This Week in Geek (6/10/2024–6/16/2024)

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, June 10, to Sunday, June 16.

(Jump to In-Person Events)

Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, June 10, 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, June 11, 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.

Zack Pinsent in Conversation with Heritage Crafts

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, June 11, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Zack Pinsent is a self-taught tailor who went viral when the BBC did a spotlight on him and his rejection of modern clothing, where he opts to only wear bespoke period fashion of the 17th-early 20th centuries. During this free event, he’ll discuss tailoring, his love for the craft rooted in history, and hopes for future makers.

Queer Book Club

What: Books
When: Tuesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Discuss new books that are written by queer authors or that explore queer topics at this free monthly book club hosted by the Hennepin County Library. This month’s selection is Lavender House by Lev A. C. Rosen. Copies of the e-book and audio versions are available through the website, while physical copies are available for checkout at the East Lake and Ridgedale libraries.

The Mads are Back: The Manster

What: Movies
When: Tuesday, June 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Join Mystery Science Theater 3000’s Frank Conniff and Trace Beaulieu for a night of riffing in classic MST3K style. This show will feature the 1948 horror flick The Manster. 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 the stream and download the movie riff.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, June 12, 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, June 12, 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.

entoL!VE–The Noble Jewel-Wasp: The Range Expansion of a Brood Parasite

What: Educational
When: Wednesday, June 12, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Learn about insects and the science of invertebrates with the free entoL!VE webinar series. This week’s event takes a look at the beautiful Noble Jewel-Wasp, its fairly recent appearance in Great Britain, and factors that may be contributing to its rapid geographic expansion within the country, including parasite-host relationships and climate change.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, June 12, 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, June 13, and Sunday, June 16; 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–Van Gogh and the Painters of the Petit Boulevard

What: Educational
When: Saturday, June 15, at 9:00 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, take a deep dive into the Parisian lives and works of the Painters of the Petit Boulevard, including Van Gough, Toulouse-Lautrec, Seurat, Gauguin, and more. This all-day seminar will be led by art historian Bonita Billman. General-admission tickets are $90, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club

What: Books
When: Saturday, June 15, 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. June’s read is Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff VanderMeer. Next month’s choice is A Canticle for Liebowitz by Walter M. Miller.

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 its grand acrobatic storytelling and big-top tent back to Minnesota! Bazzar is its 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.

Northern Fire Dynamic Free Public Performance

What: Arts
When: Monday, June 10, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Powderhorn Park

Watch Minneapolis fire troupe Northern Fire Dynamic perform their latest choreography with the theme of “Alice’s Curious Carnival.” This performance is free, but donations are encouraged. And if you’ve attended these annual performances before, be sure to note their new location within the same park.

Music in the Parks: The Hamm Sammies

What: Music, Community, Family
When: Tuesday, June 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Water Works at Mill Ruins Park

Enjoy an evening of the Music in the Parks. The Hamm Sammies will be serving some “delicious country/soul on a roll.” This event is free. Check out the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Music in the Parks performances.

Nerd Nite: June Edition

What: Educational, Food & Drink
When: Wednesday, June 12, 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. June’s event has presentations on X-Men, heretics, and cricket fighting.

Break the Game Screening and Live Speedrun

What: Movies, Gaming
When: Wednesday, June 12, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Main Cinema

Catch a Pride Month screening of Break the Game presented by the MSP Film Society. The documentary film follows Narcissa Wright, a world-record-holding gamer who lost her massive following after coming out as trans, as she strives to win back fans and break a new record on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Using a mix of livestream footage and 8-bit animation, the film explores themes around gamer culture, online harassment, mental health, and digital life. Tickets are $10. After the screening, there will be a live Breath of the Wild speedrun by JakeZSR and a Q&A with director Jane M. Wagner on Twitch.

Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration

What: Community, Educational
When: Thursday, June 13, through Saturday, June 15
Where: Mall of America

Commemorate the Vietnam War and honor the many contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces during that time with a three-day program hosted by the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs. The free event will feature speakers, live music, a documentary screening, historical displays from the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum, a veterans brunch, and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Vietnam Wall. There will also be a resource fair sharing information on programs available for Vietnam Veterans and their families. Head over to the event page to see a full schedule of events.

D&D One-Shot Night

What: Gaming
When: Thursday, June 13, 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.

Puppeteers for Fears Presents Cthulhu: The Musical!

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursday, June 13, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Turf Club

This touring musical adaptation of The Call of Cthulhu “features a full cast of five actors with elaborate custom-made puppets, a full rock band, and projected multimedia backgrounds for an immersive and engaging theatrical experience.” Note that this is an R-rated production and not for children.

