This Week in Geek (10/21/2024–10/27/2024)

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In-Person Events
Virtual Events

Welcome to This Week in Geek, your guide to events of interest to the Minnesota geek community for the week of Monday, October 21, to Sunday, October 27.

Although inclusion in This Week in Geek is not an official endorsement of any event or organizer, we do our best to feature events that appear safe, responsible, and consistent with our mission and values. If you feel that one of the events below is incompatible with Twin Cities Geek as an organization, we encourage you to contact us at info@twincitiesgeek.com with your concerns.

In-Person Events

Pinehaven Farm Fall Festival

What: Family, Food & Drink
When: Weekends, now through Sunday, October 27
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming, MN)

Enjoy a weekend of autumnal family fun at Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming, Minnesota. There will be 30+ activities, including picking pumpkins, launching them from a cannon, swimming through a corn pit, and more. There will also be sweet and savory snacks and drinks. Tickets are $14–20.

Broomstick

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Thursday, October 31
Where: Open Eye Theatre

During Broomstick, be transported to the cabin of an old crone, and possible witch, to hear her life’s tale of heartache, misunderstandings, and vengeance. The play stars Cheryl Willis who brings a commanding solo-performance, evoking both humor and suspense. Tickets are $30 with discounts available. Read more about Broomstick in our full review.

Haunted Basement Mini Haunt: Rescuer’s Menagerie

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Thursdays through Saturdays, now through Saturday, November 2
Where: Bumbling Fools Mead

After a few years in the dark, the Haunted Basement is resurrecting with a mini haunt experience at Bumbling Fools Mead. Expect their signature psychological horror that made them a Twin Cities institution for years, just in a more compact, two room layout. Be aware that this is an immersive, full contact haunt where the actors can touch you. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door. All haunt visitors must be 18 or over, bring their ID, and sign a waiver.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

What: Family, Community
When: Now through Saturday, November 2
Where: Minnesota Zoo

This is a chance to explore a trail of artistically carved glowing pumpkins at the Minnesota Zoo. This year’s theme is “Naturally Magical,” and features new artists’ creations. Tickets range from $14 to $24, and members receive $2 off.

The Dead End Hayride

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Saturday, November 2
Where: Pinehaven Farm (Wyoming, MN)

Enjoy outdoor scares in a dark, deep, and isolated woodland trail with 200 zombies, monsters, and more. Expect clowns, butchers, pyrotechnics, and spooky ruins on this slow, creepy fright ride. See the website for dates and hours of operation. Tickets run from $19 to $81.

Drawing Lessons

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now through Sunday, November 10
Where: Children’s Theatre Company

Drawing Lessons follows the story of a young artist as she is creating her first manhwa graphic novel while simultaneously navigating school, friends, and her Korean heritage in America. The innovative play also uses a screen to enhance the story and bring drawings to life. Tickets are $15–73. Select performances include preshow adventures led by the theater’s teaching artists.

WTF! Watch Terrible Films Club

What: Movies
When: Monday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: 56 Brewing

If you’re a film buff who likes cheesy movies that are so-bad-they’re-kind-of-good, then this free club is for you. Every third Monday, catch a screening of a curated movie in 56 Brewing’s barrel room, while enjoying local brews and food-truck bites. Check out The WTF Club’s Instagram for a preview of the upcoming movie, or just show up the night of to be surprised.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, October 22, 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 October exploring Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Tours meet in the General Mills Lobby on the first floor.

Twin Cities Horror Festival Season XIII

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Wednesday, October 23, through Sunday, November 3
Where: Crane Theater

The Twin Cities Horror Festival returns for its 13th year with 12 “terrifying days of onstage horror” at Minneapolis’s Crane Theater. See the festival website for the full lineup of horror-themed performances, which include theater, puppetry, and more. This is a chance to explore deep-seated fears through theater. Individual tickets start at $15, with additional festival-pass options available.

Spooky Photo Party

What: Meetup
When: Thursday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Isekai Inspired

Capture your Halloween looks on “ghoulishly gorgeous” sets during a photoshoot party hosted by the Midnight Minxes. The first thirty minutes will be pet free for anyone who has allergies, then well-behaved furry friends are welcome to join the photo fun. Entry is $5 and there will be some concessions available for purchase.

Howl-o-Ween: After Dark

What: Nightlife, Science & Tech
When: Friday, October 25, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota is throwing an adults-only Halloween party featuring mad science demonstrations, a costume contest, scavenger hunt, and tasty food and drinks. Tickets are $50 and include access to explore the museum’s exhibits. Free Metro Transit rides are also available through the event page.

Bare Book Club Minneapolis & Llewellyn Worldwide Present: Coven

What: Books
When: Friday, October 25, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Artery

Coven is a live literary salon exploring thought-provoking “witchy reads and dark deeds” with a cast of burlesque readers in the nude. The event’s producer and head librarian is Queenie von Curves. Performers include Luma Notti, Dahlia Moonstruck, Hazel Noire, and Valentine Van Dyke. Tickets start at $25.

Disney’s Hocus Pocus in Concert 

What: Music, Movies
When: Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Orchestra Hall

Watch the Sanderson sisters run amok, amok, amok through Salem at this screening of Hocus Pocus with live accompaniment from the Minnesota Orchestra. Adult tickets start at $59 and child tickets start at $33.13, but hurry—limited ticket quantities remain.

October Star Party

What: Science & Tech
When: Friday, October 25, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bell Museum

We stand at the edge of an endless cosmic ocean, and Star Party is an opportunity to gaze into infinity with fun activities like a planetarium program and other hands-on activities. This Star Party is a free event, and provides a great opportunity for folks of all ages to explore space.

