This Week in Geek (4/15/2024–4/21/2024)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, April 15, to Sunday, April 21.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, April 15, 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!

Free Virtual Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Tuesday, April 16, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Come on down for a free, in-person yoga class at the beautiful Union Depot in St. Paul. Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel if needed. This event is taught by Studio 9-to-5. See the page for additional in-person yoga events.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–Pluto: Ice World Full of Surprises

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, April 16, 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 Pluto and the surprising discoveries made by the New Horizons mission in 2015, including nitrogen glaciers, ice volcanoes, evidence of internal water, and more. This event is part of the “A Grand Tour of the Solar System” series. 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.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, April 17, 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.

Twin Cities Playtest

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

This playtest event run by the Twin Cities chapter of the International Game Developer’s Association highlights games that are currently in development. Participants (either online or in-person) can play the games, demo their projects, or simply watch along to see what the community has cooking. Check out the full details of how to join on the event page.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, April 17, 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.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Thursday, April 18, and Sunday, April 21; 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.

Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club

What: Books
When: Saturday, April 20, at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Discuss new and interesting sci-fi and fantasy titles at this free book club hosted by the Hennepin County Library. April’s read is Far From the Light of Heaven by Tade Thompson. Next month’s choice is The Judas Blossom by Stephen Aryan.

Todd Stashwick’s Nerd Circus Presents a Dungeons & Dragons Charity Livestream

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Enjoy a star-studded D&D livestream adventure that supports the fight against childhood cancer. Players at the table include Todd Stashwick, Jonathan Frakes, Deborah Ann Woll, Michelle Hurd, and Wil Wheaton. The auction for a seat in the game is over, but there will be additional ways to donate to the Pablove Foundation, which invests in pediatric cancer research and improves the lives of children with cancer through arts programming. The event will be livestreamed on Mini Terrain Domain’s Twitch channel.

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.

Hecuba

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, April 21
Where: Southern Theater

Set during the days following the Fall of Troy, Hecuba is a play that explores the aftermath of war through the stories of the victor, Agamemnon, and the exiled queen, Hecuba. Through their continued conflict, the remaining inconsolable grief, honor, and desire for revenge reveals truths and leads to inevitable carnage. Special discussions will occur after the performances on April 7 and April 14. Tickets are $15–35.

43rd Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

What: Movies
When: Now through Thursday, April 25
Where: Various venues

The 43rd annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is a celebration of international cinema that will feature over 200 films and shorts from around the world. This year features a tribute to cinematographer Roger Deakins through a series of events with him, including screenings of both Fargo and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford with pre-show conversations. And for anyone looking for films with Minnesota connections, take a look at No One Asked You, Watershed, Afterbirth, and The Ali’i King. Check out the website for the full list of films. Tickets are $15 per film for general admission; all-access passes and discounts are also available.

Disney’s The Lion King

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, April 28
Where: Orpheum Theatre

The beloved Broadway musical of Disney’s The Lion King returns to the Orpheum Theatre! This Tony Award-winning stage adaptation features stunning visuals, imaginative costumes, and iconic music created by Elton John and Tim Rice. Tickets are $59–199. There will also be a sensory-friendly matinee performance on April 20 with sensory accommodations including lower volumes, movement spaces, and more; see the performance page for additional information.

History Plays: Richard II, Henry IV, Henry V

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Saturday, May 25
Where: Guthrie Theater

This season, the Guthrie will be bringing back its repertory of Shakespeare’s Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V. These plays offer a dramatic glimpse into England’s history and will run concurrently on rotation. During the run, there will be special marathon days where all three plays can be viewed, as well as a Shakespeare symposium with themed events and sessions. Tickets for individual shows starts at $29, and three-play ticket packages start at $66. See the website for more information about the plays, ticket rates, and the symposium.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, April 16, 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 April exploring All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me by Patrick Bringely. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

Petri Dish Conversation–Monkey Business: What Can Primates Tell Us About Human Cognition?

