This Week in Geek (1/1/24–1/7/24)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, January 1, to Sunday, January 7.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, January 1, 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.

Vegetable & Herb Growing for Beginners–Part One

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, January 2, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

While the winter creeps in, you might be thinking ahead to gardening in the spring. This class focuses on prepping and planning for vegetable and herb growing by thinking about the site and the soil. This is a free event.

Crossword Club

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, January 3, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual event

Join fellow puzzlers to communally solve a crossword puzzle. During this event, the host will share a puzzle for all to view, and the group can verbally suggest answers. This is a free event.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–National Parks of Washington State: North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier

What: Educational
When: Thursday, January 4, at 11:00 a.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 National Parks of Washington State: North Cascades, Olympic, and Mount Rainier. General-admission tickets are $25. Check out the streaming-series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, January 4, and Sunday, January 7; 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.

Online Silent Book Club

What: Books
When: Saturday, January 6, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual event

This online book club is a silent book club, where every meeting begins with introductions, then 45 minutes of reading and discussing. This is a free online event.

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 hand washing. 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.

Gingerbread Wonderland

What: Arts, Community
When: Now through Sunday, January 7; 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 $15; kids 12 and under are free.

Counting Moons: A Journey through the Seasons

What: Arts
When: Now, through Sunday, January 7
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 a half mile long. It is open during park hours of 8:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., with special guided walks happening on December 30, January 5, and January 6; check the event listing for specific times.

Game-A-Thon 2023

What: Gaming, Family
When: Monday, 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.

A New Year’s Celebration with Søndergård, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky

What: Music
When: Monday, January 1, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall

The Minnesota Orchestra is celebrating the new year with conductor Thomas Søndergård and guest pianist Sir Stephen Hough. The performance will feature selections from Prokofiev’s Winter Bonfire, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Tickets vary by seat and start at $55.

Family Story Time

What: Books, Family
When: Tuesday, January 2, at 11:15 a.m.
Where: St. Anthony Park Library

Family Story Time is live in the Library. Expect story-time staples like colorful picture books, songs, puppets, and more for learning fun. Check the Ramsey County Library page for other events as well.

Tape Freaks January

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, January 3, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema

Tape Freaks, a local cinema group focused on mystery VHS-era films.. As with every Tape Freaks event, you will not be aware of what is coming until the film begins, so prepare for a fun surprise. Tickets are $5.

D&D One-Shot Night

What: Gaming
When: Thursday, January 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Dreamers Vault Games

This beginner-friendly event is a great way to experience Dungeons & Dragons in a bite-size format. This will be a self-contained session of the game. Tickets are $5 per session.

Happy Hour BINGO Benefitting Aliveness Project

What: Community, Gaming
When: Friday, January 5, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Black Hart of St. Paul

Chill out after the work week with bingo for a good cause! This event will benefit The Aliveness Project , a local non-profit with the mission to encourage self-empowerment, and provide direct services for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Shrek Rave

What: Nightlife, Movies
When: Friday, January 5, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue

A Shrek-themed dance party and rave hosted at First Avenue. Per the organizers – “IT’S DUMB JUST COME HAVE FUN. WHO CARES. COOL IS DEAD. idk hahaha.” Tickets are $37.

The Iron Giant

What: Movies
When: Saturday, January 6, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Parkway Theater

The Iron Giant is a marvel of late-’90s cinema, and follows the story of a young boy, a massive robot from space, and their friendship. The film is made with a beautiful combination of traditional and computer animation, and is a classic example of a commercial flop with eventual cult success and acclaim. The Parkway—a local theater with a long history in south Minneapolis—will be screening a digital version of the film. Tickets are $7 in advance, or $10 at the door.

Secrets from a Forest–Special Guests: Minnesota Youth Symphonies

What: Music
When: Saturday and Sunday, January 6 and 7, at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Bell Museum

Celebrate the release of the new planetarium show Secrets from a Forest with the help of young musicians from Minnesota Youth Symphonies. They’ll be playing short sets throughout the afternoon in the galleries to make your visit special. No registration needed, and seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Northeast Winter Market

What: Arts, Community
When: Sunday, January 7, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Quincy Hall

Shop, eat, and stay connected with the Northeast Winter Market hosted by the Northeast Minneapolis Farmer’s Market! Expect a wide variety of vendors including food, art, soap, and more.

Golden Girls Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Music
When: Saturday, January 7, at 10:00 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; and 3:00 p.m.
Where: Crave Minneapolis

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week, imagine Minnesotans in warmer climes, and immaculate ‘80s vibes with Golden Girls! The host for this event will be Sasha Cassadine. Tickets are $18 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

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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!