This Week in Geek (4/8/24–4/14/24)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, April 8, to Sunday, April 14.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, April 8, 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

Free Virtual Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Tuesday, April 9, 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.

The Mads Are Back: A Night Of Shorts 15

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via YouTube

Join Mystery Science Theater 3000‘s Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu for a night of riffing in classic MST3K style. This show will feature a number of bizarre vintage short films. 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, April 10, 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 10, 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 4, and Sunday, April 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.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series– Frankenstein High School Classics Revisited

What: Educational
When: Thursday, April 11, 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, dig into what many describe as the first science fiction novel: Frankenstein this discussion will be led by Joseph Luzzi, professor of literature at Bard College. General-admission tickets are $35, 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.

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.

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.

Solar Big Year: 2024 Eclipse

What: Educational
When: Monday, April 8, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Bell Museum

Celebrate the eclipse at The Bell, with this special open day. Expect big crowds, solar based activities, and guidance for the peak of the eclipse. This event will happen regardless of the weather, as there will be plenty of activities and a livestream of the eclipse itself.

Toddler Puppet and Music Time

What: Family
When: Wednesday, April 10, 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.

Nerd Nite: April Edition

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, April 10, 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. March’s event has presentations on Our Bearded Bovine Brethren and How to Take (Creepy) Good Pictures.

D&D One-Shot Night

What: Gaming
When: Thursday, April 11, 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.

St. Paul Art Crawl – Spring 2024

What: Arts
When: Friday, April 12—Sunday, April 14
Where: Various venues in Summit-Grand, West Side, Merriam Park, and the Little Mekong Cultural District

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.

The Beastmaster

What: Movies
When: Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14
Where: Trylon

The Trylon will be presenting The Beastmaster as part of an ongoing series of Sword and Sorcery films. Tickets are $8.00. Beastmaster involves a barbarian who uses animals in his quest – leading to some extreme silliness.

5th Annual April Showers Craft & Gift Show

What: Arts
When: Saturday, April 13, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Shakopee American Legion

Find unique arts and gifts at this event in Shakopee. Per the post, they are still seeking vendors, so it could also be a great way to show off your own creative work.

Saturday Night Space Opera

What: Gaming
When: Saturday, April 13, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Source Comics and Games

Join Saturday Night Space Opera on the second Saturday of every month for an evening of sci-fi role-playing games. This is a free event, all rules will be taught, and no materials are required—just RSVP ahead of time to snag your spot.

Star Wars Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, April 14, 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 Star Wars. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $18 and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

MN Pocket Pet Rescue’s 10th Birthday Bash

What: Educational, Family
When: Sunday, April 14, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Animal Humane Society

Celebrate ten years of MN Pocket Rescue with a day of family friendly events focused on small pets. Special events include Bunny Yoga ($20 charge), petting hedgehogs, and doodle drawings. There will also be games all day, face painting, and vendors. This event is free, but some individual attractions come with a cost.

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, April 14, 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!