This Week in Geek (2/12/24–2/18/24)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, February 12, to Sunday, February 18.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–A Geologic Year in North America: Three Geologic Eras in 365 Days

What: Educational
When: Monday, February 12, at 5:45 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 geologic timescale by seeing the last three geologic eras condensed to a 365-day span. 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.

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, February 12, 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 Mads Are Back: Mutiny In Outer Space

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, February 13, 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 the 1965 sci-fi flick Mutiny In Outer Space. After the riff will be a Q&A with the Mads and a TBA special guest. Tickets are $10, which also grants access to rewatch and download the stream. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends In Need Food Shelf in Minneapolis.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, February 14, 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 $15 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.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, February 14, 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.

Crafty Geek Online Meetup

What: Arts
When: Thursday, February 15, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Google Meet

This weekly meetup is a chance to share your crafting progress, and chat with other crafty geeks. All ages and skill levels are welcome. This event coincides with Make It Sew.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, February 15, and Sunday, February 18; 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.

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.

Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Party Galentine’s Night at Boom Island Brewery

What: Nightlife, Food & Drink
When: Tuesday, February 13, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Boom Island Brewing

Celebrate Galentine’s day with a night of pink-tastic, Barbie-themed fun at Boom Island Brewing. Expect a themed seltzer, photo booth, vendors, pink sweets, painting, a themed playlist, and folks in costume. Kenneths and Allens are welcome.

Marissa Meyer, With a Little Luck—Valentine’s Day Eve Book Launch!

What: Books
When: Tuesday, February 13, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Red Balloon Bookshop

The Red Balloon Bookshop will be hosting New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer to discuss and celebrate her YA rom-com With a Little Luck. This event is taking place on Valentine’s eve, and guests are encouraged to celebrate by coming in cosplay or formal attire. Expect themed activities, audience Q&A, and a chance for book signing.

Nerd Nite: February Edition

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Tuesday, February 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. February’s event is a pre-Valentine’s teaser with a focus on romance novels, podcasts, and Magic: The Gathering. Admission to this event is free.

D&D One-Shot Night

What: Gaming
When: Thursday, February 15, 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.

In-Gallery Conversation—Celebrating African American Art

What: Arts, Educational
When: Friday, February 16, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art

This is a chance to see Minneapolis Institute of Art’s galleries through a new light, with a self-directed gallery quest, and guide-facilitated tours throughout the museum. In February, the focus is on Celebrating African American Art.

February Star Party

What: Science & Tech, Education, Family
When: Friday, February 16, at 7:30 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 and other hands-on indoor activities. This Star Party is a free event, and provides a great opportunity for folks of all ages to explore space.

Con of the North

What: Gaming, Conventions
When: Friday, February 16, though Sunday, February 18
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

Enjoy a weekend of gaming and nerdy companionship at Con of the North games convention in Plymouth. This is a great chance to try all kinds of tabletop RPGs, board games, miniatures, card games, tournaments, and more. Expect to see plenty of geeky local vendors with their wares as well. Preregistration is closed, but badges will be available on site for $60.

Fearless Five: Time

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Fridays & Saturdays, now through February 24; at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Historic Mounds Theatre

Enjoy an evening of one-act plays centered around the theme of time, with five plays, five directors, five playwrights, and an ensemble of actors. Each play incorporates the theme differently—expect time travelers, escape-room countdowns, and more! Check out the event page for this year’s lineup. Tickets are $15.

Wish Upon a Star Mound Craft Expo

What: Arts, Community
When: Saturday, February 17, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Minnetonka American Legion Post 398 Mound, MN

Come on down for a craft expo full of vendors with handmade jewelry, crafts, crocheted items, woodworking, metal arts, painting and more. The post suggests that they are still looking for vendors, so this may be a chance to show off your own creativity.

Austin Powers Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, February 17, 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, pays tribute to the kitschy shagadelic master spy, Austin Powers. Costumes and singing along are encouraged. Tickets are $18 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Yoga For The Mind—The God Equation – Part 1

What: Family, Science & Tech
When: Sunday, February 18, at 10:30 a.m.
Where: The Thinking Spot

Yoga For The Mind is a book club put on by The Thinking Spot. The club will discuss Michio Kaku’s The God Equation. This event is free.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, February 18, 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!