This Week in Geek (4/22/2024–4/28/2024)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, April 22, to Sunday, April 28.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, April 22, 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 23, 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.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, April 24, 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, April 24, 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 25, and Sunday, April 28; 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.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–Thinking About the Unthinkable: Planning for Nuclear Conflict in the Early Cold-War Era

What: Educational
When: Thursday, April 25, 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 plans put in place in the mid 20th century to prepare for the possibility of nuclear conflict between the great powers. 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.

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.

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 23, at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 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.

Toddler and Caregiver Puppet and Music Time

What: Family
When: Wednesday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet & Mask Theatre

Toddlers and their caregivers can enjoy eight weeks of fun puppet programming and socializing. Sessions will be led by a puppeteer-teaching artist and will feature puppets, familiar songs, and play. Registration is $80 per family, which includes one session per week for eight weeks.

D&D One-Shot Night

What: Gaming
When: Thursday, April 25, 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.

Legend

What: Movies
When: Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28; various times
Where: Trylon

Ridley Scott’s take on the ’80s sword and sorcery craze. This film has it all, from Tim Curry in elaborate prosthetic makeup as a demon, to a young Tom Cruise protecting unicorns, and a stunning score from Tangerine Dream. Tickets are $8.

St. Paul Art Crawl—Spring 2024

What: Arts
When: Friday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28
Where: Union Depot, Downtown, Lowertown, Como, Payne-Phalen, Raymond Station

Check out various galleries throughout St. Paul, and enjoy the talents of local artists, live music, dance, and new media. See the website for an interactive map.

Usher Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, April 27, 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 Usher. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $18 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

ACFA Cat Show—Crystal, MN

What: Community
When: Saturday, April 27, and Sunday, April 28
Where: Crystal Community Center

Feline fans flock to cat shows to see the best cats, best kittens, best alters, and best household pets. This is a chance to see a variety of breeds, talk to cat owners, breeders, and experienced owners.

Minnesota Tabletop Market Spring Event

What: Gaming
When: Saturday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative

Tabletop gaming fans: this is your chance to check out a variety of stuff for sale and trade. This might be your chance to find that board game you’ve been looking for all these years, or meet other gaming enthusiasts.

Art in Bloom Family Event

What: Arts, Family
When: Sunday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Spring is in the air—new life, new art. Celebrate art, spring, and nature with activities geared towards younger art enthusiasts, but with fun for the entire family. This event is part of Mia’s larger Art in Bloom weekend; see more events here.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, April 28, 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!