Poe: A Rock Musical

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, October 25, through Thursday, October 31, at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ames Center (Burnsville)

Poe: A Rock Musical journeys through the mysterious dream life and artistic awakening of Edgar Allen Poe with a rock score that was created by renowned Minnesota musicians Todd Ortberg, Kenni Holman, Chan Poling (The Suburbs), and John Munson (Semisonic). Tickets start at $54.

Ben Schwartz & Friends

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, October 25, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre

Actor and comedian Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog, Renfield) will be heading to the Orpheum and bringing along some friends for a night of improv. Tickets start at $34.

Halloween Skate Party

What: Nightlife, Sports & Fitness
When: Friday, October 25, at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cheap Skate (Coon Rapids)

Enjoy a spooky trip to the roller rink with this Halloween-focused evening of fun at the recently upgraded Cheap Skate. There will be a costume contest with prizes across different categories, as well as vendors and other activities. This is an evening for folks 18 and older. Tickets are $15.

Minnesota Bat Festival

What: Educational, Family, Science & Tech
When: Saturday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Minnesota Valley Natural Wildlife Refuge (Bloomington)

Celebrate International Bat Week at the free annual Minnesota Bat Festival. Learn all about their lives and discover what the myths got wrong with live bat shows, special guests, trivia, a bat cave, technology station, and demonstrations. Other activities include crafts, a story corner, and giveaways.

Rocky Horror Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Saturday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m., 12:30, 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 aims to have you shivering in anticipation with an homage to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Costumes and singing along are highly encouraged. Tickets are $18, and attendees must purchase an entrée during the event.

MapleCon

What: Convention
When: Saturday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Maplewood Mall

MapleCon is back for another year of cosplay, vendors, and guests at the Maplewood Mall. Special guests include Master Ken, creator of the satirical martial arts YouTube series Enter the Dojo, and the Real Life Peter Griffin, aka Robert Franzese, a cosplayer who has an uncannily similar look and laugh to the animated character. Show up in your best cosplay or Halloween costume for a chance to win a $300 gift card in the costume contest. This event is free.

Pumpkins and Powerdrills

What: Community, Family
When: Saturday, October 26, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: BlackStack Brewing

Carve pumpkins with the help of power tools while keeping the mess out of your home! Pumpkins will be available for purchase with proceeds supporting the MN Tool Library, or you can bring your own pumpkins if you have them on hand. This event is free, and early registration is highly encouraged.

Greenharbor LARP Amtgard Outdoor Park Day

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, October 26, 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 to join in on the fun and all equipment is provided for free.

Not So Scary Trick or Treat

What: Family
When: Saturday, October 26, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market

Families can enjoy a scare-free afternoon of indoor trick-or-treating and performances at the Midtown Global Market. There will be a costume parade, performances from the students of Aubrey’s Music Studio, and of course candy being handed out by the businesses inside the market.

The Concert Version of the Musical Kristina

What: Music
When: Saturday, October 26, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Benson Great Hall, Bethel University

Kristina tells the story of a Swedish woman and her family making a courageous and difficult move to the Minnesota territory in the mid-19th century. The music was written by ABBA members Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, which features influences from Scandinavian folk, lush orchestral arrangements, and modern pop. This concert version of the musical will be performed in English by VocalEssence. Read more about the concert here. Tickets start at $25.

BOOnion Depot

What: Family
When: Sunday, October 27, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Union Depot

Enjoy a spooky family-friendly day in the transformed Union Depot! This free event features a bunch of fun activities, including pumpkin crafting, dancing to a DJ, face-painting, and more. Costumes are encouraged!

Shieldmaiden Sunday

What: Gaming, Meetup
When: Sunday, October 27, 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!

Twin Cities Pride Trunk-or-Treat

What: Family
When: Sunday, October 27, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Loring Park Community Arts Center

Head over to Loring Park for a free afternoon of trunk-or-treating, activities, and games with Twin Cities Pride. There will be plenty of decorated cars handing out treats, including MN PokéCon’s PikaSoul which will be giving out Pokémon Halloween Cards while supplies last.

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Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Twitch

Get your trivia on from the comfort of home with Geeks Who Drink’s free online trivia night. Prove your mettle, and maybe learn a little something!

Free Virtual Yoga at Union Depot

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Tuesday, October 22, 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 event page on the Union Depot website for more info, as well as additional in-person yoga events.

Minnesota Zoo Virtual Yoga

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Wednesday, October 23, 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.

Ocean Encounters: Geology Rocks

What: Science & Tech
When: Wednesday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will be talking with three folks who work in the realm of geology about what they do and how they got into their careers. Guests include seismometer technician Hannah Brewer, research geophysicist Rufus Catchings, and volcanologist Denali Kincaid. This is part of Ocean Encounters, a free event series that explores oceanic sciences. A recording of the event will be available to view on demand, along with all of their previous videos.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Discord

The Twin Cities Geek art club meets every Wednesday 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.

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday Watchalongs

What: Movies
When: Wednesday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Vimeo

Enjoy a free screening of an obscure film with Miss Emmy Martian and other cinephiles on the Dumb Industries website every Wednesday night.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–Supernatural Classics: Musical Magic, Ghouls, and Ghosts

What: Educational
When: Thursday, October 24, 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, dive into the spooky side of classical music and opera, including works by Giuseppe Verdi, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Franz Schubert, and more. General-admission tickets are $60, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

Good Mythical Evening: Sexy, Scary, Stupid

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, October 25, at 9:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event

Rhett, Link, and friends from the Good Mythical Morning crew are celebrating Halloween with an R-rated spin off of their popular YouTube series. Expect similar types of content except with adult themes and debauchery that can’t be aired on YouTube. Livestream tickets start at $21.99, with additional VIP and on-demand ticket options available.

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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!