This Week in Geek (5/20/2024–5/26/2024)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, May 20, to Sunday, May 26.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series: Writing Letters, Writing Books with Joyce Carol Oates

What: Educational
When: Monday, May 20, at 7:45 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, hear about writing both letters and books, with literary luminary (and interesting Twitter follow) Joyce Carol Oates. 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, May 20, 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, May 21, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Get your yoga mat and water ready for a free yoga class streamed from the beautiful Union Depot in St. Paul. This event is taught by Studio 9-to-5. See the page for more info, as well as additional in-person yoga events.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, May 22, 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.

Science Story Time

What: Family, Books, Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, May 22, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Join WonderLab for a virtual story time featuring children’s picture books that support STEM skills, scientific concepts, and experimentation. This program is free and geared towards children 3–6 years old.

Travis Anderson Trio: The Greatest Video Game Music

What: Music
When: Wednesday, May 22, at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Dakota Jazz Club

This is a great chance for video game fans to witness fresh renditions of some of their favorite tunes from an inventive and energetic jazz trio. Tickets are $20.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, May 22, 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, May 23, and Sunday, May 26; 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.

Cirque du Soleil: Bazzar

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, June 16; various times
Where: The Big Top at Mall of America

Cirque du Soleil is bringing their grand acrobatic storytelling and big-top tent back to Minnesota! Bazzar is their 43rd original production, which reflects the spirit and energy of Cirque du Soleil itself through a story featuring a troupe of inventive performers coming together and creating awe-inspiring displays under the Maestro. Tickets start at $47, and there are special rates available for kids, families, and large groups.

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 Audubon Society Guided Walks

What: Educational
When: Tuesday, May 21, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Roberts Bird Sanctuary

Take a walk with members of the Minneapolis Audubon Society to see birds throughout April and May. This event is intended for any level of bird enthusiast, from a total fledgling to a seasoned birder.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, May 21, 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 May exploring Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

D&D One-Shot Night

What: Gaming
When: Thursday, May 23, 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.

Army of Darkness 35mm presentation

What: Movies
When: Thursday, May 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater

In an alternate reality, this movie made wild profits on the initial run and catapulted Bruce Campbell to deserved international super-stardom. In reality, it’s a cult classic of wild effects, goofy jokes, and boomsticks. Either way, big fun for fans of Harryhausen Skeletons, chainsaws, knights, and Bruce Campbell. Tickets are $9 plus taxes and fees in advance, or $12 plus taxes and fees at the door. Doors are 7, trivia at 7:30, and the film is at 8.

Happy Hour BINGO Benefitting Aliveness Project

What: Community, Gaming
When: Friday, May 24, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Black Hart of St. Paul

Chill out after the work week with bingo for a good cause! This event will benefit The Aliveness Project, a local non-profit with the mission to encourage self-empowerment, and provide direct services for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

The Batwoman

What: Movies
When: Friday, May 24, at 8:45 p.m.
Where: Trylon

This corny classic has it all—wrestlers, horrifying mad science, and a Batwoman to investigate it all. Inspired by Adam West’s Batman and luchador films, this lovingly restored 1968 classic has to be seen. Tickets are $8—there are additional showings, and additional luchador classics screening this weekend; see the Trylon website for more.

Queenie Von Curves Presents: We Are the Weirdos

What: Nightlife, Comedy & Theater
When: Friday, May 24, at 9:30 p.m.
Where: The Black Hart of St. Paul

Enjoy a night of burlesque presented by legendary performer Queenie Von Curves. Expect offbeat, eccentric, strange, and unconventional performances. Tickets are $7.

Cars and Caves

What: Science & Tech, Family
When: Saturday, May 25, at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Chanhassen Autoplex

Car geeks: this is your chance to see a wide variety of classic cars at the Chanhassen Autoplex. This is a free and family-friendly event! Check the website for monthly theme car shows.

Shrek Rave

What: Nightlife, Movies
When: Saturday, May 25, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue

A Shrek-themed dance party and rave hosted at First Avenue. Per the organizers, “IT’S DUMB JUST COME HAVE FUN. WHO CARES. COOL IS DEAD. idk hahaha.” Tickets are $17 to $37.

Hot Girl Summer: Women of Rap Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, May 26, at 10:00 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
Where: Crave

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week celebrates the women of rap. 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, May 26, 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!