Minneapolis Movies in the Parks: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

What: Movies, Community
When: Thursday, June 13, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Sumner Field Park

Enjoy a night of community and movie magic under the stars! Movies start at dusk and are free and open to the public. Screening this week is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, in which the titular heroes in a half-shell take on a shadowy crime syndicate and fend off an army of mutants, all while trying to be accepted as regular teens in the human world. Check out the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board calendar for a complete schedule of Movies in the Parks screenings.

Wild Nights! Concert Series: Kickoff Block Party

What: Music, Nightlife
When: Friday, June 14, at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is back with another summer of Wild Nights! Each event will include live music, local food and drink vendors, a silent dance party, and access to animal trails and habitats. This week features performances from Pop Rocks and High & Mighty, as well as wandering musicians playing throughout the zoo. During this week’s kickoff event, there will also be an artisan market. Tickets are $40 for general admission or $30 for zoo members. There are also multi-show ticket packages available.

Happy Hour BINGO Benefitting Aliveness Project

What: Community, Gaming
When: Friday, June 14, 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.

Midsommar Celebration

What: Community, Family
When: Saturday, June 15, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: American Swedish Institute

Welcome the return of warm weather and mark the longest day of the year at the American Swedish Institute’s Midsommar Celebration. This annual festival will feature a Maypole dancing, handcrafting, and live music. Head wreath kits and food from FIKA Café will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for members, and $6 for youth; kids 5 and under get in for free.

Stone Arch Bridge Festival

What: Music, Arts, Food & Drink, Family
When: Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Gold Medal Park

The Stone Arch Bridge Festival will be returning for another year of music and art on the Minneapolis riverfront! See a wide variety of bands on three different stages, shop specialty markets, take part in art activities, and enjoy great local beer, food, and more. Parking can be a challenge for this event, so cycling, public transit, and other means of getting there are strongly encouraged. Attendees should note that the Stone Arch Bridge is currently closed while undergoing restoration work and should plan their travel routes accordingly.

A Raucous Ramble around Minnehaha Falls

What: Educational, Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, June 15, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: Minnehaha Falls Park – Longfellow House

Take a walking tour of the Minnehaha Falls and learn about the mayhem that once occurred there, including secret saloons, dance halls, lawsuits, and crooks. The one-mile tour is over uneven terrain. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and bring along some water. Tickets are $14 and there is a discount available for students or seniors.

Greenharbor LARP Amtgard Outdoor Park Day

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, June 15, at 1:00 p.m.
Where: River Park (Brooklyn Park)

Play games and face off in battle with other live-action roleplay (LARP) enthusiasts. This free event is hosted by Greenharbor LARP, a local chapter of the global medieval-fantasy combat LARP organization Amtgard. New players are encouraged and all equipment is provided for free.

Fizzy Craft Fest

What: Family, Food & Drink
When: Saturday, June 15, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Northern Soda Company (New Brighton)

Join Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue for an afternoon of crafty activities, limited-edition soda, and information all about small pets like rabbits, hamsters, and chinchillas. There will also be also be a hedgehog petting encounter. This event is free, but some activities have a small fee or purchase; see website for details.

Twin Cities Battle of the Badges

What: Sports & Fitness, Community
When: Saturday, June 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Myth Live (Maplewood)

Local firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical service providers are lacing up their gloves and entering the boxing ring for a night of fundraising fights. Tickets start at $50. All net proceeds will benefit the YWCA St. Paul, which provides programs that empower women, support health equity, and combat homelessness.

Trailer-O-Rama: The Science Fiction Super Hero Battle Fever

What: Movies
When: Saturday, June 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater

Enjoy an evening of movie geekdom with 90 minutes of bizarre 35mm trailers. Fans of “so bad it’s good,” cinema will be in their own dubious heaven with this evening. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $13 at the door.

Barbie Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Sunday, June 16, at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Where: Crave

Enjoy a themed drag performance and a delicious meal at one of Flip Phone’s popular brunch events. This week pays tribute to the Barbie universe. Featured performers include Fantasia Royale Gaga (Dragula), Onya, and Sunny Kiriyama. 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, June 16, 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!

F1rst Wrestling Presents: Wrestlepalooza

What: Sports & Fitness, Music
When: Sunday, June 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue

Pro-wrestling is back at First Avenue with Wrestlepalooza! Expect plenty of action in the ring, live music from Viva Knievel, and burlesque performances by Sweet Pea and Emerald Eve. Tickets are $35 in advance, or $45 at the door.

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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!