This Week in Geek (12/11/23–12/17/23)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, December 11, to Sunday, December 17.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Creative Night @ GPS Online

What: Arts, Community
When: Monday, December 11, 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, December 11, 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.

Queer Book Club

What: Books
When: Tuesday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Discuss new books that are written by queer authors or that explore queer topics at this free monthly book club hosted by the Hennepin County Library. This month’s selection is Aces Wild by Amanda DeWitt. Copies of the digital e-book and audio versions are available through the website, while physical copies are available for check out at the East Lake and Ridgedale libraries.

The Mads Are Back: The Creeping Terror

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, December 12, 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. The film of choice for the evening is The Creeping Terror. After the riff will be a Q&A with the Mads, along with special guest Kliph Nesteroff. Tickets are $10, which also grants access to rewatch and download the stream. Live viewers will also have the opportunity to win a poster commemorating the event.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, December 13, at 7:45 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Start your morning with yoga at the zoo! Each week, the instructor teaches a yoga routine live from exhibits around the zoo. These classes are appropriate for both beginners and experienced yogis. Classes are $8 each for nonmembers, with reduced rates available for zoo members or when registering for multiple classes at the same time. Sessions are recorded and available to view during the week for those who are unable to tune in live.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–Einstein’s Space and Times

What: Educational
When: Wednesday, December 13, 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 Einstein’s activity with political causes, how his political enemies attacked his scientific theories, and how it contributed to him living in exile. General-admission tickets are $25. Check out the streaming-series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Uncovering America’s Victorian Era Holiday Celebrations

What: Educational
When: Thursday, December 14, at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Learn about how 1800s America celebrated Christmas and the surprising backstories of these traditions that are still being practiced in modern times. Topics will include Christmas trees, Advent, dinner foods, White House celebrations, charitable groups, and more. This talk will be led by author and food historian Becky Libourel Diamond. Tickets are $10.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, December 14, and Sunday, December 17; 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, December 15, 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.

Holiday Sock Hop with Louden Swain

What: Music
When: Saturday, December 16, at 2 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Get into the holiday spirit with a virtual charity concert from Louden Swain. Nerds may best know Louden Swain as the stage band at Supernatural conventions, or by their lead singer, Rob Benedict, who has appeared in Supernatural, Kings of Con, Lucifer, and Birds of Prey. A portion of each ticket sale will go towards providing socks to unhoused people in Los Angeles. Tickets are $30.

Cabaret of Lights: A Hanukkah Burlesque Show

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual

Enjoy a night of burlesque and Hanukkah festivity with Jewish performers from around the country. This 18+ show will feature Stormy Chance from Oakland, Dotti Moscati from Chicago, Fancy Feast from New York, and Lila Tov from Las Vegas, as well as local Minnesota-based performers Boy Gevault, Crème de Pêche, Goddess Ivy, Margaret Banger, and VaVa Vashti. Tickets for the livestream are $18.

Stories for a Winter Solstice

What: Arts
When: Saturday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Celebrate the solstice with an evening of storytelling! In their annual solstice show, Stories with Spirit weave light and dark together through stories and songs in a farewell bid to the previous year and a welcome to the year to come. This performance is “pay what it’s worth,” where registration is free and attendees are encouraged to pay what they feel it was worth based on their experience after the show is finished.

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.

A Christmas Carol

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Saturday, December 30; 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 2021 review here). Tickets start at $44, and discounts are available.

Sever’s Holiday Light Show

What: Community, Arts
When: Now through Sunday, December 31; various times
Where: Sever’s (Shakopee)

Millions of holiday lights come to life every night at Sever’s! This drive-through experience features illuminated tunnels, animated characters, and seasonal favorites all synchronized to holiday music. Tickets are $30–60 per vehicle.

Winter Lights 2023

What: Community, Arts
When: Now through Sunday, December 31; various times
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)

Take a stroll through the illuminated gardens at the Arboretum. These outdoor light displays highlight the beauty of nature, including flowers, trees, a giant tribute apple, and a weeping willow. Other activities include a color-changing tunnel, 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 on non-themed nights with a ticketed adult.

