This Week in Geek (10/28/2024–11/3/2024)

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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 28, to Sunday, November 3.

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

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.

Poe: A Rock Musical

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now 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.

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.

Twin Cities Horror Festival Season XIII

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Now 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. This is a chance to explore family-friendly spookiness or deep-seated fears through theater—check out our guide to this year’s festival to figure out which of the shows might appeal to you most. Individual tickets start at $15, with additional festival pass options available.

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.

Tricks and Treats with the Mighty Organ

What: Music, Family
When: Monday, October 28, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (Mahtomedi)

Hear one of the most iconic spooky classical songs, “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” by Bach, played on Minnesota’s largest pipe organs at this annual pre-Halloween concert. The performance will also feature other classical favorites and pop tunes, as well as special lighting and videos. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween fits and participate in the costume parade. This event is free and there will be food available for purchase before the show.

Minneapolis Institute of Art Public Tours: Inspired by Books

What: Arts
When: Tuesday, October 29, 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.

Natural History, the Curious Institution: An Evening with Evolutionary Biologist and Poet Brandon Kilbourne

What: Science & Tech, Books
When: Tuesday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Bell Museum

Brandon Kilbourne will be reading selected poems at the Bell Museum, as well as discussing the challenges he faced and insights he derived as a Black scientist in a discipline with roots in colonialism that is predominately populated by White scientists. The free event will also feature a Q&A and access to the temporary exhibitions Coring the Continents and In Search of Earth’s Secrets. Kilbourne is the Science Officer at the Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin, Germany. He researches evolutionary biology with a focus on how limbs adapt to different functions and environments. His poetry explores the intersection natural history, race, colonialism, and extinction.

Haunted Scavenger Hunt

What: Arts, Family
When: Thursday, October 31, at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center

Head to the Walker this Halloween for a haunted scavenger hunt! Find clues throughout the museum and decode a mystery for a prize. All hunters will get a treat, but those who successfully complete the challenge will be entered to win additional prizes.

BareBones 31st Annual Extravaganza

What: Theater & Comedy, Family, Community
When: Thursday, October 31, through Sunday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Powderhorn Park

BareBones celebrates the season with the larger-than-life puppetry extravaganza. This annual event “honors the circle of life by celebrating its seasonal arc of death in the fall.” There is a suggested donation of $20, but this event is intended to be open to all. Dress warm and bring chairs, as this is an outdoor event without seating.

First Avenue’s Annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest

What: Nightlife, Music
When: Thursday, October 31, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: First Avenue

Head to First Avenue’s mainroom for a night of dancing and costume contests, with over $1,000 in prize money up for grabs! Expect music from local DJs, including Sophia Eris, izzie p, Michael Grey, McShellen, and Smitty. Tickets are $15.

Reunion (After the End of the World)

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Weekends, Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 10
Where: Theatre in the Round

In this play set after the world ends, a group of students fortify themselves in their former school and start to distance themselves from the past while creating their own society. But the past is brought back to their present when a group of kids shows up on the hunt for a mysterious book that’s somewhere inside the school. Tickets are $15-20.

Now on Paper: New & Newish Works by Flutist/Composer Julie Johnson

What: Music
When: Friday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Hamline University & Virtual

Flutist and composer Julie Johnson is celebrating the release of her original work on sheet music with a concert. She will be playing an amplified flute and using looping and effects pedals. Johnson will be joined on stage by fellow local musicians Trudi Anderson, Paul Fonfara, OboeBass!, and The No Accounts. This event is free and will also be livestreamed.

Uptown Follies Halloween Spooktacular

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Friday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Granada Theater

Join Uptown Follies for a Halloween Spooktacular inspired by the Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse Paris. This event will feature burlesque performers, aerialists, singers, and more bringing a mix of glamour, thrills, and cheeky comedy that harkens back to the Golden Age of variety shows. Tickets are $25-45.

Scream It Off Screen

What: Movies
When: Friday, November 1, at 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater

Scream It Off Screen is a monthly short-film contest with an audience interaction element! Come together with other film nerds in one of the Twin Cities greatest revival theaters. Audiences will cry out “Gong!” or “Let it play!” in order to determine which films will be shown in full. Tickets are $13 in advance or $19 at the door. Check out our article about what you can expect at this event.