What: Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Urban Growler

Petri Dish is a series of conversations about biology’s effects on our lives and futures with University of Minnesota experts hosted by UMN’s College of Biological Sciences. This free event explores the parallels and differences of cognition between humans and our ape relatives.

Twin Cities Playtest

What: Gaming
When: Wednesday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Noble Robot

This playtest event run by the Twin Cities chapter of the International Game Developer’s Association highlights games that are currently in development. Participants (either online or in-person) can play the games, demo their projects, or simply watch along to see what the community has cooking. Check out the full details of how to join on the event page.

D&D One-Shot Night

What: Gaming
When: Thursday, April 18, 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.

Music & Mindfulness

What: Music
When: Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall

Relax and engage in some intentional mindfulness with the Minnesota Orchestra. This event series will feature guided meditation, orchestra performances, and informative presentations that highlight the foundational aspects of mindfulness, all with the goal to support the personal wellbeing and musical appreciation of both audiences and performers. Tickets are $20.

GeekCraft Expo Twin Cities 2024

What: Arts
When: Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 21
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

Come one and come all for the GeekCraft Expo, a chance to see and support the creativity of geeky locals! Are you looking for something special that is not manufactured and sold anonymously by a massive international corporation? GeekCraft Expo has you covered. Friday early-access tickets are $10 in advance. Saturday and Sunday tickets are $2 in advance.

VGM Con 2024: Sunshine Resort

What: Music, Gaming, Conventions
When: Friday, April 19, through Sunday, April 21
Where: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West

Were some of your earliest and strongest musical memories formed through video games? Do you find yourself fascinated with the way that music can be used to enhance the interactive storytelling of games? Then this is the convention for you. VGM Con brings the worlds of music and video games together for a weekend of fun and learning. Expect live music, panels, workshops, and more, all focused on the ways that video games and music might come together. Full-weekend tickets start at roughly $73; VIP and single-day tickets are available.

Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 21, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Ordway

Mandy Patinkin may be most widely known for his acting roles in The Princess Bride, Criminal Minds, and Homeland, but he is also an acclaimed Tony Award-winning Broadway performer. At this concert event, he will be singing some of his favorite classic American and Broadway tunes, including pieces by Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Harry Chapin. Tickets start at $77 (including fees)–but be quick, both showtimes are nearly sold out.

Earth Day Park Cleanup

What: Community
When: Saturday, April 20, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Fort Snelling State Park

On this Earth Day, show our home planet some love and appreciation by helping to clean up our parks. This clean-up event at Fort Snelling State Park goes until 3:00 p.m. and helpers can drop in and out at any time. All needed materials will be provided, but organizers recommend bringing your own gardening or work gloves when possible.

Many other parks and communities are hosting their own Earth Day clean-up events, so if you want to focus your help closer to home, be sure to check out your local parks, neighborhood associations, and community centers for other opportunities.

Spotlight Science: Art + Ecology

What: Science & Tech
When: Saturday, April 20, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bell Museum

Spotlight Science is an event series that brings the current science happening at the University of Minnesota to the community through interactive experiences and special guests. This month explores how the combination of art and ecology can create powerful tools to exploring our world. Activities include a film screening, painting with plant pigments, pre-planting preparations of native prairie seeds, and more. This event is included with regular admission which is $12–21, or free for museum members and University of Minnesota students.

Double Down on Danger

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, April 20, at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Where: Canterbury Park

The Danger Committee will be bringing their sharp-witted juggling and knife-throwing stunts to Canterbury Park. The trio has been a mainstay at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, and has also performed on Ripley’s Believe It or Not, MTV, America’s Got Talent, and Talk Soup. Individual seat tickets are $25, and reserved-table four packs are $150.

Little Shop of Horrors Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, April 21, at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 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 Little Shop of Horrors. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $18 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, April 21, 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!