GLOW Holiday Festival 2023

What: Family, Arts
When: Now through Sunday, January 1, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: CHS Field

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

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.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Virtual Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, November 12, 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 December exploring The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor. Check the event page for additional dates throughout the month and future book selections.

Nerd Nite: December Edition

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Black Hart of St. Paul

The organizers of Nerd Nite invite you out for a night of “nice drink, good company, and some cold. hard. facts.” Those cold, hard facts come in the form of “nerdy TED talks” where community members dive into a topic they are passionate about. This month’s topics include Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorem, the Civil War, and historical shapewear. Admission to this event is free.

TC Trek Trivia: On Holiday(s)

What: Trivia
When: Wednesday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Driftwood Char Bar

Hosted by Master Trekkie, TC Trek Trivia consists of five rounds: General Trek (questions covering all things Star Trek); Identify the Image; Ships, Technology, and Cultures; Complete the Quote; and a “Wild Card” round. Questions for each of these five rounds are drawn from all Star Trek television series and all 13 films. According to Master Trekkie himself, TC Trek Trivia is “all ages, no cover, food, drinks, and a whole lot of Trek!” This month’s theme celebrates the holidays.

The Science of Skulls

What: Educational, Science & Tech
When: Thursday, December 14, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Fort Snelling State Park

Learn about animal skulls and bones, and the many clues they hold that can help identify what animal they came from, at Fort Snelling State Park. This is a free, drop-in event held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center.

Broadway Rave

What: Music, Community, Nightlife
When: Thursday, December 14, at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Fine Line

Sing and dance along with your favorite showtunes and songs from musical theater! The night will feature surprise guests from Broadway stars. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $15-30.

It’s An Honorable Life

What: Comedy & Theater
When: Friday through Sunday, weekends through December 23
Where: Mounds Theatre

This Star Trek fan production takes the beloved Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, and shows it through a Klingon lens. The production is performed in Klingon and English, with English supertitles for those who are not fluent in the language. Patrons are invited to cosplay as Klingons or other (but probably less honorable) Star Trek characters. Tickets are $37.50 or $27.50.

The Danger Committee Presents—A Stocking Full of Awesome XII: Manger Danger

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, through Sunday, weekends through December 23
Where: Luminary Arts Center

The Danger Committee present a night of holiday-themed comedy full of sharp wit. Expect a mix of humor, dangerous stunts, and holiday mirth. This event is returning for its 12th year and tickets are $42–52.

St. Paul European Christmas Market

What: Arts, Community, Food & Drink
When: Friday through Sunday, weekends through December 17
Where: Union Depot (East Plaza)

Enjoy the warmth of your community at this open-air, European-style Christmas market in St. Paul, with handmade local gifts and decor, European-inspired food and delicacies, and of course, Glühwein (spiced mulled wine). These markets are popular in Germany and Austria during the advent season, and bring warmth and cheer in spite of looming winter. Check out Union Depot’s Holiday Hub webpage for more seasonal events and free Metro Transit ride passes.

Droid December

What: Arts, Educational, Science & Tech
When: Saturday, December 16, at 10:00 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 building robots, searching for droids throughout the museum, robotic challenges with Code Savvy, taking photos with the 501st Legion Central Garrison, and more. This event is included with general admission tickets to the museum, which range from $0 to $13 based on age.

A Barbie Christmas Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 16, at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Where: Union Rooftop

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week, get into the holiday spirit with Barbie and her friends, including Ken and Alan. Special guest performer includes Shuga Cain from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $18 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday Market

What: Arts, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Artspace Jackson Flats

Celebrate the darker side of Christmas with a holiday market filled with weird wares from “25+ elder emo & grown goth makers, shakers, and bakers.” The market will also feature themed drinks, a soundtrack of emo tunes, and family photos in front of the Goth tree.

Cabaret of Lights: A Hanukkah Burlesque Show

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Capri Theater

Enjoy a night of burlesque and Hanukkah festivity with Jewish performers from around the country. This 18+ show will feature Stormy Chance from Oakland, Dotti Moscati from Chicago, Fancy Feast from New York, and Lila Tov from Las Vegas, as well as local Minnesota-based performers Boy Gevault, Crème de Pêche, Goddess Ivy, Margaret Banger, and VaVa Vashti. In-person tickets are $18-40.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, December 17, 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!

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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!