First Science Saturday: Geology

What: Educational, Science & Tech, Family
When: Saturday, November 2, at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Metro State University

First Saturday Science, a monthly program at Metro State, seeks to improve accessibility to science with open programs that can lead folks towards scientific careers, or just greater curiosity. This month, learn about the science of geology. No RSVP required, though young people under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Check out the event page for more details, as well as future topics and science resources that can be used at home.

Havoc at the Pavek: Monster Mash

What: Science & Tech, Family
When: Saturday, November 2, at 10:00 p.m.
Where: Pavek Museum

Embark on an escape room–style quest from the Council of Classic Monsters at the Pavek Musuem! Find quest clues and learn about the history of electronic communications while completing monster-themed STEM activities. All adventurers will finish their quest with their own “creation” to take home. Admission is free with early registration through Eventbrite. Walk-up admission is $11 for adults or $6 for students.

Día de los Muertos

What: Community
When: Saturday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market

Commemorate Día de los Muertos with Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) at Midtown Global Market. There will be a community Ofrenda with mementos of departed loved ones and guests are encouraged to add their own memorial photos to it. The free event will also feature live music, art workshops, a puppet parade, and traditional dance performances.

Minnesota Armored Combat Presents: Brewhaus Brawl

What: Sports & Fitness
When: Saturday, November 2, at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Schram Haus Brewery (Chaska)

Fully armored fighters will be showcasing their combat skills and giving it their all in the Brewhaus Brawl ring. This afternoon of one-on-one fights is hosted by the Twin Cities Wyverns, Minnesota’s local Armored Combat team, and the Forge game store. Tickets are $20.

Heart 360 Concert: Brad Paisley

What: Music
When: Saturday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Armory

Enjoy a night of music while supporting heart research and patient education. The Heart 360 concert is an annual fundraising event that benefits the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation while celebrating the critical 360-degree approach to vascular care that encompasses physicians, patients, researchers, and community. This year’s performers are Brad Paisley and Corey Kent. Tickets start at $59.50.

Twin Cities Ballet Presents: Frankenstein and Other Tales

What: Theater & Comedy
When: Saturday, November 2, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 3, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Theater

The Twin Cities Ballet gets spooky this Halloween with a mixed bill performance of four ballets with horror themes. The ballets include contemporary interpretations of Frankenstein, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Phantom of the Opera, as well as 2011’s zombie ballet Grave Matters that was choreographed by James Sewell. Tickets start at $33.50.

Twilight Drag Brunch

What: Theater & Comedy, Food & Drinks
When: Sunday, November 3, at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 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 brings back the question “Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?” during a celebration of Twilight. 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, November 3, 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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Virtual Events

Virtual Pub Quiz Trivia Night

What: Trivia
When: Monday, October 28, 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 29, 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 30, 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.

Twin Cities Geek Art Club

What: Arts
When: Wednesday, October 30, 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 30, 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.

Centaurs and Snake-Kings: The Meaning of Haunting Hybrids

What: Educational, Books
When: Thursday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m.
Where: Virtual event

Learn about the hybrid monsters of Greek mythology and what insights they can give us about ancient Greek history. This free event is led by Jeremy McInerney, who is a Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of Centaurs and Snake-Kings: Hybrids and the Greek Imagination. A recording of the event will also be made available to everyone who registers.

The Gilded Age Houses of Dark Shadows

What: Educational, Movies
When: Thursday, October 31, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual event 

Explore the mansions featured in the 1960s hit vampire soap opera Dark Shadows and discover the real-life scandalous stories hiding behind their famous facades. This webinar is led by architect, author, and historian Gary Lawrance. Tickets are $12, which includes access to a recording for one week after the event.

Now on Paper: New & Newish Works by Flutist/Composer Julie Johnson

What: Music
When: Friday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Hamline University & virtual

Flutist and composer Julie Johnson is celebrating the release of her original work on sheet music with a concert. She will be playing an amplified flute and using looping and effects pedals. Johnson will be joined on stage by fellow local musicians Trudi Anderson, Paul Fonfara, OboeBass!, and The No Accounts. This event is free and will also be livestreamed.

Smithsonian Associates Streaming Series–Medieval History Through Artists’ Eyes

What: Educational
When: Saturday, November 2, 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 all-day seminar, explore four major moments of medieval history as depicted through art and architecture of the time, including illuminated manuscripts, mosaics, and cathedrals. General-admission tickets are $120, and a discount is available for members. Check out the streaming series webpage to see the many other upcoming events this week.

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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!