and SpongeBob Comics. Leuth is the creator of The Canon of Vangel, the co-creator of Impure Blood, and the editor of the comic anthology Concrete Arcanum. This event is free

Special Effects Makeup Class: Elf Makeup & Pointy Ear Prosthetics

What: Educational, Cosplay
When: Saturday, August 26, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Hidden MN (Roseville)

Learn how to transform yourself into an elf during this special effects makeup class hosted by award-winning makeup artist Bill Hedrick. He’ll be teaching makeup techniques for that *magical* effect, how to safely apply pointy ear prosthetics, and how to remove the prosthetics for reusability. Tickets are $30, and all materials are provided.

Everything Everywhere All at Once Free Screening

What: Film
When: Saturday, August 26, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: East Side Sculpture Park (St. Paul)

Catch a free outdoor screening of Everything Everywhere All at Once, a comedic, heartfelt, and action-packed film where a stressed mother and her family are pulled into a multiverse conflict and must fight to save everything across time and space…while being audited. The film has won a multitude of awards and made history as the first science-fiction film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. If you haven’t seen it yet, this is a great opportunity to check it out. You can also read our review here.

In Conversation with The Sopranos

What: Film
When: Saturday, August 26, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Mystic Lake Casino (Prior Lake)

Relive iconic moments from The Sopranos and hear behind-the-scenes stories with cast members Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala), Vincent Pastore (Salvatore Bonpensiero), and Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti). They will also be answering fan questions on anything about the series, including the controversial ending. Tickets are $19–49.

Transvestite Soup Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show

What: Film, Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, August 26, at 11:30 p.m.
Where: The Parkway

Watch a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the “longest-running midnight movie of all time.” Transvestite Soup is the Twin Cities’ shadow cast for the showings, performing for your pleasure as part of the cult classic’s well-established tradition. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, August 27, 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!

Let’s Talk Tree ID

What: Educational, Sports & Fitness
When: Sunday, August 27, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Fort Snelling State Park

Learn about the wide variety of tree species at Fort Snelling State Park and how to identify them while on a scenic one-mile hike. This event is free. Check out the Department of Natural Resources events calendar for more great activities happening this week in parks across the state.

Fire & Nice Game Night

What: Gaming, Food & Drink
When: Sunday, August 27, 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!